- Salary statistics
- Photographer
Photographer
41 395 - 39 779 kr / month
Kultur, media, design
Salary progression Photographer
What does a Photographer do? – Tasks and Work Environment
A Photographer works with creating, editing, and refining images through various digital and analog techniques. Their tasks may include photography, image editing, color correction, and producing visual material for print, web, or other media. They often collaborate closely with art directors, graphic designers, and clients to ensure the visual material meets specific aesthetic and technical requirements. The work environment can range from photo studios and advertising agencies to freelance assignments and larger media outlets, where flexibility and technical skills are essential to meet tight deadlines and shifting projects.
Salary Development Over Time
The salary for a Photographer has developed positively over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,200 SEK per month, increasing to 38 400 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has risen further to 39 779 SEK per month, representing a total increase of approximately 10% over the period. This salary growth reflects an increased demand for skilled image creators in line with digitalization and the growing need for professional visual content in media, advertising, and communication. The salary increase can also be explained by a skills shift where technical expertise and creative ability are rewarded higher in the job market. Despite the profession often being project-based and competitive, Photographers generally experience stable salary development.
Photographer Salary – Complete Overview
- Average salary: 39 779 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
- Hourly rate: 239 SEK
- Gender differences: Data not available
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and Qualifications
To work as a Photographer, a post-secondary education in photography, image editing, or visual communication is usually required. Many choose to complement their education with courses in digital image management and graphic design to meet industry demands. Practical experience and a strong portfolio are often crucial for employment or freelance assignments in the profession.
- Post-secondary education: YH or university programs in photography or image editing (2–3 years)
- Courses/certifications: Digital image management, graphic design, Adobe Creative Suite
- Internship: Often included as part of the education
- Portfolio: A selection of personal work is very important when applying
- Prerequisites: High school diploma, often with an aesthetic focus
Many Photographers work as freelancers and build a personal network of clients and partners. Being able to combine technical skill with business acumen is often key to long-term success in the profession.
Common Benefits and Compensation
Photographers often enjoy benefits such as flexible working hours, remote work options, and access to advanced equipment or software through their employer. Other common compensations include wellness allowances, professional development, and sometimes travel and representation expenses for external assignments or exhibitions.
Competition and Challenges
The profession of Photographer is characterized by high competition, especially among freelancers and in metropolitan areas where many seek creative careers. Digital technology and social media have increased demand for visual content but have also led to more amateurs working in image creation. To stand out, a combination of technical skills, creativity, and the ability to adapt to new trends and client needs is required. Many Photographers face challenges in finding stable assignments and must continuously update their skills to remain attractive in the job market.
Tips for Aspiring Photographers
To succeed as a Photographer, it is beneficial to develop both technical skills and a good eye for composition. Attention to detail helps create high-quality images that meet client expectations. Being curious and eager to learn new techniques makes it easier to adapt to a rapidly changing industry. Networking is also important, as connections often lead to new assignments and collaborations. Finally, resilience and the ability to work independently are crucial for building a sustainable career, especially for those working as freelancers.
Key Facts About Photographers
- Educational level: Post-secondary education (2–3 years recommended)
- Work environment: Studio, agency, or freelance
- Common work form: Project- and assignment-based
- Demand: 620 available jobs within the profession
- Special skills: Image editing, digital technology
Career Paths and Future Outlook
After three to five years in the profession, a Photographer can advance to roles such as senior photo editor, art director, or specialist in areas like advertising photography or digital image editing. Some choose to start their own business or work internationally to develop their careers. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, there is no specific assessment for the Photographer profession, but within the group of visual artists, approximately 620 jobs are available, indicating some demand. However, future prospects are influenced by rapid technological changes and competition from both established and new market players.
Frequently Asked Questions about Photographers
- What does a Photographer earn?
- The average salary for a Photographer is 39 779 SEK per month. - What education is required to become a Photographer?
- Usually, post-secondary education in photography, image editing, or visual communication is required. - What is the job market like for Photographers?
- There are about 620 available jobs, but competition is high. - What tasks does a Photographer have?
- Tasks include photography, image editing, color correction, and producing visual content. - Are there regional salary differences?
- No data available on regional salary differences for Photographers. - What qualities are important for a Photographer?
- Creativity, technical skills, attention to detail, and independence are key qualities. - Can one work as a freelance Photographer?
- Yes, many work as freelancers and combine various projects.
Salary distributed by age and sector
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 2651, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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