- Salary statistics
- Hairdresser
Hairdresser
30 400 - 31 700 kr / month
Kropps- & skönhetsvård
Salary progression Hairdresser
What does a hairdresser do? – Tasks and work environment
A hairdresser works with cutting, coloring, perming, and styling hair for women, men, and children. The profession also includes advising on hair care, selling hair care products, and sometimes performing simple beauty treatments such as eyebrow and eyelash tinting. The work environment is often characterized by close customer contact, varied tasks, and a social climate where both craftsmanship and service attitude are crucial. Hairdressers mainly work in salons, but assignments can also occur at fashion shows, in film, or at private events.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, hairdresser salaries have shown a cautious but steady increase. In 2022, the average salary was 31,400 SEK per month, followed by 31 500 SEK in 2023, and now 31 700 SEK for 2024. This corresponds to a total increase of approximately 1% over the period, which is slightly lower than the average wage development in the labor market overall. Salary levels are influenced by factors such as demand for services, competition within the industry, and the ability to attract more clients or specialize. Generally, it is clear that salaries in the profession are held back by high competition and part-time work, while strong demand for skilled hairdressers provides some stability in the market.
Hairdresser salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 31 700 SEK/month
- Minimum/Maximum salary: Varies depending on experience and employment type
- Hourly wage: 190 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
- Gender differences: Women earn 32 300 SEK, no statistics available for men
- Regional differences: Salary levels vary between urban and rural areas, but detailed statistics are lacking
Education and qualifications
To become a hairdresser, a vocational program in upper secondary school with a specialization in hairdressing is usually required, followed by an apprenticeship and a journeyman’s exam. The profession demands both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, and many choose to further specialize in areas such as coloring, styling, or extensions. Self-study and private courses are also common to stay updated on trends and techniques.
- Upper secondary education: Vocational program, hairdressing specialization (3 years)
- Journeyman’s exam: Practical examination after education and apprenticeship
- Practice/apprenticeship: Usually 1–2 years after upper secondary school
- Further education: Courses in coloring, cutting techniques, styling, and trends
- Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for upper secondary school
The hairdressing profession often involves working standing for long periods, which requires both physical condition and ergonomics. Many hairdressers develop their own techniques to reduce strain injuries and improve endurance, which has become increasingly important as working days can be intense and varied.
Common benefits and compensations
Hairdressers are often offered benefits such as commissions on product sales, staff discounts, training, and sometimes wellness allowances. For certain employment forms, bonuses and flexible working hours may also occur, especially in larger salons or chains.
Competition and challenges
The labor market for hairdressers is characterized by high competition, especially in cities where the supply of salons is large. Many hairdressers work part-time, which can affect the possibility of a stable income. Challenges such as self-employment, seasonal variations in demand, and price pressure from low-cost salons are common. At the same time, there are good opportunities for those who specialize or have a strong personal brand to build a loyal customer base. Digitalization and social media have also changed how hairdressers market their services and build relationships with clients.
Tips for those who want to become a hairdresser
To succeed as a hairdresser, it is good to have a creative streak, patience, and a genuine sense of service. Building a stable customer base requires social skills and the ability to listen to clients’ wishes, while precision and technical craftsmanship are crucial for the results. Good physical endurance facilitates long and busy working days. It is also important to be curious and willing to continue learning, as trends and techniques constantly change. Finally, business skills and the ability to market oneself on social media are increasingly important factors for success in the profession.
Key facts about hairdressers
- Education level: Upper secondary (vocational program + apprenticeship)
- Common employment form: Employee or self-employed in a salon
- Work environment: Customer-oriented and physically active
- Demand: Great nationwide opportunities for employment
- Special skills: Coloring, cutting techniques, styling
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as salon manager, trainer, color specialist, or to start your own business. Some choose to work in fashion, theater, or TV production, while others focus on developing expertise in trends and advanced hair care. According to the Employment Service’s forecast, job opportunities for hairdressers are large nationwide, with demand expected to remain unchanged in the coming five years. However, recruitment is characterized by difficulties in finding the right skills, and many in the profession work part-time. For those driven and eager to develop, there are good long-term career opportunities.
Frequently asked questions about hairdressers
- What is the average salary of a hairdresser?
- A hairdresser has an average salary of 31 700 SEK per month. - How long is the training to become a hairdresser?
- The training includes three years at a vocational program in upper secondary school, often followed by 1–2 years of apprenticeship. - What personal qualities are needed?
- Creativity, precision, social skills, and endurance are important qualities for hairdressers. - What are the future prospects for hairdressers?
- The Employment Service assesses job opportunities as great, and demand is expected to remain unchanged. - Can I work as a self-employed person?
- Many hairdressers choose to start their own salon or work as booth renters. - Are there regional differences in salary?
- Yes, salaries can vary between urban and rural areas, but detailed statistics are lacking. - What benefits are common?
- Common benefits include commissions, staff discounts, training, and sometimes wellness allowances.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 25500 kr | 27300 kr | |
| 25-34 | 29700 kr | 31300 kr | |
| 35-44 | 32400 kr | 33500 kr | |
| Snitt | 30400 kr | 31700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 25500 kr | 27300 kr | |
| 25-34 | 29700 kr | 31300 kr | |
| 35-44 | 32400 kr | 33500 kr | |
| Snitt | 30400 kr | 31700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 25500 kr | 27300 kr | |
| 25-34 | 29700 kr | 31300 kr | |
| 35-44 | 32400 kr | 33500 kr | |
| Snitt | 30400 kr | 31700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 25500 kr | 27600 kr | |
| 25-34 | 30000 kr | 31700 kr | |
| Snitt | 30800 kr | 32300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 25500 kr | 27600 kr | |
| 25-34 | 30000 kr | 31700 kr | |
| Snitt | 30800 kr | 32300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 25500 kr | 27600 kr | |
| 25-34 | 30000 kr | 31700 kr | |
| Snitt | 30800 kr | 32300 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 Hairdresser has the SSYK code 5141, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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