How much does a Opera director make

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  2. Opera director
Image that illustrates Opera director

Opera director

92 100 kr

Chief executive officers etc.

59 400 - 117 000 kr / month

Women earn 104% of what men do.

Chefer & ledare

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Opera director

Average salary 92 100 kr
Males 91 400 kr
Females 95 500 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 21 Vacant jobs ->

What does an opera director do? – Tasks and work environment

An opera director is responsible for leading an opera institution, which includes both artistic and administrative management. The role involves planning repertoire, managing budgets, recruiting and leading staff, and negotiating with partners and funders. The opera director often serves as the organization's public face and must balance artistic visions with financial realities. The work environment is dynamic and can be pressured, especially during peak production times or major premieres, involving both office work and presence at performances and rehearsals.

Salary development over time

The salary for an opera director has shown variations over the past three years, reflecting market changes and the profession’s high demands. In 2022, the average salary was 90,100 kronor per month, which decreased slightly to 87 800 kronor in 2023. In 2024, the salary has recovered and reached 92 100 kronor per month, representing an increase of about 4.9% from the previous year. This development can be partly explained by increased competition for qualified leaders in the cultural sector, as well as a greater focus on organizational development and digitalization within opera houses. Female opera directors currently have a higher average salary than their male colleagues, which is unusual in leadership positions and may indicate positive progress toward gender equality in the profession.

Opera director salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 92 100 kr/month
  • Lowest salary: 59,400 kr/month
  • Highest salary: 117,000 kr/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 554 kr/hour
  • Women: 95,500 kr/month (104% of men's salary)
  • Men: 91 400 kr/month
  • Regional differences: Data varies, but larger cities tend to offer higher salaries

Education and qualifications

To qualify as an opera director, a solid academic background in music, performing arts, or cultural management is usually required, often complemented by leadership training and extensive experience in the cultural sector. Many also have personal experience as singers, directors, or producers and have built a broad network within the industry. Practical experience in budget and personnel management is crucial, as well as the ability to handle complex projects and collaborate with various stakeholders.

  • Master's degree: e.g., in music, performing arts, or cultural management (5 years)
  • Leadership courses: Focused on the cultural sector, often 6–12 months
  • Internship or traineeship: At opera houses or cultural institutions
  • Industry experience: At least 5–10 years in performing arts or cultural activities
  • International experience: Meritorious, especially in larger productions

Many opera directors combine artistic background with business skills, and are often expected to quickly switch between creative visions and strategic decisions. This makes the role unique among leadership positions in the cultural sector.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Opera directors often receive benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowances, generous vacation, opportunities for professional development, and sometimes bonuses linked to organizational results. Flexible working hours and access to cultural events and travel are common, especially in international collaborations.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as an opera director is very high, as the number of available roles is limited and demands on both artistic and leadership skills are extensive. Challenges include balancing artistic ambitions with economic realities, recruiting the right personnel, and developing audiences in a rapidly changing cultural industry. Digitalization also imposes new requirements for organizational development and communication, while public funding can vary over time. The ability to manage change and build strong relationships with staff, audiences, and external stakeholders is crucial for success.

Tips for aspiring opera directors

To succeed as an opera director, it’s beneficial to combine strategic thinking with a genuine artistic interest. Clear communication and the ability to engage both staff and audiences are essential, so training leadership and presentation skills is important. An active network within the cultural sector facilitates career advancement; participation in industry forums and international collaborations is recommended. Being solution-oriented and resilient during periods of high workload provides an advantage, especially when quick decisions are needed for premieres and major productions. Curiosity about new technologies and methods is also valuable, as the industry evolves rapidly. The ability to see the big picture while paying attention to details is another success factor. Finally, integrity and courage to make difficult decisions in complex situations are required.

Key facts about Opera Director

  • Average salary: 92 100 kr/month
  • Educational level: Master's degree in culture or music
  • Work environment: Both office-based and operational
  • Demand: 175 job openings within the profession in Sweden
  • Gender distribution: Women have a higher average salary than men

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an opera director, career development can lead to leadership roles in larger cultural institutions, such as theatre director, cultural manager, or CEO of national stages. Some choose to work internationally or specialize in event production and strategic organizational development. According to employment forecasts, demand remains stable with 175 job openings, and there is an increasing need for leaders with experience in digitalization and audience engagement. Competition remains tough, especially for positions at the largest opera houses.

Frequently asked questions about Opera Director

  • What does an Opera Director earn?
    - An opera director has an average monthly salary of 92 100, with variation depending on experience and workplace.
  • How does one become an opera director?
    - The path often involves a master's degree in music or culture, extensive industry experience, and leadership roles within performing arts.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn an average of 95,500 kronor, while men earn 91 400 kronor per month, meaning women have a higher salary.
  • What are the responsibilities of an opera director?
    - The role includes artistic leadership, budget responsibility, personnel management, and strategic work for the opera organization.
  • What are the future prospects for opera directors?
    - The outlook is stable with about 175 job openings, but competition is fierce.
  • What is required to succeed as an opera director?
    - A combination of artistic experience, leadership skills, and strong communication skills is crucial.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-13 06:24:43

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Opera director is 117000 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Privately employed workers with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 115400 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Opera director is 59400 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 95500 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 55400 kr 56700 kr
35-44 79800 kr 82800 kr
45-54 91600 kr 95400 kr
55-64 104% 100500 kr 104600 kr
Snitt 104% 88600 kr 92100 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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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 Opera director has the SSYK code 1120, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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