- Salary statistics
- Glass artist
Glass artist
41 395 - 39 779 kr / month
Kultur, media, design
Salary progression Glass artist
What does a glass artist do? – Tasks and work environment
A glass artist creates artworks, functional objects, and unique installations in glass using various techniques such as blowing, casting, grinding, and engraving. The work requires both artistic sensibility and technical skill, as glass is a material that demands precision and patience. Many glass artists work in their own studios or glassworks, where the environment can be warm and noisy due to furnaces and machinery. The profession often involves independent creation as well as collaboration with other artists or designers, and contact with galleries and exhibition organizers.
Salary development over time
The salary development for glass artists has been positive in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,200 SEK per month, which increased to 38 400 SEK in 2023 and further to 39 779 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of about 10% during the period. The rise can partly be explained by increased demand for unique and handcrafted art objects, as well as more glass artists establishing their own brands and studios. However, the market remains niche and is influenced by economic fluctuations and general cultural policy initiatives. The trend indicates a slow strengthening of salaries in the profession, but there are significant variations depending on experience, reputation, and geographic location.
Glass artist salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 39 779 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Varies greatly depending on reputation and commissions
- Hourly wage: 239 SEK
- Gender differences: No specific statistics available
- Regional differences: Salary variations occur between different counties and cities, mainly depending on proximity to major art centers or established glassworks
Education and qualifications
To work as a glass artist, a artistic education focused on glass is usually required, often at university level. Many choose preparatory art schools before applying to specialized programs in glass design and craftsmanship. Practical experience is essential, and many glass artists build their skills through apprenticeships or work at glassworks, as well as through workshops and artist residencies.
- Formal education: Bachelor's programs in ceramics and glass, approximately 3 years
- Preparatory art schools: Folk high schools or art foundation years
- Internships: Internships at glassworks or studios are highly recommended
- Courses and workshops: Specialized courses in glassblowing and glass techniques
- Self-study and networking: Participation in artistic networks and independent development
Many glass artists regularly participate in international exhibitions and artist residencies, providing opportunities to collaborate with other artists and develop new techniques. International exchange is often an important part of the professional life and can open doors to new markets and collaborations.
Common benefits and compensations
Besides the base salary, glass artists can access benefits such as studio space, material grants, compensation for exhibitions, and sometimes grants or project support. Freelancing is common, which means pension, health insurance, and holiday pay often need to be arranged privately or through industry organizations.
Competition and challenges
Glass artists face stiff competition for exhibition spaces and sales opportunities, especially within the free art sector. Since the profession is niche and permanent positions are few, a strong personal brand and broad networks are often necessary for success. Economic uncertainty can occur, particularly for freelancers, and fluctuations in demand affect both pricing and sales opportunities. However, digital platforms offer new possibilities for marketing and sales, helping to reach international buyers and galleries.
Tips for aspiring glass artists
To succeed as a glass artist, perseverance and curiosity are important, as mastering the material and techniques requires many hours of practice. Creativity is key to developing a unique style and standing out in the market, while patience is needed to handle failures and experimentation. Building networks and showcasing work in various contexts increases chances of exhibitions and collaborations. Flexibility and openness to new sales and marketing methods are also valuable. Good self-discipline helps manage the administrative work often associated with freelancing, and a willingness to learn continuously keeps you up to date with developments in glass art.
Key facts about Glass Artist
- Educational level: Artistic higher education recommended
- Work environment: Studio, glassworks, or own workshop
- Typical work form: Self-employed or project-based employment
- Demand: Limited, but approximately 620 available jobs in the profession
- Special skills: Glassblowing, design, and artistic techniques
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a glass artist may work more independently and have established a personal artistic expression. Many develop their activities towards exhibitions, collaborations with design companies, or teaching in glass and art. The employment outlook from the Swedish Public Employment Service for visual artists in general is uncertain due to limited data, but there is some demand for artistic skills within design, culture, and education. The profession has about 620 available jobs, indicating opportunities, especially for those combining artistry with entrepreneurship and international collaborations.
Frequently asked questions about Glass Artist
- What is the average salary of a glass artist?
- The average salary for a glass artist is 39 779 SEK per month. - Is higher education required to become a glass artist?
- An artistic higher education with a focus on glass is strongly recommended, but there are also other pathways into the profession. - What is the job market like for glass artists?
- The job market is limited, but there are approximately 620 available jobs within the visual artists' profession. - What are the tasks of a glass artist?
- Tasks include design, glassblowing, creating artworks, and participating in exhibitions. - Are there regional differences in salaries for glass artists?
- Yes, salaries vary depending on the region and proximity to established glassworks or art centers. - What personal qualities are important for a glass artist?
- Creativity, patience, perseverance, and self-discipline are crucial qualities in the profession.
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 Glass artist has the SSYK code 2651, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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