- Salary statistics
- Furniture conservator
Furniture conservator
41 395 - 39 779 kr / month
Kultur, media, design
Salary progression Furniture conservator
What does a furniture conservator do? – Tasks and work environment
Furniture conservators work to preserve, restore, and document furniture and interior objects of cultural and historical value. Their tasks often include analyzing materials and manufacturing techniques, assessing condition, and performing conservation measures such as cleaning, stabilization, and repair. Furniture conservators collaborate with museums, archives, antiquarian bookstores, and sometimes private collectors, and the environment can range from workshops to historic settings and institutions. Precision, patience, and a strong respect for original materials are central aspects of the profession.
Salary development over time
Salaries for furniture conservators have steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,200 SEK per month, rising to 38 400 SEK in 2023. The most recent recorded salary for 2024 is 39 779 SEK per month. This represents a percentage increase of approximately 10% over this period. The salary development reflects a growing demand for specialized conservation skills, while competition for positions in the cultural sector remains significant. Factors such as high educational levels, a shortage of experienced conservators, and increased focus on cultural heritage preservation have contributed to this positive salary trend.
Furniture conservator salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 39 779 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data unavailable
- Hourly wage: 239 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: No data available
- Regional differences: No data available
Education and qualifications
To work as a furniture conservator, a higher education in conservation is usually required, with a specific focus on furniture and wood. The educational path is academic and combines theoretical studies with practical components and extended internships. Specialized courses and ongoing professional development are important to stay updated on new techniques and materials.
- Formal degree: Bachelor's degree in conservation (3 years), sometimes master's or postgraduate
- Certifications/courses: Specialized courses in furniture conservation and material science
- Internships: Longer internships at museums or institutions are common
- Prerequisites: Basic eligibility, sometimes art or craft background
- Tips for choosing: Select programs with a strong focus on practical skills and industry networks
Working as a furniture conservator often involves interdisciplinary collaboration, for example with architects, cultural historians, and craftsmen. Those who enjoy cross-disciplinary projects and want to contribute to preserving our shared cultural heritage can find great satisfaction in this profession.
Common benefits and compensations
Furniture conservators are often offered benefits such as flexible working hours, opportunities for skill development and further training, and wellness allowances. Within some institutions, travel allowances and access to specialized equipment may be included. Employment at larger museums or government employers can also entail occupational pension schemes and longer vacations.
Competition and challenges
The job market for furniture conservators is relatively small, and competition for permanent positions can be high, especially at larger museums and institutions. Since the profession requires a unique combination of artistic sensibility and technical skill, few reach the level of a specialist. Challenges include limited resources within the cultural sector, project-based employment, and the need for continuous further education. Many furniture conservators work periodically as consultants or freelancers, which requires a strong network and business skills.
Tips for aspiring furniture conservators
To succeed as a furniture conservator, patience and meticulousness are important, as the work often demands long periods of concentration on details. A genuine interest in cultural history and the aging of materials helps in understanding the value and needs of objects. Developing a good eye for color, shape, and structure facilitates assessments and restorations, while strong teamwork skills are crucial in interdisciplinary projects. Building networks within the museum and art worlds early on is advisable, as many jobs are obtained through personal contacts. Finally, a future furniture conservator should be flexible and prepared to combine theory and practice in daily work.
Key facts about Furniture Conservator
- Educational level: Bachelor's degree or higher in conservation
- Work environment: Workshop, museums, and cultural heritage sites
- Work form: Both employment and consulting assignments are common
- Demand: Limited number of positions, but specialized skills are sought after
- Special knowledge: Material analysis and gentle restoration techniques
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a furniture conservator can advance to senior conservator, project manager, or specialized advisor within larger institutions. It is also common to work as a consultant or start a private practice in conservation and heritage consultancy. According to the Public Employment Service, there is no specific forecast for furniture conservators, but in the visual arts and conservation professions, approximately 620 job openings are available. The demand for specialized conservation skills is expected to continue, even though the number of permanent positions is limited. The sector’s need to preserve cultural heritage and increased awareness of sustainability support ongoing relevance.
Frequently asked questions about Furniture Conservator
- What does a furniture conservator earn?
- The average salary is 39 779 SEK per month according to current statistics. - What education is required to become a furniture conservator?
- A bachelor's degree in conservation with a focus on furniture is recommended. - What does the job market look like for furniture conservators?
- Limited number of permanent positions, but specialized skills are in demand and consulting assignments are common. - Which workplaces hire furniture conservators?
- Common employers include museums, cultural heritage institutions, antiquarian bookstores, and archives. - Are there gender differences in salary for furniture conservators?
- There is no available data on gender differences in salary for this profession. - What personal qualities are important?
- Attention to detail, patience, artistic sense, and teamwork skills are essential qualities.
Salary distributed by age and sector
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 Furniture conservator has the SSYK code 2651, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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