How much does a Designer make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Designer
Image that illustrates Designer

Designer

53 900 kr

Industrial designers

50 900 - 54 600 kr / month

Women earn 95% of what men do.

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Designer

Average salary 53 900 kr
Males 54 600 kr
Females 51 600 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 10 Vacant jobs ->

What does a designer do? – Tasks and work environment

A designer works on developing and shaping products, objects, or visual concepts for industry, consumer markets, or public environments. Tasks range from creating sketches and digital prototypes to collaborating with engineers, marketers, and manufacturers to realize ideas into finished products. Material analysis, color choices, ergonomics, and adaptation to user needs are often included. Designers are found in everything from design agencies and industrial companies to public sector organizations and as freelancers. The work environment is characterized by creativity, project-based work, and often a fast pace, where digital tools and cross-functional teamwork are central elements.

Salary development over time

The salary for designers has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 50,400 SEK per month, rising to 51 500 SEK in 2023. The latest recorded average salary for 2024 is 53 900 SEK, which represents an increase of about 7 percent over two years. The trend indicates an increased market value for the profession, likely driven by the growing demand for innovative and sustainable design solutions in industry. The salary increase can also be linked to technological development and higher demands for digital skills, making employers seek designers with broad competencies and high education levels. At the same time, differences between regions and employers persist, influenced by experience and specialization.

Designer salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 53 900 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 50,900 SEK/month (men), 51,300 SEK/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 54,600 SEK/month (men), 52,300 SEK/month (women)
  • Hourly wage: 324 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Women earn 95% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Salaries vary depending on location and sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a designer, a post-secondary education in design, industrial design, or equivalent creative fields is generally required. Many designers hold a bachelor's degree from university or vocational college, often supplemented with internships, courses, or specializations in digital design, material science, or project management. The educational path is flexible and allows for specialization in different areas based on interest and labor market needs.

  • Formal education: Bachelor's degree (3 years) in design or industrial design
  • Certifications/courses: Courses in CAD, 3D modeling, or UX design are advantageous
  • Internships/traineeships: Internships during studies provide valuable work experience
  • Prerequisites: High school diploma with a focus on technology, art, or design
  • Self-study/online: Opportunities to supplement with online courses in digital tools and portfolio development

Many designers build successful careers by combining technical understanding with a strong visual expression. The ability to quickly adapt to new digital tools and trends is often crucial to stay ahead and be in demand in the job market.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Designers are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and remote work options. Many employers also provide skills development, insurance, and pension contributions. Bonuses and profit sharing are common in some companies, especially for major project successes or within consulting firms.

Competition and challenges

The competition for attractive roles as a designer is intense, especially in metropolitan areas where many seek to enter the industry. Employers require both technical skills and artistic sensibility, making the selection process competitive. Challenges include staying updated with rapid technological changes, mastering new digital tools, and meeting sustainability and user-centeredness demands. Project-based work and short deadlines can lead to high workload but also foster creativity and collaboration.

Tips for aspiring designers

To succeed as a designer, it is helpful to be curious, creative, and solution-oriented. Building a strong portfolio and networking with industry professionals increase chances of securing interesting assignments. Precision and the ability to communicate ideas clearly are important, especially when working in teams or with clients. It is also wise to continuously develop digital skills and stay current with new tools and trends. Taking initiative, seeking internships, and showcasing personal style can give an advantage. The ability to adapt quickly to changing project requirements and work systematically is crucial in a field where flexibility is often valued.

Key facts about Designers

  • Education level: Post-secondary (bachelor’s, 3+ years)
  • Work environment: Creative and project-based, often in teams
  • Typical employment: Full-time, sometimes as a freelancer or self-employed
  • Demand: 620 available jobs within the profession (May 2024)
  • Gender distribution: Small but clear salary differences, women earn 95% of men’s salaries

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a designer, it is common to move into more specialized roles such as design leader, project manager, or product developer. Some choose to start their own business or work as consultants in industrial design, while others pursue further education in UX design or sustainable design. The Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts indicate around 620 available jobs, but due to limited statistical data, no precise future outlook has been made for this specific role. However, the profession is expected to have stable demand, especially for those combining technical skills with creativity and digital expertise.

Frequently asked questions about Designers

  • What is the average salary of a designer?
    - A designer has an average salary of 53 900 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a designer?
    - Typically, a bachelor's degree in design, industrial design, or equivalent is required.
  • Are there gender differences in salary?
    - Yes, women earn on average 95% of what men do within the profession.
  • What is the job market like for designers?
    - There are approximately 620 available jobs within the industrial design profession.
  • What tasks does a designer perform?
    - Tasks include creating and developing product designs, sketches, prototypes, and collaborating in project teams.
  • Is there an opportunity to work as a self-employed person?
    - Yes, many designers choose to work as consultants or start their own companies.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 22:19:39

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Designer is 54600 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 52300 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Designer is 50900 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 51300 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 97% 44900 kr 45200 kr
35-44 100% 52700 kr 53200 kr
45-54 97% 60800 kr 61700 kr
55-64 61300 kr 62100 kr
Snitt 95% 53300 kr 53900 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Designer has the SSYK code 2171, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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