- Salary statistics
- Intonator
Intonator
30 400 - 30 900 kr / month
Hantverksyrken
Salary progression Intonator
What does an Intonatör do? – Tasks and work environment
An Intonatör works with adjusting and fine-tuning the sound of musical instruments, primarily pianos and grand pianos, but other instruments may also be involved. Tasks include improving the instrument's tone, dynamics, and expression through precise mechanical and material adjustments. Both technical accuracy and a well-developed musical ear are required to ensure each instrument achieves its unique and optimal sound. The work environment varies between workshops, music stores, concert halls, and sometimes at private homes or institutions. Often, work is performed in calm and focused settings where concentration and precision are crucial.
Salary development over time
The salary for Intonatörer has shown a downward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,382 SEK per month, slightly rising the following year to 34 662 SEK. Since then, the average salary has decreased to 30 900 SEK in 2024, representing a reduction of approximately 10.9% compared to the previous year. This change can partly be explained by fluctuations in demand for craftsmanship in musical instruments and a decrease in new hires in certain regions. The profession is specialized, and recruitment often occurs at smaller workplaces, which can also influence salary levels. Salaries reflect that the Intonatör profession is a narrow craft where experience and specialized knowledge can impact individual earnings more than broad salary increases.
Intonatör salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 30 900 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Not specified
- Hourly wage: 186 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: No available statistics
- Regional differences: No detailed statistics
Education and qualifications
To work as an Intonatör, a vocational education in piano technology or as a musical instrument maker is usually required, often with a focus on intonation. The education combines practical and theoretical components and can be supplemented with work placements. Specialized courses and apprenticeships are common, and many Intonatörer expand their knowledge through ongoing self-study and industry contacts. Entry into the profession often occurs by starting as a trainee or assistant with an experienced Intonatör.
- Formal education: Musical instrument maker, 2–3 years
- Specialization courses: Intonation and piano technique
- Practical training/Apprenticeship: Common, often 6–12 months
- Prerequisites: Basic musical ear and craftsmanship skills
- Tips for choosing: Visits and try-out days at workshops increase understanding of the profession
The Intonatör profession requires not only technical skills but also a trained ear and a sense for musical expression. Many Intonatörer are musicians themselves and benefit greatly from their understanding of musical nuances when working with instrument sound. It is an industry where personal engagement and attention to detail often make a significant difference in the final result.
Common benefits and compensations
Intonatörer are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and opportunities for further training in craftsmanship. Some employers may also provide discounts on musical instruments or access to their own workshops. The extent of benefits varies depending on whether employment is within larger institutions, private businesses, or as self-employed.
Challenges and competition
The competition within the Intonatör profession is moderate due to its narrow and specialized craft area. Challenges mainly arise from technical changes to instruments, a lack of training places, and a limited number of available positions. Many Intonatörer need to build their own client base or collaborate with music stores and concert halls to secure assignments. The profession also requires ongoing updating of skills and the ability to meet high demands from professional musicians and institutions. The market is relatively stable but dependent on cultural policies and interest in acoustic instruments.
Tips for those who want to become an Intonatör
To succeed as an Intonatör, it is good to combine patience and precision with a genuine interest in music technology. Early training of musical ear and practicing listening for tonal nuances facilitates education and practical work. Engagement and curiosity about instrument construction provide a solid foundation, especially if aiming to specialize in different instrument types. Being service-minded and attentive to customer needs is also valuable, as communication with musicians and institutions is often part of daily work. Being an active musician can be a big advantage, as it increases understanding of the instrument's role in musical contexts. Finally, initiative is rewarded, since many Intonatörer build their own network and must be flexible in their work.
Key facts about Intonatör
- Education level: Musical instrument maker, 2–3 years
- Work environment: Workshop, music store, concert hall, or at the customer's location
- Common employment form: Full-time or hourly
- Demand: About 341 available positions within the occupational group
- Special skills: Sound adjustment and piano technique
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, an Intonatör can develop into a chief Intonatör, specialize in advanced piano techniques, or work with repair and restoration of older instruments. Opportunities also exist to start their own workshop or work as a consultant for music schools, concert halls, and institutions. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, future prospects are stable, but growth is limited due to the narrow niche of the profession. Demand is largely driven by developments in the music scene and interest in acoustic instruments. Digitalization and changing musical habits will influence the long-term outlook, but craftsmanship skills in intonation remain valued in certain segments.
Frequently asked questions about Intonatör
- What does an Intonatör earn?
- The average salary for an Intonatör is 30 900 SEK per month. - How does one become an Intonatör?
- Through education as a musical instrument maker, often with a focus on intonation and practical training. - Which workplaces can an Intonatör work at?
- Workshops, music stores, concert halls, or with private clients and institutions. - What does the future look like for Intonatörer?
- The profession is niche but stable, with approximately 341 available positions according to recent statistics. - Do you need to be a musician to become an Intonatör?
- It is not a requirement, but a well-developed ear and musical understanding are significant advantages. - What qualities are important for an Intonatör?
- Precision, patience, musicality, and the ability to listen to details. - Are there regional salary differences?
- Detailed statistics on regional salary differences for Intonatörer are lacking.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30400 kr | 30900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30400 kr | 30900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30400 kr | 30900 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 Intonator has the SSYK code 7319, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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