- Salary statistics
- Composer, art music
Composer, art music salary
37 900 - 47 500 kr / month
Women earn 88% of what men do.
Kultur, media, design
Salary progression Composer, art music

What does a Composer, classical music do?
As a Composer in classical music, one creates musical works that are often performed by orchestras, ensembles, or soloists. The tasks may include composing original music, arranging existing music, and collaborating with conductors and musicians to realize musical projects. Composers often work in a creative environment and may be employed by orchestras, music schools, or work as freelance creators.
Composer, classical music salary
A Composer, classical music has an average salary of 44 300 SEK per month. There is a certain gender pay gap, where men earn 47,500 SEK and women 41 600 SEK, which means that women earn about 88% of what men do in the profession. The hourly wage for a part-time composer averages 266 SEK.
Salary development over time
Last year, the average salary for a Composer, classical music was 45 200 SEK, indicating a marginal decrease to this year's average salary of 44 300 SEK.
Education and qualifications
To become a Composer in classical music, a post-secondary education in music is often required, for example from a music academy. It is also common for composers to have a background in musicology or have specifically studied composition.
Common benefits
Many composers have the opportunity for flexible working hours, which may include remote work. Other benefits can include access to music studios, funded travel to participate in concerts and festivals, as well as opportunities for further education and professional development.
Competition and challenges
There is a paradox in the recruitment situation for composers where there are recruitment difficulties alongside a high proportion of part-time workers and those leaving the profession. According to the Public Employment Service, demand for composers is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
Future prospects and demand
Demand for composers in classical music is assessed to be stable. According to the Public Employment Service, job opportunities are good, but there is also high competition within the industry.
Tips for those who want to work as a Composer, classical music
To succeed as a composer, it is important to stay updated in the music industry and to develop a wide network of contacts. Participating in festivals and music competitions can also provide valuable exposure. Further education and specialization in specific music styles can also positively impact salary.
Career paths
After a few years in the profession, a Composer, classical music can advance to become an established composer with commissions for larger orchestras or international projects. There are also opportunities to become a musical director or conductor for various ensembles.
Frequently asked questions about Composer, classical music
- What does a Composer, classical music earn? A Composer, classical music earns an average of 44 300 SEK per month.
- How does one become a Composer, classical music? One often becomes a Composer by studying music at a post-secondary level, for example at a music academy.
- Is it easy to get a job? There are good job opportunities, but also significant competition within the industry.
- Is it stressful to work as a Composer, classical music? The profession can be stressful, especially with deadlines and large projects, but it also offers creative freedom.
- What qualities are important as a Composer, classical music? Creativity, musical insight, and the ability to work independently are important qualities.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
---|---|---|---|
35-44 | 113% | 38600 kr | 39400 kr |
45-54 | 92% | 43100 kr | 44200 kr |
55-64 | 96% | 41700 kr | 43200 kr |
Snitt | 88% | 43200 kr | 44300 kr |
Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
---|---|---|---|
35-44 | 113% | 38600 kr | 39400 kr |
45-54 | 92% | 43100 kr | 44200 kr |
55-64 | 96% | 41700 kr | 43200 kr |
Snitt | 88% | 43200 kr | 44300 kr |
Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
---|---|---|---|
35-44 | 113% | 38600 kr | 39400 kr |
45-54 | 92% | 43100 kr | 44200 kr |
55-64 | 96% | 41700 kr | 43200 kr |
Snitt | 88% | 43200 kr | 44300 kr |
Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
---|---|---|---|
35-44 | 113% | 36200 kr | 36700 kr |
45-54 | 92% | 45200 kr | 46400 kr |
55-64 | 96% | 42900 kr | 44300 kr |
Snitt | 88% | 0 kr | 47500 kr |
Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
---|---|---|---|
35-44 | 113% | 36200 kr | 36700 kr |
45-54 | 92% | 45200 kr | 46400 kr |
55-64 | 96% | 42900 kr | 44300 kr |
Snitt | 88% | 0 kr | 47500 kr |
Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
---|---|---|---|
35-44 | 113% | 36200 kr | 36700 kr |
45-54 | 92% | 45200 kr | 46400 kr |
55-64 | 96% | 42900 kr | 44300 kr |
Snitt | 88% | 0 kr | 47500 kr |
Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
---|---|---|---|
35-44 | 113% | 40400 kr | 41600 kr |
45-54 | 92% | 41500 kr | 42500 kr |
55-64 | 96% | 40900 kr | 42400 kr |
Snitt | 88% | 40400 kr | 41600 kr |
Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
---|---|---|---|
35-44 | 113% | 40400 kr | 41600 kr |
45-54 | 92% | 41500 kr | 42500 kr |
55-64 | 96% | 40900 kr | 42400 kr |
Snitt | 88% | 40400 kr | 41600 kr |
Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
---|---|---|---|
35-44 | 113% | 40400 kr | 41600 kr |
45-54 | 92% | 41500 kr | 42500 kr |
55-64 | 96% | 40900 kr | 42400 kr |
Snitt | 88% | 40400 kr | 41600 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 Composer, art music has the SSYK code 2652, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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