How much does a Cantor make

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  2. Cantor
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Cantor

48 300 kr

Musicians, singers and composers

42 200 - 51 900 kr / month

Women earn 85% of what men do.

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Cantor

Average salary 48 300 kr
Males 51 900 kr
Females 44 200 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 6 Vacant jobs ->

What does a Kantor do? – Job tasks and work environment

Kantors are responsible for musical life in church environments and play a central role during services, baptisms, weddings, and funerals. Tasks include organ and piano playing, leading church choirs, and planning and executing music activities for various age groups. Many congregations also include teaching, such as of confirmands or children's choirs. The work environment is characterized by close collaboration with priests, educators, and other staff within the Church of Sweden or other denominations. Working hours may vary and include evenings, weekends, and major holidays, as most church events are scheduled during these times.

Salary development over time

The salary for Kantors has shown a stable but uneven increase in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 45,200 SEK per month, while in 2023 it decreased slightly to 44 300 SEK. In 2024, the salary has taken a significant step upward and now stands at 48 300 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 9% compared to the previous year. Explanations for this positive trend may include increased demand for trained church musicians and challenges in recruiting new Kantors, especially in smaller congregations. Differences in education level and work experience also contribute to the varying salary levels, with experienced Kantors with broad skills often earning higher wages.

Kantor salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 48 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 42,200 SEK/month (female with post-secondary education shorter than 3 years)
  • Highest salary: 51,900 SEK/month (male, private-employed official)
  • Hourly wage: 290 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Women earn 85% of what men do (44,200 SEK vs. 51,900 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Data missing/varies between congregations and regions

Education and qualifications

To work as a Kantor, formal education in church music is required, often at a folk high school or music college. The education includes practical subjects such as organ and piano playing, as well as theoretical courses in liturgy and choir conducting. Many employers also seek experience in leading choirs and working with children and youth. For some positions, membership in the Church of Sweden or equivalent denomination is also required.

  • Kantor degree: 2–3 years at a folk high school or music college
  • Courses in organ, piano, singing, and choir conducting
  • Practical training in a congregation
  • Prerequisites: High school diploma and good musical skills
  • Self-study and further education: Common to broaden repertoire and pedagogical skills

Many Kantors also engage in local cultural life outside the church and contribute to concerts, music festivals, and collaborations with schools and associations. The profession thus offers opportunities to develop both artistic and pedagogical leadership.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Kantors are often covered by collective agreements that include occupational pension, insurance, and generous vacation policies. It is common for employers to offer professional development, opportunities for further training, and sometimes wellness allowances. Some congregations also provide subsidized travel or support for instrument maintenance.

Competition and challenges

Demand for trained Kantors remains stable, and job opportunities are considered good, but the profession is characterized by a paradox: there are both recruitment difficulties and high unemployment or part-time work within the group. This may be due to many positions being part-time or project-based, and working conditions vary between congregations. Competition for full-time positions is higher in urban areas, while rural congregations have more difficulty recruiting. The ability to combine musical skill with pedagogical and social abilities is crucial for success in the profession.

Tips for those wishing to become a Kantor

To succeed as a Kantor, it is beneficial to have a strong musical foundation and a genuine interest in church traditions. Flexibility and the ability to adapt to different musical styles and contexts facilitate collaboration with colleagues and congregation members. Good pedagogical skills are valuable when leading choirs and teaching children and adults. Social skills and empathy help build trust and relationships within the congregation. It is also important to be organized and able to plan music activities long-term while remaining open to development through further training and new musical challenges.

Key facts about Kantor

  • Education level: Kantor degree, 2–3 years
  • Work environment: Church, congregation, often evening and weekend work
  • Typical employment: Permanent or part-time
  • Demand: Large opportunities for employment nationwide
  • Special skills: Organ, piano, choir conducting

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience, a Kantor can develop into a leading church musician, music educator, or take responsibility for larger music activities within a congregation. There are opportunities to specialize further in areas such as organ or choir conducting, or to further train as an organist. According to the Employment Service's prognosis, job prospects for Kantors are expected to be significant over the next five years, with demand remaining stable. Despite recruitment difficulties in some regions, there are a total of 620 available jobs in the profession, providing good chances for both new and experienced church musicians.

Common questions about Kantor

  • What does a Kantor earn?
    - A Kantor has an average salary of 48 300 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience, gender, and employment type.
  • What education is required to become a Kantor?
    - Kantor degree from a folk high school or music college, usually 2–3 years, required for most positions.
  • What are the gender differences in the profession?
    - Men earn on average 51,900 SEK and women 44,200 SEK, which means women earn approximately 85% of men's salaries.
  • What are the job responsibilities of a Kantor?
    - Tasks include organ and piano playing, choir conducting, planning music activities, and teaching.
  • Are part-time jobs available for Kantors?
    - Yes, many positions are part-time or have flexible hours, especially in smaller congregations.
  • What are the future prospects for Kantors?
    - The Employment Service considers opportunities significant over the next five years, with demand expected to remain stable.
  • What benefits are common for Kantors?
    - Benefits include occupational pension, insurance, vacation, and sometimes wellness allowances and professional development.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-11 22:49:10

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Cantor is 51900 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a unspecified education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 44200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Cantor is 42200 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 49800 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
35-44 88% 47600 kr 48100 kr
45-54 44100 kr 44900 kr
55-64 96% 46900 kr 48100 kr
65-68 45500 kr 46800 kr
Snitt 85% 47400 kr 48300 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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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 Cantor has the SSYK code 2652, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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