What is the average salary for a Composer in contemporary classical music?

The average salary is 48,300 SEK per month.

What are the gender differences in salaries?

Men earn an average of 51,900 SEK, women 44,200 SEK, which means women earn approximately 85% of men's salaries.

What is the highest and lowest salary for the profession?

The highest salary is 51,900 SEK (male, private sector), the lowest is 42,200 SEK (female, with less than 3 years of post-secondary education).

What is required to become a composer in contemporary classical music?

Typically, a university-level music education is required, often with specialization in composition and musicology, along with experience in creating original works.

What are the future prospects for the profession?

Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, but competition is high.

What are the most common working arrangements?

Most work as freelancers or on project-based assignments.

Are there many job openings in the profession?

Yes, there were a total of 620 job openings within the group of musicians, singers, and composers.

Composer, art music salary

47 400 SEK

Musicians, singers and composers

Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.

44 400 - 46 400 SEK / month

Kultur, media, design

Average salary 47 400 SEK/month Monthly gross salary

Salary range 44 400 - 46 400 SEK Latest available range Data year 2025 Latest published dataset

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Salary trend About the role What does a composer in contemporary classical music do? – Tasks and work environment Salary development over time Composer, contemporary classical music salary – comprehensive overview Open jobs Related occupations About the data FAQ

Salary progression Composer, art music

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What does a composer in contemporary classical music do? – Tasks and work environment

A composer in contemporary classical music creates original works intended for performance in venues such as concert halls, churches, or through recordings. The work includes everything from writing notes and arranging for different ensembles to collaborating with conductors, musicians, and clients. Many composers work on a project basis, often juggling multiple assignments simultaneously, with considerable freedom to experiment with expression and techniques. The work environment is characterized by both independent work in a studio or at home and collaboration with others in the cultural sector, where deadlines and artistic demands can provide both stimulation and stress.

Salary development over time

The salary for a composer in contemporary classical music has shown some variation in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 45,200 SEK per month, which dropped to 48 300 SEK in 2023. However, in 2024, the salary increased significantly to 47 400 SEK, representing an increase of just over 9% compared to the previous year. This rise can be partly explained by increased demand for specialized skills in music creation and a greater appreciation for artistic professions, as well as general salary adjustments within the cultural sector. Despite this positive trend, salary levels remain sensitive to economic fluctuations and project-based employment, affecting financial stability for many professionals.

Composer, contemporary classical music salary – comprehensive overview

Average salary: 47 400 SEK/month
Lowest salary: 42,200 SEK/month
Highest salary: 51,900 SEK/month
Hourly wage (average): 290 SEK
Gender differences: Men 51,900 SEK, women 44,200 SEK (women earn 0% of men's salary)
Regional differences: Vary depending on labor market and clients

Many composers in contemporary classical music combine their creative work with teaching or other music-related assignments. This not only provides financial security but also opportunities for networking and artistic development through collaboration with other professionals.

– statsskuld.se

Education and qualifications

To work as a composer in contemporary classical music, a solid musical education is often required, typically at university level. Many have studied at a conservatory with a focus on composition and musicology, where theoretical knowledge is combined with practical skills and artistic development. In addition to formal education, experience with own works, collaborations, and participation in various music projects are highly valued in the industry.

Music university education (bachelor/master, 3–5 years)
Courses in composition, music theory, and instrumentation
Internships or project work with ensembles/orchestras
Prerequisites: basic music theory and sight-reading
Opportunities for self-study and online courses to develop personal expression

Common benefits and compensations

Composers in contemporary classical music may have access to benefits such as artist grants, project funding, travel allowances, and sometimes pension contributions via union agreements. Compensation for copyright and performances is also an important part of income, and some employers offer wellness allowances or opportunities for professional development.

Competition and challenges

The profession of composer in contemporary classical music is characterized by fierce competition for assignments and commissions, especially within the independent cultural sector. Many must combine composing with other types of work to make ends meet. Project- and freelance-based employment often involves uncertain income and irregular working hours. Building networks, marketing oneself, and staying updated on grants and calls are crucial for success. Additionally, gender differences in pay and visibility can pose further challenges for some groups within the profession.

Tips for aspiring composers in contemporary classical music

To succeed as a composer in contemporary classical music, perseverance and curiosity about new musical expressions are important. Actively seeking collaborations with musicians and conductors can develop both artistic networks and the ability to adapt to different projects. Creativity and discipline are key qualities, especially when working under deadlines or seeking funding for own works. Participating in competitions, workshops, and festivals can open new doors and help build a stronger reputation. Independence and the ability to work systematically help manage periods of uncertainty, while good communication skills increase the chances of successful collaborations and commissions.

Key facts about Composer in contemporary classical music

Education level: Music university (bachelor/master, 3–5 years)
Work environment: Independent and project-based, often from home or studio
Typical employment: Freelance or project employment
Demand: Unchanged according to the Swedish Public Employment Service
Number of job openings: 620

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, many composers in contemporary classical music have built a personal network and had their works performed at festivals, concerts, or recordings. It is common to combine composing with teaching, arranging, or music production to broaden one’s activities. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, with good opportunities within the group of musicians, singers, and composers. However, recruitment is characterized by a combination of recruitment difficulties and high turnover, meaning competition for the most attractive assignments remains intense.

Frequently asked questions about Composer in contemporary classical music

What is the average salary for a Composer in contemporary classical music?
- The average salary is 47 400 SEK per month.
What are the gender differences in salaries?
- Men earn an average of 51,900 SEK, women 44,200 SEK, which means women earn approximately 0% of men's salaries.
What is the highest and lowest salary for the profession?
- The highest salary is 51,900 SEK (male, private sector), the lowest is 42,200 SEK (female, with less than 3 years of post-secondary education).
What is required to become a composer in contemporary classical music?
- Usually, a music higher education and experience in creating original works are required.
What are the future prospects for the profession?
- Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, but competition is high.
What are the most common working arrangements?
- Most work as freelancers or on project-based assignments.
Are there many job openings in the profession?
- Yes, there are a total of 620 job openings within the group of musicians, singers, and composers.

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-12 02:39:09

Occupation

Salary distributed by age and sector

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34		42200 kr	43000 kr
45-54	104%	43700 kr	44400 kr
55-64	102%	44600 kr	46000 kr
Snitt		46400 kr	47400 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34		42200 kr	43000 kr
45-54	104%	43700 kr	44400 kr
55-64	102%	44600 kr	46000 kr
Snitt		46400 kr	47400 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34		42200 kr	43000 kr
45-54	104%	43700 kr	44400 kr
55-64	102%	44600 kr	46000 kr
Snitt		46400 kr	47400 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
45-54	104%	42800 kr	43500 kr
55-64	102%	44400 kr	45500 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
45-54	104%	42800 kr	43500 kr
55-64	102%	44400 kr	45500 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
45-54	104%	42800 kr	43500 kr
55-64	102%	44400 kr	45500 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34		43000 kr	44100 kr
35-44		45800 kr	46900 kr
45-54	104%	44300 kr	45100 kr
55-64	102%	44700 kr	46300 kr
Snitt		44300 kr	45500 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34		43000 kr	44100 kr
35-44		45800 kr	46900 kr
45-54	104%	44300 kr	45100 kr
55-64	102%	44700 kr	46300 kr
Snitt		44300 kr	45500 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34		43000 kr	44100 kr
35-44		45800 kr	46900 kr
45-54	104%	44300 kr	45100 kr
55-64	102%	44700 kr	46300 kr
Snitt		44300 kr	45500 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 Composer, art music has the SSYK code 2652, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.