- Salary statistics
- Nature photographer salary
Nature photographer salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
33 400 - 44 400 SEK / month
Women earn 81% of what men do.
Kultur, media, design
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Salary progression Nature photographer
What does a nature photographer do? – Tasks and work environment
A nature photographer works to document animals, plants, landscapes, and the changing seasons through photography. Tasks range from planning and conducting fieldwork in the wilderness to editing images and writing texts for publications, exhibitions, or sales. Long days outdoors are common, sometimes in harsh environments and under changing weather conditions. Technical skills in camera equipment and image editing are crucial, as well as patience and the ability to work independently under pressure. Many nature photographers run their own freelance businesses, while some are employed within media, organizations, or the public sector.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, nature photographer salary has shown a steady but slow increase. In 2022, the average salary was 36,400 SEK per month, followed by 37 300 SEK in 2023 and 38 500 SEK in 2024. This change represents a total increase of just over 2.4 percent during the period. Salary levels are influenced by factors such as increased demand for professional images, technological advancements in digital image management, and fierce competition within the profession. Since many nature photographers work as self-employed, incomes can vary greatly between individuals and years. However, the trend indicates that the profession continues to be valued relatively highly as high-quality nature images become increasingly important for media, research, and marketing.
Nature photographer salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 38 500 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 36,100 SEK/month (male, post-secondary education shorter than 3 years)
- Highest salary: 39,600 SEK/month (male, public sector, high school education up to 2 years)
- Hourly wage (average): 224 SEK
- Men: 41 200 SEK/month
- Women: 37,100–39,000 SEK/month (according to available data)
- Regional differences: Data is missing – variations may occur depending on clients and geographic area.
Education and qualifications
To work as a nature photographer, no formal degree is usually required, but many have backgrounds in photography or natural sciences. Practical experience, technical skills, and a strong visual language are essential for success in the industry. Some choose to deepen their expertise through specialized training or courses in nature photography, while others build their careers through portfolio work and networking.
- Photography education (high school or post-secondary): 1–3 years
- Courses in nature photography and image editing: From a few weeks up to a year
- Internships or trainee programs: Often within media, organizations, or as assistants
- Prerequisites: Basic photography techniques and interest in nature
- Self-study and portfolio development: Important for showcasing style and skills
Many nature photographers combine their work with lectures, book publications, or guiding photo tours. Creating a niche, such as bird photography, macro, or landscapes, helps to differentiate in the market.
Common benefits and compensations
Common benefits for nature photographers include access to advanced camera equipment, reimbursement for travel and accommodation during assignments, and opportunities to participate in international competitions or exhibitions. Some employers also offer insurance, educational support, and flexible working hours, especially for those employed within media or larger organizations.
Competition and challenges
The job market for nature photographers is highly competitive, as many dream of working professionally with nature images. Competition is further intensified by technological developments that make it easier for amateurs to take high-quality photos. Challenges may also include irregular assignments, financial uncertainty, and self-marketing needs. Success often requires a combination of technical skills, perseverance, and networking. Many need to work with multiple income sources, such as lectures, workshops, or book projects, in addition to photography.
Tips for aspiring nature photographers
To succeed as a nature photographer, curiosity and perseverance are key. A strong passion for nature and good observation skills make it easier to find unique subjects and wait for the right moments. Developing technical skills, particularly in image editing and camera techniques, increases the chances of delivering competitive images. Creativity and storytelling through images are crucial to stand out in the market. Building a strong network and being open to collaborations is also important, as is discipline and patience during long days in the field. The ability to handle unexpected situations and adapt to new environments facilitates daily work in this profession.
Key facts about Nature Photographer
- Education level: High school or post-secondary photography education
- Work environment: Field-based and outdoor, often independent work
- Typical employment: Freelance or self-employed
- Available jobs (profession group): 620 positions (May 2024)
- Special skills: Image editing, natural sciences, storytelling skills
Career paths and future prospects
The first years as a nature photographer often involve portfolio building, networking, and small assignments. After 3–5 years, opportunities may open for larger projects, book publications, international exhibitions, or collaborations with research institutions and media houses. Some choose to specialize in a niche, such as bird or macro photography, while others combine photography with education or guiding photo tours. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast, there is no exact assessment for the profession due to limited data, but within the photographer profession, there were 620 job openings in May 2024. The demand for unique nature images is expected to remain, although competition is high and technological development influences the industry.
Frequently asked questions about Nature Photographer
- What does a Nature Photographer earn?
- The average salary is 38 500 SEK per month, but it can vary depending on experience and employment type. - Does a nature photographer need a university degree?
- No, but a photography education or courses in nature photography are often advantageous. - What is the job market like for nature photographers?
- The competition is high, but there are 620 job openings within the profession of photographers. - What work environments are common?
- Work is mostly outdoors in varied environments, sometimes under challenging conditions. - What qualities are important for a nature photographer?
- Endurance, technical skill, creativity, and an interest in nature are particularly important. - Are there regional salary differences?
- Variations may occur, but detailed information is lacking. - How can I increase my chances of getting a job as a nature photographer?
- By building a strong portfolio, networking, and continuously furthering education in photography and natural sciences.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 33300 kr | 33500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 40600 kr | 41400 kr | |
| 45-54 | 43100 kr | 44500 kr | |
| 55-64 | 43700 kr | 45400 kr | |
| Snitt | 81% | 37700 kr | 38500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 37500 kr | 38500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 99% | 38000 kr | 38000 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 39800 kr | 39800 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 39700 kr | 40000 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 39300 kr | 39600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 37500 kr | 38500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 99% | 38000 kr | 38000 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 39800 kr | 39800 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 39700 kr | 40000 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 39300 kr | 39600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 33300 kr | 33500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 40800 kr | 41600 kr | |
| 45-54 | 43300 kr | 44700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 44000 kr | 0 kr | |
| Snitt | 37700 kr | 38500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 33300 kr | 33500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 40800 kr | 41600 kr | |
| 45-54 | 43300 kr | 44700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 44000 kr | 0 kr | |
| Snitt | 37700 kr | 38500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 35300 kr | 35500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 40900 kr | 41800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 43900 kr | 45800 kr | |
| Snitt | 81% | 40100 kr | 41200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 99% | 38000 kr | 38100 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 41400 kr | 41400 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 39500 kr | 40100 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 39500 kr | 39800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 99% | 38000 kr | 38100 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 41400 kr | 41400 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 39500 kr | 40100 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 39500 kr | 39800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 41000 kr | 41900 kr | |
| 45-54 | 43900 kr | 45800 kr | |
| Snitt | 40100 kr | 41300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 41000 kr | 41900 kr | |
| 45-54 | 43900 kr | 45800 kr | |
| Snitt | 40100 kr | 41300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 81% | 33200 kr | 33400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 99% | 37900 kr | 37900 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 39200 kr | 39200 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 39800 kr | 39900 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 39100 kr | 39300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 99% | 37900 kr | 37900 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 39200 kr | 39200 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 39800 kr | 39900 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 39100 kr | 39300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 32900 kr | 0 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 32900 kr | 0 kr |
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 Nature photographer has the SSYK code 3431, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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