How much does a Choirmaster make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Choirmaster
Image that illustrates Choirmaster

Choirmaster

48 300 kr

Musicians, singers and composers

42 200 - 51 900 kr / month

Women earn 85% of what men do.

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Choirmaster

Average salary 48 300 kr
Males 51 900 kr
Females 44 200 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 6 Vacant jobs ->

What does a Kormästare do? – tasks and work environment

A Kormästare is responsible for leading and developing choir activities, often within churches, concert halls, or other musical institutions. The work involves conducting choirs during rehearsals and performances, selecting and arranging repertoire, and instructing singers in techniques and musical interpretation. Many Kormästare also participate in recruiting choir members and work closely with other musicians, conductors, and administrators. The work environment is characterized by both artistic and pedagogical elements, where flexibility and good communication are crucial. It is common to work evenings and weekends, especially in connection with concerts and larger events.

Salary development over time

The salary for Kormästare has shown some variation over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 45,200 SEK per month, which decreased slightly to 44 300 SEK in 2023, a reduction of about 2%. However, in 2024, the salary increased significantly to 48 300 SEK, corresponding to a rise of over 9% compared to the previous year. This development can be partly explained by increased demand for qualified choir conductors in both church and independent music organizations, as well as a greater focus on musical efforts in society. The salary increase also reflects a shortage of experienced Kormästare, leading employers to offer higher wages to attract and retain talent.

Kormästare salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 48 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 42,200 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 51,900 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 290 SEK
  • Women: 44,200 SEK/month
  • Men: 51,900 SEK/month
  • Women earn: 85% of what men do

Education and qualifications

To work as a Kormästare, a higher music education with a focus on choral conducting is usually required, often supplemented with experience in singing and music pedagogy. Many have degrees from music colleges and have participated in further training or specialized courses in conducting and ensemble leadership. Practical experience in choir work, both as a singer and conductor, is often a requirement.

  • Formal degree: Music college with a focus on choral conducting (3–5 years)
  • Certifications/courses: Specialized courses in conducting and singing techniques
  • Practical experience: Leading and organizing choirs
  • Prerequisites: Good knowledge of music theory and singing
  • Self-study: Personal development in repertoire and leadership

Many Kormästare participate in international choir festivals and collaborations, which provide opportunities for idea and repertoire exchange. These networks can be crucial for both personal development and career advancement.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Kormästare often have access to professional development grants, wellness allowances, and sometimes extra vacation weeks. Travel related to concerts and festivals is often included, as well as flexible working hours. Some employers also offer pension contributions and access to rehearsal spaces or instruments.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a Kormästare can be fierce, especially in larger cities where interest in musical leadership roles is high. At the same time, recruitment difficulties occur in smaller towns, where it can be hard to find qualified candidates. The profession demands high musical skill, pedagogical ability, and organizational leadership. Challenges also include balancing artistic freedom with employer and audience expectations, as well as continuously developing oneself and the choir to maintain a high artistic level.

Tips for aspiring Kormästare

To succeed as a Kormästare, it is beneficial to combine musical skill with strong leadership and pedagogical sense. Active participation in choirs and ensemble playing provides valuable practical experience and enhances social skills, which are essential when leading groups. It is also wise to seek mentorship from established conductors and participate in further training to stay updated on repertoire and methods. Good organizational skills facilitate planning of events and rehearsals, while creativity helps inspire singers and renew the choir's expression. Being attentive and communicative creates a safe work environment where everyone can develop, and perseverance is an asset when the work involves many hours and high energy during intense periods.

Key facts about Kormästare

  • Education level: Music college with a focus on choral conducting
  • Work environment: Concert halls, congregations, and educational institutions
  • Typical employment: Permanent or project-based
  • Demand: Great opportunities for work nationwide
  • Special skills: Choir conducting and musical leadership

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Kormästare, opportunities open for more senior roles, such as artistic director at larger institutions or as a university instructor. Some choose to specialize in specific genres or work internationally. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast for the profession of Musicians, Singers, and Composers, job opportunities are expected to be large, with demand remaining stable over the next five years. Despite some recruitment difficulties, there are approximately 620 job openings in the profession, indicating good future prospects for qualified Kormästare. The labor market is characterized by a paradox where there is both a shortage of skills and high turnover, increasing the importance of experience and networks.

Frequently asked questions about Kormästare

  • What is the average salary of a Kormästare?
    - The average salary for a Kormästare is 48 300 SEK per month.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for a Kormästare?
    - The highest salary is 51,900 SEK and the lowest is 42,200 SEK per month.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn 44,200 SEK and men 51,900 SEK, which means women earn 85% of men's salaries.
  • Is a music college degree required to become a Kormästare?
    - Most employers require a degree from a music college with a focus on choral conducting.
  • What is the job market outlook for Kormästare?
    - The Employment Service assesses the opportunities as large, with approximately 620 job openings in the profession.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Leadership, musical ability, pedagogical skill, and good communication are central.
  • What is the hourly wage for a Kormästare?
    - The average hourly wage is 290 SEK.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-12 06:22:47

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Choirmaster is 51900 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a unspecified education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 44200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Choirmaster is 42200 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 49800 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
35-44 88% 47600 kr 48100 kr
45-54 44100 kr 44900 kr
55-64 96% 46900 kr 48100 kr
65-68 45500 kr 46800 kr
Snitt 85% 47400 kr 48300 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
Register an account before you can comment

To write a comment you need to create an account.

Default Avatar

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 Choirmaster has the SSYK code 2652, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

Search salary statistics for occupation
8000 kr
<-|->
90000 kr
Vacant jobs
Show more
Similar occupations
Latest posts
  • Public Opinion - Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Public Opinion

    Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35
  • National Debt - The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    National Debt

    The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00
Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

With our Swedish tax calculator, you can easily calculate your after-tax income (net salary).

Swedish Church Member

* Updated with 2025 taxes

Explore more topics