- Salary statistics
- Furniture renovator
Furniture renovator
41 395 - 39 779 kr / month
Kultur, media, design
Salary progression Furniture renovator
What does a furniture restorer do? – tasks and work environment
A furniture restorer works with restoring, repairing, and renewing furniture, often with a special focus on older or antique items. Tasks include sanding, gluing, surface treatment, reupholstering textiles, and detailed woodwork. It requires great precision and sensitivity to the materials' quality and history. The work is usually performed in a workshop environment but can also involve client visits or on-site work for private individuals, companies, or museums. Collaboration with other craftsmen or specialists in, for example, upholstery or metalwork, is common depending on the furniture’s condition and needs.
Salary development over time
The profession of furniture restorer has experienced steady salary growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,200 SEK per month, increasing to 38 400 SEK in 2023. The latest data from 2024 shows the average salary is now 39 779 SEK. This represents an increase of just over 10% over the three-year period. The salary increase can largely be explained by a rising demand for sustainability and reuse, where craftsmanship skills and specialized knowledge are highly valued. At the same time, the job market for crafts professions has generally strengthened, which may also have contributed to the positive development. Regional variations may occur, but the salary increase has been clear across the country.
Furniture restorer salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 39 779 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
- Hourly wage: 239 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Data not available
- Regional differences: May occur, but no specific data
Education and qualifications
To work as a furniture restorer, a combination of craft education and practical experience is often required. There are vocational training programs in furniture restoration and related fields, including both theoretical and practical components. Many supplement their education with internships or apprenticeships to develop their skills and gain insight into various techniques.
- Formal education: Vocational training in furniture restoration, often 1–3 years
- Courses and certifications: Specialized courses in wood technology, surface treatment, and antique conservation
- Practical experience: Apprenticeships or workshop internships are highly recommended
- Prerequisites: Basic craftsmanship interest and good fine motor skills
- Self-study: Possible via online courses and personal practice
Many furniture restorers develop their own niche, for example in classical furniture craftsmanship or modern design, which can lead to exciting collaborations and unique projects. For those open to working with different materials and styles, there are great opportunities to create a personal profile and build a good reputation in the industry.
Common benefits and compensations
In addition to the base salary, furniture restorers may sometimes receive benefits such as wellness allowances, work clothing, or subsidized tools. In some cases, opportunities for further training, flexible working hours, and bonuses for larger projects are offered. Self-employed individuals often have the freedom to set their own hours and holidays, which provides flexibility but also greater responsibility.
Competition and challenges
The job market for furniture restorers offers both opportunities and challenges. Competition can be intense, especially in larger cities where many craftsmen operate. At the same time, demand for qualified furniture restoration remains stable, driven by trends in sustainable consumption and interest in reuse. Challenges include finding new clients, staying updated on materials and techniques, and managing time-consuming projects with high quality standards. Entrepreneurship is common, requiring both business acumen and craftsmanship skills.
Tips for aspiring furniture restorers
To succeed as a furniture restorer, it’s good to have a genuine interest in craftsmanship and history, along with patience for working carefully with details. Creativity is an important trait, especially when unexpected problems arise and solutions need to be found quickly. Being attentive to customer wishes while clearly communicating what is feasible is key to building trust. Practical experience, such as through internships or apprenticeships, provides valuable insight into daily work and strengthens both technical and social skills. The ability to work independently is central, but teamwork skills are also needed for larger projects. Finally, building a network of suppliers and partners can help offer comprehensive solutions.
Key facts about furniture restorers
- Education level: Vocational training in craftsmanship, often 1–3 years
- Work environment: Workshop, sometimes client visits
- Common employment: Self-employed or employed in small companies
- Demand: 620 available jobs within the visual arts profession
- Special skills: Wood technology, surface treatment, textiles, and antique conservation
Career paths and future prospects
After a few years of experience, a furniture restorer can develop into a specialist in areas such as antique restoration or advanced upholstery. Building a personal client base and starting a business is common, or progressing to supervisory roles in larger workshops. Some combine craftsmanship with teaching or consulting. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast for the visual arts profession, no specific assessment is made for furniture restorers, but demand for craftsmanship and sustainable solutions is expected to remain stable. There are good opportunities for those willing to develop their skills and adapt to market needs.
Frequently asked questions about furniture restorers
- What does a furniture restorer earn?
- The average salary is 39 779 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 239 SEK. - Is formal education required to become a furniture restorer?
- A vocational training in furniture restoration is recommended, often 1–3 years, but practical experience is also important. - What are the most common work environments?
- Most work in workshop environments, but client visits and on-site work also occur. - What does the job market look like?
- There are 620 available jobs within the visual arts profession, which includes furniture restorers. - What personal qualities are important?
- Meticulousness, creativity, and patience are crucial for success in the profession. - Are there gender differences in salary?
- Specific data on gender differences in salary is lacking for this profession. - What is required to start your own business as a furniture restorer?
- In addition to professional skills, business acumen, networking, and administrative abilities are needed.
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 renovator has the SSYK code 2651, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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