Graphic designer, setter

What does a graphic designer, typesetter do? – Tasks and work environment

A graphic designer, typesetter mainly works with preparing and processing graphic material for printing and digital publishing. Tasks include layout, image editing, typography, and color management, often using advanced computer programs. The role requires precision, technical understanding, and an aesthetic eye to ensure the final material is of high quality. The work environment is usually office-based, and the pace can be high at times, especially during tight production deadlines before printing or publishing.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salary development for graphic designers, typesetters has shown a relatively stable level. In 2022, the average salary was 33,000 SEK per month, which increased to 34 800 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has slightly adjusted to 34 700 SEK per month. This represents a total increase of approximately 5.1% from 2022 to 2024, with a slight decline in the most recent year. This trend reflects a relatively stable market, but demand for certain specialist skills in digital publishing and prepress may influence salary levels. Salary changes can also be explained by the industry's adaptation to digitalization and efficiency improvements, which have affected the need for traditional typesetting roles.

Graphic designer, typesetter salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 34 700 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,800 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 37,800 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 209 SEK
• Women: 31 900 SEK/month (85% of men's salary)
• Men: 37 700 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary slightly depending on location, with the largest difference between larger cities and rural areas.

Education and qualifications

To work as a graphic designer, typesetter, a high school education in media or graphic design is usually required. Further training at a vocational college or university in graphic production or prepress is often advantageous. Practical experience and technical skills in relevant software are very important for success in the profession.

• High school education: Examples include the Artistic program, with a focus on image & form or media (3 years)
• Vocational college: Graphic production, prepress, or similar (1–2 years)
• Certifications: Courses in Adobe Creative Suite, color management, and typography
• Internship: Internship or trainee position in a printing house or media production is strongly recommended
• Prerequisites: Basic computer skills and an interest in design

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for graphic designers, typesetters include wellness allowances, flexible working hours, remote work options, and opportunities for skills development within graphic technology. Some employers also offer occupational pensions and insurance packages. Bonus schemes and extra vacation days may be available, especially at larger companies or agencies.

Competition and challenges

The competition in the profession of graphic designer, typesetter is intense, especially in metropolitan regions where many seek to enter the creative industry. The rapid technological development demands continuous skills upgrading, particularly within digital publishing and new graphic tools. Automation and software that simplify layout processes have led to fewer traditional typesetting jobs, while demand for specialists in digital prepress has increased. Staying updated on industry standards and new working methods is crucial to remain competitive. Ongoing wage disparities between women and men remain a challenge, reflected in the statistics for the profession.

Tips for those who want to become a graphic designer, typesetter

To succeed as a graphic designer, typesetter, it is good to combine technical accuracy with a creative mind. Being organized and having good project management skills facilitates handling multiple projects with tight deadlines. Flexibility is valuable, especially as new technologies and workflows are quickly introduced. An interest in color, form, and typography provides an advantage when creating visually appealing material. Collaboration skills are important, as the profession often involves close cooperation with printers, marketing departments, and other creatives. To stand out in the job market, continuously updating your software skills and being curious about industry developments is recommended. Demonstrating problem-solving ability and an eye for detail are also central to delivering flawless final products.

Key facts about Graphic Designers, Typesetters

• Education level: High school or vocational college education
• Work environment: Office-based, often with flexible hours
• Special skills: Adobe Creative Suite, color management, typography
• Demand: 1,437 job openings according to latest data
• Wage differences: Women earn 85% of what men do in the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, opportunities open to advance to roles such as production manager, art director, or specialist in digital publishing. Increased experience and further education can also lead to roles in project management, technical support, or sales of graphic services. According to the Swedish Employment Service's forecast for prepress technicians and printers, it is difficult to make an exact assessment of future prospects, but currently, there are 1,437 job openings in the field. Digitalization of the industry means that demand for graphic designers with broad technical skills and digital expertise is expected to remain, even though traditional typesetting roles are decreasing in number.

Common questions about Graphic Designers, Typesetters

• What is the average salary for a graphic designer, typesetter?
  - The average salary is 34 700 SEK per month.
• How has the salary development been for graphic designers, typesetters?
  - Salaries have increased from 33,000 SEK (2022) to 34 700 SEK (2024), but have been relatively stable in recent years.
• Are there differences in salary between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn 31 900 SEK per month on average, which is 85% of men's salary (37 700 SEK).
• What education is required to become a graphic designer, typesetter?
  - The most common is high school education in media or further training at a vocational college with a focus on graphic production.
• What is the job market like for graphic designers, typesetters?
  - Currently, there are 1,437 job openings, but competition can be high depending on region and specialization.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for graphic designers, typesetters?
  - The highest salary is 37,800 SEK/month, and the lowest is 31,800 SEK/month.
• What personal qualities are important in the profession?
  - Accuracy, creativity, flexibility, and good teamwork skills are important for success.