- Salary statistics
- Organ plumber
Organ plumber
30 400 - 30 900 kr / month
Hantverksyrken
Salary progression Organ plumber
What does an organ pipe maker do? – Tasks and work environment
An organ pipe maker works with manufacturing, repairing, and restoring organ pipes for church organs and other types of organs. The profession combines traditional craftsmanship with advanced acoustic knowledge, as each pipe must be designed and adjusted to produce the correct tone and pitch. The work environment can vary between small workshops, larger organ building companies, and field sites, such as churches during installation and maintenance of instruments. It is common for work to be performed in small teams, often requiring great precision, concentration, and patience.
Salary development over time
The salary for organ pipe makers has shown some variation over recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,382 SEK per month, increasing slightly to 34 662 SEK in 2023. However, in 2024, a decrease has been noted to an average of 30 900 SEK. This represents a reduction of approximately 10.8 % between 2023 and 2024. Salary development is partly influenced by the limited demand for the profession, as many organ pipe makers work in small companies where salary budgets can vary significantly from year to year. Since the profession is niche and the job market relatively small, individual retirements or new hires can significantly impact the average salary. Overall, salary trends have been volatile, reflecting the challenges faced in craft trades with narrower markets.
Organ pipe maker salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 30 900 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: Data unavailable
- Highest salary: Data unavailable
- Hourly wage (average): 186 SEK
- Gender differences: No data available
- Regional differences: No confirmed data
Education and qualifications
To work as an organ pipe maker, a combination of craft education and specialized practice in organ building is often required. There is no specific high school education for this profession, but a background in wood or metalwork, along with an interest in music, is advantageous. Many learn the trade through apprenticeships or internships with established organ builders, as knowledge is often passed down through master-apprentice traditions. In some cases, supplementary courses in acoustics, materials science, or music technology can be valuable.
- Craft education: Recommended vocational or post-secondary craft training
- Apprenticeship/practice: Practical training with an established organ builder is common
- Courses: Specialized courses in acoustics, wood/metalworking, music theory
- Prerequisites: Interest in music and meticulous craftsmanship are important
- Certification: Formal certification is uncommon but may be offered by industry organizations
Working as an organ pipe maker often involves restoring and preserving historic instruments – some organs are several hundred years old and require great respect for original materials and techniques. It is a profession where tradition and innovation meet.
Common benefits and compensations
Common benefits for organ pipe makers include wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and opportunities for skill development, especially in conservation and acoustics. In small companies, personal equipment and tool allowances may also be provided. Occupational pensions and insurance are standard but can vary depending on the employer.
Competition and challenges
The competition within the profession of organ pipe maker is relatively low, but there are few available positions due to the highly niche market. Challenges mainly involve finding apprenticeships or employment with established organ builders, as such companies are limited in Sweden. The job also requires readiness for periods of fluctuating workload, where larger projects can be followed by quieter periods. Technological advances and digitalization have not significantly affected the profession, which remains largely traditional craft-based. However, retirements may create sudden opportunities for new practitioners.
Tips for aspiring organ pipe makers
To succeed as an organ pipe maker, a genuine interest in both music and craftsmanship is beneficial, as the work requires great accuracy and attention to detail. Patience is crucial, as tasks like tuning and adjustment can be time-consuming and may require multiple attempts. Curiosity and willingness to learn from experienced colleagues are advantageous, especially since much knowledge is transferred through practical mentorship. Flexibility helps when work tasks shift between workshop and on-site work at churches or concert halls. Creative problem-solving skills are valued, particularly in restoring unique and older instruments. Social skills are also important, as contact with clients and other professionals in the music industry is a natural part of the job.
Key facts about organ pipe makers
- Education level: Recommended vocational or post-secondary craft training
- Work environment: Workshop and fieldwork, often in churches
- Work format: Small teams or independent work
- Demand: Limited but stable, about 341 job openings in the profession
- Special skills: Acoustics, materials science, and music history understanding
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, an organ pipe maker can progress to more independent projects, take responsibility for larger restorations, or become a team leader. It is also possible to specialize in areas such as conservation of antique organs or start their own business. According to employment agency statistics, there are approximately 341 job openings for musicians and craft artisans, indicating that demand remains relatively stable despite the small number of positions. Future prospects are influenced by retirements and the need to preserve cultural heritage instruments, providing some security for skilled and dedicated professionals in the field.
Frequently asked questions about organ pipe makers
- What does an organ pipe maker earn?
- Average salary is 30 900 SEK per month according to current statistics. - How does one become an organ pipe maker?
- Most commonly, through a craft education followed by an apprenticeship with an established organ builder. - What tasks does an organ pipe maker perform?
- Manufacturing, repairing, and restoring organ pipes as well as installing organs. - What is required to succeed in the profession?
- Precision, patience, musicality, and an interest in craftsmanship are key qualities. - How is the job market?
- The market is small but stable, with approximately 341 job openings. - What benefits can one receive?
- Benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible hours, and occupational pension are common. - Are there gender differences in salary?
- There is no available data on gender differences for organ pipe makers.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30400 kr | 30900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30400 kr | 30900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30400 kr | 30900 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 Organ plumber has the SSYK code 7319, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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