Image that illustrates Conservator, furniture

Conservator, furniture

39 779 kr

Visual artists etc.

41 395 - 39 779 kr / month

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Conservator, furniture

Profession Conservator, furniture and its salary

What does a furniture conservator do? – Tasks and work environment

A furniture conservator specializes in preserving, restoring, and documenting historically and artistically valuable furniture. Tasks often include examining furniture condition, identifying damages, analyzing materials and techniques, and designing conservation plans. This can involve stabilizing loose parts, repairing damages, cleaning surfaces, and gently restoring old finishes in a documented manner. The work environment varies between museums, institutions, private studios, and sometimes on-site with collectors or in cultural heritage settings. The job requires great precision, attention to detail, and a scientific approach.

Salary development over time

The salary for furniture conservators has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,200 SEK per month, rising the following year to 38 400 SEK. In 2024, the average salary has increased further and is now 39 779 SEK per month. This development corresponds to an increase of about 10% over the three-year period. The salary increase can partly be explained by a rising demand for qualified conservation services, especially within museums and cultural heritage sectors, as well as general wage growth within the artistic profession. The limited number of specialists in the field may also contribute to higher wages, as expert knowledge is crucial for proper cultural heritage preservation.

Furniture conservator salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 39 779 SEK/month
  • Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
  • Hourly wage: 239 SEK/hour (based on 166 working hours/month)
  • Gender differences: Data not available
  • Regional differences: No specific information available

Education and qualifications

To work as a furniture conservator, a university degree in conservation is required, often with a focus on furniture and wood conservation. The education combines theory on materials science, art history, and scientific analysis methods with practical training in conservation techniques. Many employers also require documented internships or traineeships in the field.

  • Formal degree: Bachelor's degree in conservation (3 years), often with options for master's or postgraduate studies
  • Certifications: Specialized courses in wood/furniture conservation are recommended
  • Internships: Internships at museums or studios are highly meritorious
  • Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies
  • Advice for choosing: Select programs with a clear focus on cultural heritage and practical conservation

Furniture conservators often work interdisciplinary and collaborate with craftsmen, researchers, and museum staff. The daily variation between hands-on work and documentation makes the profession particularly dynamic for those who appreciate both practical and intellectual challenges.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Typical benefits for furniture conservators include flexible working hours, opportunities for professional development, wellness allowances, and sometimes extra vacation days. Larger institutions may also offer pension contributions and insurance solutions. Project-based employment may include additional pay for unsocial hours and travel allowances.

Competition and challenges

The job market for furniture conservators is relatively small, and competition for permanent positions can be high, especially within museums and major cultural institutions. Many work on a project basis or as consultants, requiring flexibility and networking skills. A challenge is staying updated with new materials and methods, as well as handling ethical questions related to restoring cultural objects. The limited number of training places and the specialized expertise mean that demand for experienced conservators can vary between regions and depend on funding within the cultural sector.

Tips for aspiring furniture conservators

To succeed as a furniture conservator, it is important to combine precision with a genuine curiosity about historical materials and techniques. Analytical skills facilitate damage assessment and choosing appropriate conservation methods, while patience and perseverance are needed for long-term projects. Good communication skills are valuable, as work often involves collaboration with other professionals and clear documentation. Practical skills and attention to detail are crucial, as is a willingness to continually learn about science and craft. Building a strong professional network and seeking internships during studies increase chances of employment, especially in a competitive job market.

Key facts about furniture conservators

  • Education level: Bachelor's degree in conservation (3 years)
  • Work environment: Museums, studios, and cultural heritage sites
  • Typical employment: Project-based or consultancy roles
  • Demand: Approximately 620 job openings within the visual arts profession
  • Special skills: Materials science, woodworking techniques, documentation

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a furniture conservator can advance to more specialized roles, such as project manager for larger conservation projects or head of collection care at a museum. Some move into research or teaching in conservation, while others start their own consultancy. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts for the broader visual arts group, there is no specific outlook for future job prospects, but about 620 job openings are reported within the group. Development is largely driven by public investments in cultural heritage and available project funding, making the job market sensitive to changes in financing and political priorities.

Frequently asked questions about furniture conservators

  • What does a furniture conservator earn?
    - A furniture conservator has an average salary of 39 779 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a furniture conservator?
    - A bachelor's degree in conservation with a focus on furniture is recommended, often supplemented with practical training.
  • What is the job market like for furniture conservators?
    - The job market is specialized and competition for permanent positions is high, but there are approximately 620 job openings within the visual arts profession.
  • What workplaces are most common for furniture conservators?
    - Common workplaces include museums, cultural heritage institutions, and private studios.
  • Are there regional salary differences for furniture conservators?
    - No specific information about regional salary differences is available.
  • What personal qualities are important for the profession?
    - Attention to detail, analytical skills, patience, and good communication are key competencies.
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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 Conservator, furniture has the SSYK code 2651, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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Net salary
31 377
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Fees
12 129

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