How much does a Photographer make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Photographer
Image that illustrates Photographer

Photographer

37 300 kr

Photographers

36 100 - 39 600 kr / month

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Photographer

Average salary 37 300 kr
Males 39 500 kr
Females 0 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 10 Vacant jobs ->

What does a photographer do? – Tasks and work environment

Photographers work on creating images used in a variety of contexts, such as advertising, magazines, books, websites, and social media. Tasks include planning photoshoots, selecting equipment, lighting, composition, and post-processing in digital tools. Many photographers specialize in areas such as portrait, fashion, product, or press photography. The work can be performed both in studios and on location at clients’ sites or event venues. The work environment varies greatly and includes both sedentary editing work and physically demanding assignments involving travel and equipment transport.

Salary development over time

Photographers’ salaries have shown a slight upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,400 SEK per month and increased to 37 000 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has continued to rise to 37 300 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 5 percent over the period. This development reflects a stable but moderate wage growth compared to several other creative professions. The demand for qualified photographers, especially those with digital and technical skills, has helped maintain salary levels, although competition remains high with many working freelance.

Photographer salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 37 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 36,100 SEK/month (men), 37,100 SEK/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 39,600 SEK/month (men), 39,000 SEK/month (women)
  • Hourly wage (average): 224 SEK
  • Gender differences: Men earn an average of 39 500 SEK, specific data on women’s salaries is unavailable
  • Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as a photographer, education in photography is usually recommended, either at the high school level or through post-secondary studies at a vocational college, folk high school, or university. Practical experience and a strong portfolio are often crucial for employment, and many combine formal education with self-study and internships. Technical skills in image editing and knowledge of modern equipment are also important for success in the profession.

  • High school education: Esthetic program, specialization in visual arts and design (3 years)
  • Post-secondary education: Vocational college, folk high school, or university (1–3 years)
  • Certifications and courses: Specialized courses in digital image processing or studio photography
  • Internships/traineeships: Common and often essential for gaining experience
  • Self-study: Many photographers build knowledge through online courses and personal work

The photographer profession offers great variety, with some specializing in artistic projects while others work on commercial assignments. Many photographers combine multiple areas and develop a unique style, which can be crucial for standing out in the industry.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to base salary, photographers can be offered benefits such as access to professional equipment, travel allowances, wellness contributions, and sometimes payment for unsociable hours. Freelance photographers often negotiate fees per assignment, while employed photographers may have access to collective agreement benefits and pension contributions.

Competition and challenges

The competition within the photography profession is high, especially for permanent positions in media, advertising, and publishing. Many photographers work as self-employed or freelancers, which means the scope of assignments and income can vary greatly over time. Advances in technology and accessibility to advanced cameras have made it easier for more people to work in photography, increasing competition further. Success requires not only technical skill but also the ability to market oneself and build long-term client relationships. The job market can be uncertain, especially for newly established photographers.

Tips for aspiring photographers

To succeed as a photographer, it’s beneficial to have a creative eye and a sense for composition, while technical precision helps master equipment and post-processing. Flexibility and adaptability facilitate handling varying assignments, and perseverance is key to building a strong portfolio and network over time. Effective communication and collaboration with clients and colleagues can lead to more assignments and better results. An interest in continuous development, both technically and artistically, is essential as the profession evolves rapidly. Finally, a good business mindset is advantageous for those wishing to work freelance or run their own business.

Key facts about Photographers

  • Education level: High school or post-secondary education (1–3 years)
  • Work form: Commonly freelance or self-employed
  • Work environment: Studio, outdoors, and on location at clients’ sites
  • Demand: 620 job openings within the profession (2024)
  • Special skills: Digital image processing, lighting, technical equipment

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, photographers can advance to more specialized roles such as picture editor, photography instructor, or project manager within image production. Some develop their own businesses and build strong brands as freelancers or artists. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, no specific forecast exists for the photography profession due to limited data, but indications suggest demand remains stable in certain niches, especially where technical expertise and digital skills are required. The number of job openings within the profession was 620 in 2024, indicating a relatively broad job market, though competition for attractive assignments is high.

Frequently asked questions about Photographers

  • What is the average salary of a Photographer?
    - The average salary for a photographer is 37 300 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a Photographer?
    - High school education with a focus on visual arts or post-secondary education at a vocational college, folk high school, or university is recommended.
  • What is the job market like for photographers?
    - There are approximately 620 job openings within the profession, but competition is high and many work as freelancers.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for a Photographer?
    - The highest salary is 39,600 SEK (men), 39,000 SEK (women). The lowest salary is 36,100 SEK (men), 37,100 SEK (women).
  • Are there significant salary differences between men and women?
    - Men earn on average 39 500 SEK, but specific data on women’s salaries is unavailable.
  • What personal qualities are important for a Photographer?
    - Creativity, technical skills, attention to detail, and good communication skills are particularly important.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-13 19:48:21

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Photographer is 39600 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 39000 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Photographer is 36100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 37100 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 33800 kr 34200 kr
35-44 41200 kr 41700 kr
45-54 42400 kr 43800 kr
55-64 45500 kr 47900 kr
Snitt 36500 kr 37300 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 Photographer has the SSYK code 3431, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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Net salary
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