- Salary statistics
- Photo retoucher salary
Photo retoucher salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
41 400 - 45 700 SEK / month
Women earn 98% of what men do.
Industriell tillverkning
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Salary progression Photo retoucher
What does a photo retoucher do? – Tasks and work environment
A photo retoucher works with processing and enhancing digital images, often in close collaboration with photographers, art directors, and advertising agencies. Tasks include advanced image editing, color correction, retouching details, and sometimes creating compositions or montages. The work is performed using programs like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, typically at a computer in a studio or office setting. Many retouchers are employed by larger companies in advertising, media, or e-commerce, while others are self-employed and take on freelance projects. The work environment is characterized by a fast pace, deadlines, and demands for precision and aesthetic sensibility.
Salary development over time
The salary for a photo retoucher has shown a clear upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 32,600 SEK per month, increasing to 38 100 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary reached 42 600 SEK, which is nearly a 17% increase over two years. This positive salary development reflects an increased demand for skilled image editing, especially within e-commerce and digital marketing where visual content has become increasingly important. At the same time, technological advancements and higher requirements for digital competence have contributed to elevating the profession’s status and salary levels.
Photo retoucher salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 42 600 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 36,000 SEK/month (female, high school education)
- Highest salary: 39,800 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, post-secondary education)
- Hourly wage: 229 SEK
- Women: 36,900 SEK/month
- Men: 38,500 SEK/month
- Women earn: 98% of what men do
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a photo retoucher often involves a high school education in photography, media, or graphic design, followed by post-secondary studies or specialized courses in image editing. Practical experience and a strong portfolio are crucial for success in the industry. Many develop their skills through self-study and ongoing further education, as techniques and software evolve rapidly.
- High school education: Artistic program with specialization in photography/media (3 years)
- Post-secondary education: YH training or university studies in image, graphic design, or media (1–3 years)
- Certifications/courses: Courses in Photoshop, Lightroom, and digital image processing
- Internship: Highly recommended for building a portfolio and networking in the industry
- Self-study: Common, especially for new tools and techniques
Many photo retouchers develop a unique style and specialize in areas such as fashion, advertising, or product photography. This niche can lead to exciting collaborations and prestigious assignments, especially for those who build strong portfolios and networks.
Common benefits and compensations
Photo retouchers are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and remote work options. Larger companies may also provide opportunities for skills development, subsidized software licenses, and employee discounts on photography equipment. Bonuses or project-based payments are common for larger campaigns.
Competition and challenges
The competition within the profession is high, partly due to technological developments making the work more accessible. Employers often seek both technical expertise and artistic sensibility, demanding continuous skill development. Challenges include tight deadlines, high standards of perfection, and occasionally long working hours before major deliveries. Automated tools and AI-based image processing may also impact the job market, making it essential to stay updated and develop a personal style that is difficult to replace digitally.
Tips for aspiring photo retouchers
To succeed as a photo retoucher, it’s important to combine technical skills with an eye for detail and color. Creativity is key to creating unique image solutions and standing out in the industry, while patience and precision are necessary for detailed retouching. Building a strong portfolio and actively networking can open doors to new assignments and collaborations. Flexibility helps when workloads vary, and a willingness to learn new skills makes it easier to keep up with rapid technological changes. Finally, being service-minded and attentive to client needs can help establish long-term relationships.
Key facts about Photo Retoucher
- Education level: High school or post-secondary education in photography, media, or graphic design
- Work environment: Office or studio, often at a computer
- Typical employment: Employed or freelance consultant
- Demand: 1,437 job openings within the profession of machine operators, chemical technicians, and photographic product specialists
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a photo retoucher can advance to roles such as senior retoucher, image manager, or team leader in larger companies. Many choose to specialize in areas like advertising, fashion, or product photography, which can lead to more niche and well-paid assignments. The Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts for the profession of machine operators in chemical and photographic products indicate that there is not enough data for a precise outlook. However, the large number of job openings suggests continued demand, especially for those combining technical skills with creative ability.
Frequently asked questions about Photo Retoucher
- What does a photo retoucher earn?
- The average salary for a photo retoucher is 42 600 SEK per month. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn on average 36,900 SEK while men earn 38,500 SEK per month. - What education is required to become a photo retoucher?
- Typically, a high school education in photography or media, followed by post-secondary courses or training in image editing. - What is the job market like for photo retouchers?
- There are many job openings within the profession, but competition is high and employers often seek specialized skills. - What tasks does a photo retoucher perform?
- Tasks include advanced image editing, color correction, retouching details, and sometimes creating compositions or montages. - What influences the salary of a photo retoucher?
- Experience, education level, specialization, and employer sector affect salary. - Can one work as a freelance photo retoucher?
- Yes, many work as independent entrepreneurs or take on freelance assignments.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 36100 kr | 41900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 37300 kr | 42900 kr | |
| 45-54 | 37800 kr | 43400 kr | |
| 55-64 | 37900 kr | 44000 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 36900 kr | 42600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 36100 kr | 41900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 37300 kr | 42900 kr | |
| 45-54 | 37800 kr | 43400 kr | |
| 55-64 | 37900 kr | 44000 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 36900 kr | 42600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 36100 kr | 41900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 37300 kr | 42900 kr | |
| 45-54 | 37800 kr | 43400 kr | |
| 55-64 | 37900 kr | 44000 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 36900 kr | 42600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 36300 kr | 42300 kr | |
| 35-44 | 37400 kr | 42800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 38000 kr | 43500 kr | |
| 55-64 | 38000 kr | 44300 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 37100 kr | 42700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 36300 kr | 42300 kr | |
| 35-44 | 37400 kr | 42800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 38000 kr | 43500 kr | |
| 55-64 | 38000 kr | 44300 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 37100 kr | 42700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 36300 kr | 42300 kr | |
| 35-44 | 37400 kr | 42800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 38000 kr | 43500 kr | |
| 55-64 | 38000 kr | 44300 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 37100 kr | 42700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 98% | 36200 kr | 42000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 98% | 36200 kr | 42000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 98% | 36200 kr | 42000 kr |
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 Photo retoucher has the SSYK code 8132, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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