- Salary statistics
- Conservator, metal
Conservator, metal
41 395 - 39 779 kr / month
Kultur, media, design
Salary progression Conservator, metal
What does a conservator within metal do? – Tasks and work environment
A conservator within metal works on preserving, restoring, and documenting metal objects, often of cultural-historical significance. Tasks include analyzing and assessing the condition of objects, performing practical conservation measures such as cleaning, stabilization, and protective treatments. The conservator typically works in museum environments, cultural institutions, or private assignments, often collaborating with archaeologists, museum technicians, and researchers. The work environment is varied, including laboratory work and fieldwork, where precision and patience are essential qualities.
Salary development over time
The salary for a conservator within metal has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,200 SEK per month, increasing to 38 400 SEK in 2023. The latest figure for 2024 indicates a further increase to 39 779 SEK per month, representing a total salary increase of about 9.9% over the three-year period. This positive trend can partly be explained by increased demand for specialized conservation skills, as well as general salary development within the cultural sector. Although the profession is relatively niche, larger museum investments and a growing interest in cultural heritage help keep salaries stable. However, salary development can vary depending on the employer, experience, and location.
Conservator within metal – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 39 779 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
- Hourly wage: 239 SEK
- Gender differences: Data not available
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
To work as a conservator within metal, a university degree in conservation is usually required, often with a specialization in metal objects. The educational path is academically demanding, including both scientific subjects and practical components. Many employers also value experience from internships or traineeships, where skills and material knowledge can be further developed.
- Formal degree: Bachelor's or master's degree in conservation (3–5 years)
- Specialization: Focus on metal conservation
- Internships: Often mandatory during studies
- Additional courses: Courses in material analysis and restoration techniques
- Prerequisites: Basic eligibility, sometimes including science subjects
Working as a conservator within metal often involves handling objects that can be hundreds or even thousands of years old. It requires not only technical skill but also great respect for the cultural heritage and the objects' historical stories.
Common benefits and compensations
Those working as a conservator within metal are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional development through courses and conferences. In some cases, additional vacation days and occupational pensions are included, especially within larger museums or public institutions.
Competition and challenges
The profession of conservator within metal is relatively niche, meaning competition for permanent positions can be high, especially in metropolitan areas where larger museums are located. However, there are more opportunities for temporary and project-based roles, often linked to specific exhibitions or restoration projects. Challenges include staying updated on new techniques and materials, as well as managing a sometimes limited job market. Flexibility and willingness to work in different locations can therefore be crucial for finding the right position in the field.
Tips for aspiring conservators within metal
To succeed as a conservator within metal, it is beneficial to combine meticulousness and analytical skills with a genuine interest in history and cultural heritage. Patience and methodical work during education and practical tasks are essential, as many conservation projects require long-term focus and precision. Building a network during studies, for example through internships, can lead to future job opportunities. Strong communication skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues and clients, and openness to new techniques and methods helps maintain relevance in the job market. Creativity can also be a valuable asset when solving unexpected problems during conservation of unique objects. Finally, demonstrating a high level of responsibility ensures that each object is treated in the best possible way.
Key facts about conservator within metal
- Education level: Bachelor's or master's degree in conservation
- Work environment: Museums, cultural institutions, and laboratories
- Work form: Often project-based or consulting assignments
- Special skills: Material analysis and restoration techniques for metal
- Demand: Niche job market with 620 available jobs within the occupational group
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession as a conservator within metal, there may be opportunities to handle larger and more complex projects, work as a project manager, or supervise new conservators. Some choose to specialize further, for example in archaeological conservation, or move into research and teaching. According to the Employment Service's forecasts, no specific assessment is made for this profession, as it is part of the group of visual artists and others, but there are indications that demand is limited and competition for permanent positions can be high. At the same time, there are a total of 620 available jobs within the occupational group, indicating some mobility and opportunities, especially for those flexible regarding location and employment type.
Frequently asked questions about conservator within metal
- What does a conservator within metal earn?
- The average salary is 39 779 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 239 SEK. - What education is required to become a conservator within metal?
- A bachelor's or master's degree in conservation, often with a focus on metal, is the most common requirement. - What is the job market like for conservators within metal?
- The job market is niche with relatively few permanent positions, but there are 620 available jobs within the group of visual artists and others. - What personal qualities are important in the profession?
- Meticulousness, analytical skills, patience, and a strong interest in history and cultural heritage are important qualities. - Is there high competition for jobs?
- Yes, especially for permanent positions in large cities, but project-based employment and consulting assignments are common. - Which workplaces can hire a conservator within metal?
- Museums, cultural-historical institutions, private conservation firms, and sometimes universities or research projects.
Salary distributed by age and sector
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 Conservator, metal has the SSYK code 2651, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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