- Salary statistics
- Manual binder salary
Manual binder salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
32 800 - 40 800 SEK / month
Women earn 96% of what men do.
Industriell tillverkning
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Salary progression Manual binder
What does a bookbinder do? – Tasks and work environment
A bookbinder works by hand-sewing books, often with great precision and attention to detail. Tasks include restoring older books and documents, creating exclusive special editions, and artistic bookbinding. The profession also involves working with various materials such as paper, leather, and textiles, as well as using traditional tools and techniques. Bookbinders typically work in small workshops or studios where the work environment emphasizes craftsmanship, calmness, and meticulousness.
Salary development over time
The salary for bookbinders has shown positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,500 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 33 300 SEK, and in 2024, the average salary has reached 33 800 SEK. This represents a total increase of approximately 9.2% over three years, with a particularly clear rise between 2022 and 2023. This development can be attributed to increased demand for skilled craftsmanship, as well as the rising value placed on experience and specialized skills in the industry. At the same time, salary levels are influenced by the relatively small job market and the limited number of trained bookbinders. In some regions, the availability of work and salary levels vary depending on proximity to larger cities and customer base.
Bookbinder salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 33 800 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 32,400 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 38,300 SEK/month
- Hourly wage: 200 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Women earn 96% of what men do (men 34 100 SEK, women 32,900 SEK)
- Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on region and employer
Education and qualifications
To work as a bookbinder, a high school vocational education in crafts with a focus on bookbinding or equivalent artistic training is usually required. Many also choose to deepen their knowledge through post-secondary education or specialized courses. Practical experience and a strong interest in craftsmanship are often crucial for success in the profession. Self-study and participation in industry events can also be valuable for developing skills.
- High school education: Crafts program, specializing in bookbinding (3 years)
- Post-secondary education: Art or craft education (1–3 years)
- Internship: Apprenticeship or practical training during studies
- Courses/certifications: Specialized courses in book restoration or artistic bookbinding
- Prerequisites: Precision, patience, and aesthetic sense
Bookbinders belong to one of Sweden's most traditional crafts and play an important role in preserving cultural heritage through the restoration of old books and documents. Many bookbinders also work creatively on artistic projects and unique editions, offering opportunities to combine historical knowledge with innovative design.
Common benefits and compensations
Bookbinders often enjoy benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional development through courses and workshops. Some employers also offer extra vacation days or compensation for work clothes and tools. Possibility for remote work is rare, as the profession requires physical presence in the workshop.
Competition and challenges
The job market for bookbinders is small, and competition for the most attractive positions can be tough. Many workshops and studios are small, limiting the number of available jobs. Challenges include staying updated on both traditional and modern techniques, as well as acquiring new customers in a digitalized world where demand for physical books is decreasing. However, specialization, such as in book restoration, can increase employment opportunities and higher salaries.
Tips for aspiring bookbinders
To succeed as a bookbinder, it is good to combine patience with a genuine interest in craftsmanship and materials. Developing precision is crucial, as every detail affects the final result. Engagement and creativity help find new solutions and expressions, especially in artistic projects or book restoration. Building a network within the industry through internships or courses can increase job opportunities. Staying updated on new techniques and participating in industry events contribute to inspiration and skill development. Finally, perseverance and a willingness to continually learn are important qualities for growth and satisfaction in the profession.
Key facts about Bookbinders
- Education level: High school or post-secondary craft education
- Work environment: Small workshops or studios
- Work type: Craftsmanship with focus on details and tradition
- Demand: 1,437 job openings according to latest data
- Special skills: Restoration, artistic bookbinding, and material knowledge
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a bookbinder can advance to more specialized roles, such as studio manager or cultural heritage restorer. Some choose to start their own workshop and work as entrepreneurs, while others combine bookbinding with teaching or lecturing. The Employment Service's forecasts show a stable demand for the profession, with 1,437 job openings in bookbinding and similar fields. Digitalization and increased appreciation for craftsmanship can contribute to continued good prospects, especially for those with specialized skills in restoration and artistic bookbinding.
Frequently asked questions about Bookbinders
- What does a bookbinder earn?
- A bookbinder has an average salary of 33 800 SEK per month. - What are the gender differences within bookbinding?
- Women earn 32,900 SEK on average, which corresponds to 96% of men's salary of 34 100 SEK. - What education is needed to become a bookbinder?
- High school vocational training or post-secondary courses in bookbinding are most common. - Where does a bookbinder work?
- Most work in small workshops, studios, or bookbinding firms focused on craftsmanship and restoration. - Are there regional salary differences?
- Yes, salaries can vary depending on region and employer, especially between urban and rural areas. - What are the job prospects for bookbinders?
- Demand is stable, with 1,437 job openings according to current statistics. - What is the highest and lowest salary for a bookbinder?
- The highest salary is 38,300 SEK (female, private sector, post-secondary education), and the lowest is 32,400 SEK (male, private sector, high school education).
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 33800 kr | 35100 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 32400 kr | 33800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 36100 kr | 36100 kr | |
| 35-44 | 103% | 39100 kr | 39100 kr |
| 45-54 | 36900 kr | 36900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 109% | 38200 kr | 38200 kr |
| 65-68 | 39600 kr | 39600 kr | |
| Snitt | 106% | 38200 kr | 38200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 36100 kr | 36100 kr | |
| 35-44 | 103% | 39100 kr | 39100 kr |
| 45-54 | 36900 kr | 36900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 109% | 38200 kr | 38200 kr |
| 65-68 | 39600 kr | 39600 kr | |
| Snitt | 106% | 38200 kr | 38200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 33400 kr | 34800 kr | |
| Snitt | 31900 kr | 33400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 33400 kr | 34800 kr | |
| Snitt | 31900 kr | 33400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 33800 kr | 35200 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 32600 kr | 34100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 103% | 38300 kr | 38300 kr |
| 55-64 | 109% | 36100 kr | 36100 kr |
| Snitt | 106% | 36800 kr | 36800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 103% | 38300 kr | 38300 kr |
| 55-64 | 109% | 36100 kr | 36100 kr |
| Snitt | 106% | 36800 kr | 36800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 32500 kr | 34100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 32500 kr | 34100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 96% | 31800 kr | 32800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 103% | 39600 kr | 39600 kr |
| 45-54 | 35600 kr | 35600 kr | |
| 55-64 | 109% | 39500 kr | 39500 kr |
| 65-68 | 39600 kr | 39600 kr | |
| Snitt | 106% | 39000 kr | 39000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 103% | 39600 kr | 39600 kr |
| 45-54 | 35600 kr | 35600 kr | |
| 55-64 | 109% | 39500 kr | 39500 kr |
| 65-68 | 39600 kr | 39600 kr | |
| Snitt | 106% | 39000 kr | 39000 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 Manual binder has the SSYK code 7323, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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