How much does a Choir singer, classical music make

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  2. Choir singer, classical music
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Choir singer, classical music

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 Choir singer, classical music

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

What does a classical choir singer do? – Tasks and work environment

Classical music choir singers perform vocal works in various types of choirs, often collaborating with orchestras, conductors, and other singers. Their tasks include rehearsing and interpreting classical choral works, participating in concerts, recordings, and sometimes tours both nationally and internationally. The environment demands high musical precision, teamwork, and sensitivity to the conductor and fellow singers. Rehearsals are often held in concert halls, music colleges, or churches, and workload can vary greatly depending on season and projects. Many choir singers are employed by professional choirs, while others work freelance or combine singing with teaching roles.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salary development for classical music choir singers has shown fluctuations with a clear increase in the last year. In 2022, the average salary was 45,200 SEK per month. In 2023, it decreased slightly to 44 300 SEK, a decline of about 2 %. Between 2023 and 2024, there was a significant increase to 48 300 SEK, a rise of just over 9 %. This trend reflects increased demand for qualified singers and some adjustment for inflation and changing conditions within the cultural sector. Differences between years may also be due to changes in employment forms and the availability of larger productions or projects.

Classical music choir singer salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 48 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 42,200 SEK/month (female, post-secondary education shorter than 3 years)
  • Highest salary: 51,900 SEK/month (male, private sector employee)
  • Hourly rate: 290 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Women earn 85 % of what men do (44,200 SEK/month vs 51,900 SEK/month)
  • Regional differences: No specific data available

Education and qualifications

The path to a professional career as a classical music choir singer often involves a music college education specializing in singing or choir singing. Besides formal education, long-term vocal training and ensemble experience are required. Practical skills, pitch, and sight-reading are crucial, as is the ability to interpret classical works and collaborate with conductors and other singers. Many supplement their education with individual courses, masterclasses, or internships at professional choirs.

  • Music college degree: Bachelor or Master (3–5 years)
  • Special courses in singing and interpretation: 1–2 years
  • Internships or trainee programs: Often through professional choirs
  • Prerequisites: Good sight-reading skills, musical experience
  • Masterclasses and workshops: Recommended for networking and development

Many professional choir singers have opportunities to work internationally, especially at major festivals and collaborations between European choirs and orchestras. This opens doors to unique cultural experiences and networks that can be crucial for career development.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensation

Classical music choir singers often enjoy benefits such as pension schemes, insurance, wellness allowances, and sometimes subsidized travel related to concerts or tours. Longer engagements may also offer opportunities for further training and skills development. Compensation for inconvenient working hours or extra efforts during major events is common in the profession.

Competition and challenges

The competition for permanent positions in professional choirs is intense, especially for the most prestigious ensembles. Many highly trained singers compete for the same roles, demanding both musical skill and personal flexibility. Job insecurity, seasonal variations, and a limited number of permanent roles can lead to periods of irregular income. Additionally, the profession requires ongoing vocal care and physical endurance, as repertoire is often demanding and workload varies. A challenge is also balancing artistic ambitions with the economic conditions within the cultural sector.

Tips for aspiring classical music choir singers

To succeed as a classical music choir singer, develop strong musical discipline through regular practice and vocal care. Attentiveness and adaptability are essential, as collaboration with conductors and other singers often requires quick changes and new interpretations. Participation in multiple choirs or projects provides valuable experience and expands professional networks. Precision in sight-reading and interpretation is necessary to quickly learn new works. Being open to feedback and continuous development contributes to long-term success. Social skills and teamwork make the work more enjoyable and efficient. Patience and perseverance are also vital, as building a stable career often takes time and dedication.

Key facts about Classical Music Choir Singers

  • Education level: Music college, bachelor or master (3–5 years)
  • Typical employment: Project-based or freelance
  • Occupational group: Musicians, singers, and composers
  • Demand: 620 available jobs nationally
  • Special skills: Sight-reading and ensemble experience

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a classical music choir singer, many advance to soloist roles, work as vocal teachers, or develop a career as a freelance singer at major festivals and international collaborations. The employment forecast from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicates that job opportunities are large nationally, but demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. The recruitment situation is paradoxical: there are both recruitment difficulties and a high proportion of part-time workers or those leaving the profession. Competition for the most attractive roles remains high, but those who are flexible and open to project-based work have good prospects for long-term employment in the field.

Common questions about Classical Music Choir Singers

  • What does a classical music choir singer earn?
    - The average salary is 48 300 SEK per month, with an hourly rate of 290 SEK.
  • What are the gender differences in the profession?
    - Men earn an average of 51,900 SEK and women 44,200 SEK, which means women earn 85 % of men's salary.
  • What education is needed to become a classical music choir singer?
    - A university degree in music with experience in ensemble and choir singing is recommended.
  • What is the job market like for choir singers?
    - There are 620 available jobs nationally, and opportunities are large, but competition for permanent roles is high.
  • What personal qualities are important in the profession?
    - Attentiveness, teamwork, and endurance are key qualities for success.
  • Are there regional salary differences?
    - No specific regional data available.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for the profession?
    - The highest is 51,900 SEK (male, private sector); the lowest is 42,200 SEK (female with less than 3 years post-secondary education).

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-12 08:56:04

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Choir singer, classical music 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 Choir singer, classical music 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
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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 Choir singer, classical 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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