Church offices

What does a Kyrkokantor do? – Tasks and work environment

A Kyrkokantor mainly works with leading and accompanying music in church activities. Tasks include playing the organ or piano during services, baptisms, weddings, and funerals, as well as managing and leading the church choir activities. A significant part of the work involves planning and rehearsing music pieces, collaborating with priests and other staff, and sometimes teaching children and adults in singing and music. The work environment is often characterized by varied hours, including evenings and weekends, and can involve both individual work and teamwork. Kyrkokantorer are usually employed within the Church of Sweden but may also work in other congregations or as freelancers.

Salary development over time

The salary for Kyrkokantorer has shown a clear increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 45,200 SEK per month, while in 2023 it increased to 44 300 SEK, representing a slight decrease of about 2%. The largest increase occurred between 2023 and 2024, when the average salary rose to 48 300 SEK, an increase of over 9%. This positive trend can be linked to increased demand for the profession and difficulties in recruiting qualified candidates, which often drives up salaries. Gender differences still exist, with women still earning a lower average salary than men. The salary development also reflects an increased recognition of the complexity of the profession and the level of education required.

Kyrkokantor salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 48 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 42,200 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 51,900 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 290 SEK/hour
• Difference men/women: Men 51,900 SEK, women 44,200 SEK (women earn 85% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Vary depending on employer and region, but larger congregations and cities may sometimes offer higher salaries.

Education and qualifications

To work as a Kyrkokantor, a solid musical education with a focus on church music is required. The educational path often includes studies at a university or folk high school, covering organ playing, choir conducting, and liturgy. Many employers prefer candidates with practical experience from church music activities and good knowledge of Swedish, as well as pedagogical skills for choir and teaching activities.

• Church musician degree: 2–4 years of study at a music college or folk high school
• Certification: The Church of Sweden's own church musician degree
• Internship: Often includes practical periods in a congregation during studies
• Prerequisites: Good skills in organ, piano, and singing
• Pedagogical experience: Meritorious for employment

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for Kyrkokantorer include occupational pension, wellness contributions, and generous vacation conditions, especially within the Church of Sweden. Many also offer opportunities for professional development, flexible working hours, and compensation for unsocial hours during evenings and weekends. Some employers may also provide work tools such as instruments and rehearsal spaces.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as Kyrkokantor can vary depending on the region and the size of the congregation, but nationwide there is often a shortage of qualified candidates. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, there are great opportunities for work, but the recruitment situation is paradoxical: while demand is high, there are reports of high unemployment and many part-time positions within the profession. Challenges include meeting the congregation's diverse musical needs, managing irregular hours, and sometimes limited resources. The ability to combine artistic work with pedagogical and administrative tasks is crucial for long-term success.

Tips for those who want to become a Kyrkokantor

To succeed as a Kyrkokantor, it helps to have a strong musical foundation and the ability to collaborate with others. Developing flexibility is important since the work often involves varying hours and tasks. A strong commitment to the church's activities and faith can make it easier to create meaningful musical experiences. Good organizational skills facilitate planning choir rehearsals, concerts, and services. Social skills and pedagogical abilities are invaluable when working with choir members and congregation members. Staying updated on new church music and participating in further training can inspire and improve work quality. Finally, resilience and stress management are important qualities when workloads increase, especially during major holidays.

Key facts about Kyrkokantor

• Occupational group: Musicians, singers, and composers
• Education requirements: Church musician degree (2–4 years)
• Work environment: Church and parish hall, often varying hours
• Demand: Great opportunities for work nationwide
• Available jobs: 620 positions within the profession in spring 2024

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Kyrkokantor, there are opportunities to develop into more specialized roles such as lead church musician, organist, or music pedagog within the congregation. Some choose to combine the role with freelance assignments, concert work, or further education in choir conducting or composition. Forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicate that the demand for Kyrkokantorer and organists is expected to remain high and stable over the next five years. At the same time, the recruitment situation is characterized by some paradox, with difficulties in finding the right competence combined with relatively high unemployment and part-time work within the group. Specialist skills and experience in leading choirs or working with children and youth can enhance career opportunities. Related professions include organist, music teacher, and music pedagog in cultural schools.

Common questions about Kyrkokantor

• What is the average salary of a Kyrkokantor?
  - A Kyrkokantor has an average monthly salary of 48 300 SEK.
• What is the starting salary for a Kyrkokantor?
  - The lowest reported salary is 42,200 SEK per month, usually for women with post-secondary education shorter than 3 years.
• Are there large salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn an average of 44,200 SEK while men earn 51,900 SEK, which means women earn approximately 85% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a Kyrkokantor?
  - Most commonly, a church musician degree from a music college or folk high school, 2–4 years.
• What is the job market like for Kyrkokantorer?
  - Opportunities for employment are considered large nationwide, with approximately 620 available positions in spring 2024.
• Do Kyrkokantorer mostly work full-time or part-time?
  - The profession includes both full-time and part-time employment, and irregular hours are common.
• What related professions are there?
  - Related professions include organist, music teacher, and music pedagog.