How much does a Master painter make

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  2. Master painter
Image that illustrates Master painter

Master painter

36 800 kr

Painters

32 500 - 37 800 kr / month

Women earn 86% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Master painter

Average salary 36 800 kr
Males 37 700 kr
Females 32 600 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 15 Vacant jobs ->

What does a painting master do? – Tasks and work environment

A painting master is responsible for planning, leading, and executing advanced painting tasks within construction and property management. The duties often include preparatory work, surface treatment, decorative painting, color schemes, as well as quality control of the finished work. The role also involves supervising apprentices and less experienced painters, coordinating work teams, and ensuring that work is performed according to current industry standards and safety regulations. The work environment can vary between indoor and outdoor settings, often on construction sites, in residential buildings, or commercial properties where both physical labor and leadership responsibilities are involved.

Salary development over time

Salaries for painting masters have shown a steady upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,500 SEK per month, increasing to 34 900 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary further rose to 36 800 SEK per month. The total increase over a three-year period amounts to approximately 6.6%, indicating a positive salary growth compared to many other trades. A contributing factor to this development is the continued high demand for qualified painters and painting masters, especially in connection with new construction and renovations. The shortage of labor within the profession has further strengthened salary development, while the education level and experience of painting masters remain high.

Painting master salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 36 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 32,500 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, 3-year vocational training)
  • Highest salary: 37,800 SEK/month (male, regional sector, up to 2-year vocational training)
  • Hourly wage: 221 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
  • Women earn: 32 600 SEK/month
  • Men earn: 37 700 SEK/month
  • Women’s salary as a percentage of men’s: 86%
  • Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on region and employer, with higher wages in metropolitan areas and where demand is high.

Education and qualifications

To work as a painting master, a vocational education in painting is usually required, followed by several years of work experience and often a master craftsman certificate. Qualifications include both practical and theoretical knowledge of color theory, materials, and work environment safety. Many painting masters start as apprentices and advance through further training and certifications.

  • Vocational training: Painting at the upper secondary Building and Construction program (3 years)
  • Master craftsman certificate: After at least 6 years of work experience and passing approved exams
  • Internship/Apprenticeship: Often 1–2 years after completing training
  • Certifications: Work environment, safety, and specialized techniques
  • Recommended prior skills: Precision, color perception, craftsmanship

Many painting masters have specialized in advanced techniques such as decorative painting, gilding, or restoring historic buildings. This type of expertise can make the profession both artistic and technically challenging, providing a unique variety of tasks.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Painting masters are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, work clothing, tool allowances, as well as various insurance and pension schemes through collective agreements. Larger companies may also provide further training, extra vacation days, and bonuses, especially for those with leadership roles or specialist skills.

Competition and challenges

The profession of painting master is characterized by high demand, but competition for the most attractive assignments and workplaces can be significant. The national shortage of painters makes it easier for experienced painting masters to find work. Challenges include staying updated on new materials and techniques, working ergonomically to avoid strain injuries, and managing seasonal variations and economic fluctuations in the construction industry. Flexibility and stress management are important, as well as digital documentation and administrative skills that have become increasingly necessary.

Tips for those who want to become a painting master

To succeed as a painting master, it is important to combine technical skill with a good eye for color and form. Precision and patience are crucial, especially for advanced or decorative painting projects. Initiative and problem-solving skills are valuable when unexpected challenges arise. Being social and communicative is also an advantage, as the profession often involves collaboration with colleagues, clients, and other trades. Continuing education in new techniques and materials enhances career opportunities, and a willingness to take responsibility facilitates advancement to leadership roles within the painting industry.

Key facts about painting masters

  • Educational level: Vocational training + master craftsman certificate
  • Work environment: Varies, both indoors and outdoors
  • Job market: High demand and shortage of painters
  • Typical employment: Permanent employment or own business
  • Special skills: Decorative painting, restoration, color schemes

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years in the profession, a painting master can advance to supervisor, project manager, or start their own painting company. Experience and further education open opportunities to specialize in, for example, restoration of historic buildings or advanced decorative techniques. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast, employment prospects remain strong, with demand expected to stay stable over the next five years. There is a nationwide shortage of painters, with over 379 job openings registered in the profession, providing good future prospects for both newly trained and experienced painting masters.

Frequently asked questions about painting masters

  • What does a painting master earn?
    - The average salary for a painting master is 36 800 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, gender, and employer.
  • How does one become a painting master?
    - The path usually involves vocational training in painting, followed by several years of experience and a master craftsman certificate.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 86% of men's salaries within the profession.
  • What is the demand for painting masters?
    - The job market is very good, with many opportunities and a nationwide shortage of painters.
  • What tasks does a painting master perform?
    - Planning, leading work teams, advanced painting tasks, quality control, and supervising apprentices.
  • What specializations exist for painting masters?
    - Decorative painting, restoration, color schemes, and technically advanced projects.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-13 06:28:29

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Master painter is 37800 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Regional sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 33600 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Master painter is 32500 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 34600 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 30000 kr 30100 kr
25-34 36500 kr 36500 kr
35-44 38200 kr 38200 kr
45-54 38600 kr 38600 kr
55-64 38600 kr 38600 kr
Snitt 86% 36800 kr 36800 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 Master painter has the SSYK code 7131, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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Net salary
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