- Salary statistics
- Basket maker
Basket maker
30 400 - 30 900 kr / month
Hantverksyrken
Salary progression Basket maker
What does a basket maker do? – Tasks and work environment
A basket maker manufactures and repairs baskets, woven objects, and other products from natural materials such as willow, rattan, and bamboo. The work is often done by hand with great precision and sensitivity to the material's properties. Basket makers work either in their own workshop, in small craft businesses, or at cultural heritage institutions where traditional techniques are preserved. The work environment is typically calm and characterized by manual work, but can also involve heavy lifting and repetitive tasks, especially during larger orders or restoration projects.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, the salary for basket makers has shown some variation. In 2022, the average salary was 34,382 SEK per month, while in 2023 it increased slightly to 34 662 SEK. In 2024, however, the average salary has fallen to 30 900 SEK, corresponding to a decrease of about 11% compared to the previous year. This decline can partly be explained by decreased demand for traditional craftsmanship and increased competition from cheaper, industrially produced products. The profession is also affected by changes in cultural support and public funding, which can make wages more volatile than in many other craft professions.
Basket maker salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 30 900 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: Data not available
- Highest salary: Data not available
- Hourly wage: 186 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Data not available
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
To work as a basket maker, formal university education is usually not required, but many have completed vocational training in crafts or handicrafts. Practical experience, often gained through apprenticeships or internships, is highly valuable. Many basket makers also build their skills through self-study and participation in short courses organized by folk high schools or craft associations.
- Vocational training: Crafts programs or folk high schools (1–3 years)
- Courses: Basketry, handicrafts, and material knowledge
- Practical experience: Apprenticeship with an experienced basket maker is recommended
- Prerequisites: Interest in crafts and good fine motor skills
- Self-study: Common via online resources and craft associations
Many basket makers work to preserve and pass on old techniques that are at risk of disappearing. Traditional weaving methods and patterns can vary greatly between regions and often have their own local history.
Common benefits and compensation
Common benefits for basket makers may include flexible working hours, the possibility of remote work for custom orders, and access to specialized tools through employers or craft associations. In some cases, cultural stipends, exhibition grants, and support from cultural heritage projects may also be available.
Competition and challenges
Basket makers face a competitive job market, especially since the number of professionals is limited and demand for handmade products varies. Digitalization and import of cheaper baskets from abroad have affected the industry, making it difficult to maintain competitive wages. At the same time, a growing niche market exists among customers who value sustainability and traditional craftsmanship. Challenges also include access to quality materials and the need to constantly develop networks to find new customers and collaborations.
Tips for aspiring basket makers
To succeed as a basket maker, attention to detail and patience are essential, as the work requires precision at every step. Creativity and interest in materials provide an advantage when designing unique products and solutions. It is recommended to actively seek internships or apprenticeship opportunities to gain practical experience and understanding of the profession's demands. Good communication skills facilitate customer contact and sales, especially if working independently. Flexibility and adaptability to market changes are crucial for long-term success. Entrepreneurial spirit and the ability to market oneself digitally can open new opportunities and generate more stable income. Continuously updating skills in new techniques and materials is also valuable for staying relevant in the profession.
Key facts about Basket Makers
- Education level: Vocational training or apprenticeship most common
- Work environment: Workshop/store or own studio
- Work form: Self-employed or small business
- Demand: 341 available jobs within the profession
- Special knowledge: Material knowledge and traditional techniques
Career paths and future outlook
After three to five years in the profession, a basket maker can develop into a specialist in certain techniques or materials, or take on greater responsibility in their own business or studio. Opportunities also exist to work as course instructors, craft trainers, or collaborate with museums and cultural projects. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, demand for craft professions remains stable but niche, with some growth within cultural heritage projects and sustainable production. Digital channels and marketing have opened new sales avenues, which can lead to increased income for skilled basket makers.
Frequently asked questions about Basket Makers
- What does a basket maker earn?
- The average salary for a basket maker is 30 900 SEK per month. - How to become a basket maker?
- Most commonly, it involves completing a vocational training in crafts or handicrafts, or an apprenticeship pathway. - Are there many job opportunities as a basket maker?
- There are 341 available jobs within the profession (according to latest data). - Is education required to work as a basket maker?
- Formal education is not always necessary, but vocational training and practical experience are highly advantageous. - What does a basket maker do?
- A basket maker manufactures and repairs baskets and other woven items from natural materials. - What are the future prospects for basket makers?
- Demand remains stable within niche markets, especially in sustainability and cultural heritage. - Are there regional salary differences?
- Information about regional differences is currently unavailable.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30400 kr | 30900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30400 kr | 30900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30400 kr | 30900 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 Basket maker has the SSYK code 7319, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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