What does a neon bender earn?

A neon bender has an average salary of 30,900 SEK per month.

How does one become a neon bender?

The path usually involves vocational training in glass/artisan crafts or an apprenticeship at established neon workshops.

What are the job tasks of a neon bender?

Neon benders shape and assemble neon tubes for signs, art, and lighting installations.

Are there many jobs for neon benders?

Currently, there are 341 available job openings in the profession according to accessible data.

What education is required?

Vocational training in glass or artisan crafts and internships are recommended.

What is the work environment like?

The work environment is workshop-based with a focus on safety and artistic work.

What are the future prospects?

The outlook is stable for skilled craftsmen, especially in art and special projects.

Neon bends salary

30 900 SEK

Musical instrument makers and other artisans

Latest available salary statistics are for 2024. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.

30 400 - 30 900 SEK / month

Hantverksyrken

Average salary 30 900 SEK/month Monthly gross salary

Salary range 30 400 - 30 900 SEK Latest available range Data year 2024 Latest published dataset

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Salary trend About the role What does a neon bender do? – Tasks and work environment Salary development over time Neon bender salary – comprehensive overview Open jobs Related occupations About the data FAQ

Salary progression Neon bends

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What does a neon bender do? – Tasks and work environment

A neon bender works on manufacturing, shaping, and assembling neon tubes for signs, artworks, and lighting installations. The profession requires great precision, artistic sense, and technical skill. The work environment is workshop-based, involving heating and hand-bending glass tubes with specialized tools and gas torches. Collaboration with designers, electricians, and clients is common to ensure the final product meets the specifications and aesthetic desires. Safety procedures are important as the work involves high temperatures and gas handling.

Salary development over time

The salary development for neon benders has shown some fluctuations in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,382 SEK per month, while in 2023 it increased slightly to 34 662 SEK. During 2024, the average salary has decreased to 30 900 SEK per month, which is about an 11% decline compared to the previous year. This decrease can partly be explained by changes in demand for neon-based signs and artworks, as well as increased competition from LED technology and other alternative light sources. Despite this, there is still a need for skilled craftsmen in the field, especially for special projects where neon's unique properties are valued.

Neon bender salary – comprehensive overview

Average salary: 30 900 SEK/month
Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
Hourly wage: 186 SEK/hour
Gender differences: Specific data for men and women are not available
Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a neon bender, vocational training in glass, artisan crafts, or related fields is often required. Skills are commonly acquired through apprenticeships or internships at established neon workshops, where mentorship and practical training are central. Formal education options are limited, and many in the profession build their competence through courses, on-the-job training, and specialization at the workplace.

Vocational training in artisan crafts or glass: 1–3 years
Apprenticeship/internship: Strongly recommended
Special courses in neon bending: Offered by some industry providers
Experience in crafts and design: Meritorious
Interest in technology and art: Important for success

Neon benders often work closely with artists and creators, providing opportunities to contribute to unique art projects and public installations. The profession combines traditional craftsmanship with modern design and plays an important role in creating visually striking environments.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Typical benefits for neon benders include wellness allowances, work clothing, and opportunities for further training in glass and light design. In some cases, tools, protective equipment, and insurance are included. Flexible working hours are also common, especially in project-based or freelance work.

Competition and challenges

The profession of neon bender is a niche within the craft sector and faces some competition from modern lighting techniques such as LED. The number of training places is limited, and many learn the trade through practice rather than formal schooling. Demand for neon lighting is often project-based and can fluctuate over time, making the job market uncertain at times. Nonetheless, there is a growing interest in retro design and artistic custom solutions, where the neon bender's unique skills are sought after. Staying updated on new techniques and design trends is crucial to remain competitive.

Tips for those wanting to become a neon bender

To succeed as a neon bender, it is good to combine patience and precision with a creative mindset. Being handy and having good finger dexterity facilitates practical work shaping glass tubes, while an interest in color, form, and design helps create aesthetically pleasing results. Actively seeking internships and learning from experienced professionals provides valuable insight into the profession's details. Demonstrating responsibility when working with gases and high temperatures is essential for safety. Lastly, curiosity about new techniques and materials is a strength that enables development and adaptation within the profession.

Key facts about Neon benders

Average salary: 30 900 SEK/month
Hourly wage: 186 SEK/hour
Education level: Vocational training or apprenticeship
Number of available jobs in the profession: 341
Work environment: Workshop environment with artistic touch

Career paths and future outlook

After a few years of experience, neon benders can specialize in areas such as artistic design, project management, or work on larger public installations. Some choose to start their own business, while others continue working within established neon workshops or collaborate with designers and architects. The employment service assesses that the demand for skilled craftsmen in artisan crafts remains stable, although the total number of job opportunities is relatively small. Those combining craftsmanship skills with technical understanding and business acumen have good prospects for a long and varied career.

Frequently asked questions about Neon benders

What does a neon bender earn?
- A neon bender has an average salary of 30 900 SEK per month.
How does one become a neon bender?
- The path usually involves vocational training in glass/artisan crafts or an apprenticeship at established neon workshops.
What are the job tasks of a neon bender?
- Neon benders shape and assemble neon tubes for signs, art, and lighting.
Are there many jobs for neon benders?
- Currently, there are 341 available job openings in the profession according to accessible data.
What education is required?
- Vocational training in glass or artisan crafts and internships are recommended.
What is the work environment like?
- The work environment is workshop-based with a focus on safety and artistic work.
What are the future prospects?
- The outlook is stable for skilled craftsmen, especially in art and special projects.

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 16:12:57

Occupation

Salary distributed by age and sector

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
Snitt		30400 kr	30900 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
Snitt		30400 kr	30900 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
Snitt		30400 kr	30900 kr

* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.

Salary per sector

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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 Neon bends has the SSYK code 7319, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.