Furniture conservator salary

Salary and Working Conditions for Furniture Conservators

Working as a furniture conservator is a profession that combines artistic skill with technical knowledge. As a furniture conservator, you work to preserve and restore furniture and other wooden objects to maintain their historical and aesthetic value. It is a profession that requires precision and a deep understanding of materials and techniques.

Average Salary and Salary Development

The average salary for a furniture conservator is currently 38 400 kronor per month. This is a decrease from the previous average salary of 36 200 kronor. Unfortunately, we lack specific salary data for men and women in the profession, making it difficult to analyze any potential gender pay gaps.

Education and Qualifications

To become a furniture conservator, a higher education degree in crafts or a conservation program specializing in furniture is usually required. Practical experience is also very important, and many conservators start their careers through internships or apprenticeship programs. Having knowledge of art history and chemistry is also advantageous, as these subjects are relevant to the preservation of materials.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

As a furniture conservator, you work on examining, documenting, and restoring furniture and wooden objects. This may involve analyzing damages and wear, selecting appropriate methods and materials for restoration, and carrying out the restoration work. You may also be involved in providing advice to museums, collectors, and individuals on how best to preserve their items.

Daily Tasks

Workdays can vary greatly depending on the nature of the project, but common tasks may include:

• Examining furniture and wooden objects to assess their condition.
• Documenting damages and previous restoration work.
• Choosing appropriate methods and materials for restoration.
• Carrying out restoration work, including cleaning, repairing, and stabilizing.
• Providing advice and education on conservation and maintenance.

Job Outlook

The job market for furniture conservators is relatively specialized. According to the Employment Service, there is no specific forecast for furniture conservators due to limited data. The profession is part of the group of visual artists, for which there is also no clear assessment of job prospects. It is therefore important to be flexible and open to working on various types of projects and with different employers, including museums, private collections, and antique dealers.

Benefits and Working Conditions

Benefits may vary depending on the employer, but it is not uncommon for museums and larger institutions to offer paid training and professional development opportunities for their employees. Other potential benefits may include flexible working hours and the opportunity to work with unique and historically significant items.

Considerations for Working as a Furniture Conservator

If you are interested in becoming a furniture conservator, it is important to have a passion for crafts and history. Precision and patience are also crucial qualities, as restoration work is often detailed and time-consuming. Staying updated on the latest techniques and materials in the conservation field is also important for performing high-quality work.

In conclusion, furniture conservation is a profession for those with an artistic inclination and a deep respect for history and preservation. Despite a slight decrease in salary in recent times, the profession offers a unique opportunity to work with historically valuable items and contribute to their preservation for future generations.