Image that illustrates Private bookbinder

Private bookbinder

33 300 kr

Bookbinders etc.

32 400 - 38 300 kr / month

Women earn 99% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Private bookbinder

Average salary 33 300 kr
Males 33 400 kr
Females 32 900 kr

What does a private bookbinder do? – Tasks and work environment

A private bookbinder works with repairing, creating, and restoring books and other printed materials for individuals and smaller clients. Tasks include cutting, gluing, sewing, and pressing materials such as paper, leather, and cardboard to produce durable and aesthetically pleasing spines and covers. The work environment is typically workshop-based with good lighting and requires precision and patience. The work can be both craft-oriented and creative, with a strong emphasis on detail and quality.

Salary development over time

Private bookbinders' salaries have shown a steady increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,500 SEK, rising to 32 500 SEK in 2023 and reaching 33 300 SEK in 2024. This represents a total salary increase of approximately 9 percent over the period. The positive salary trend reflects increased demand for specialized craftsmanship and an improved market position for private bookbinders. The increase can also be attributed to general wage inflation within craft professions and greater awareness of the profession's qualifications and training requirements. Despite this, salary levels remain moderate, likely due to the niche character of the profession and limited job market.

A private bookbinder combines traditional craftsmanship with modern design techniques, making the profession unique in a digitalized world where many printed materials are replaced by digital media.

– statsskuld.se

Private bookbinder salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 33 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 32,400 SEK/month (male, vocational education)
  • Highest salary: 38,300 SEK/month (female, post-secondary education 3+ years)
  • Hourly rate: 200 SEK/hour (based on 166 working hours/month)
  • Gender differences: Women earn on average 32,900 SEK, men 33 400 SEK, meaning women earn approximately 99 % of men's salary

Education and qualifications

The pathway to becoming a private bookbinder usually requires a craft-oriented education in bookbinding or similar fields, preferably at upper secondary or post-secondary level. Practical experience and apprenticeships are often crucial for developing professional skills.

  • Formal qualifications: Vocational education or post-secondary training in bookbinding (1–3 years)
  • Certifications/courses: Specialized courses in restoration and conservation of books
  • Internship/training: Apprenticeship or internship with established bookbinders is recommended
  • Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of craftsmanship and material science
  • Tips for choosing: Select programs focusing on traditional craftsmanship combined with modern techniques

Common benefits and compensations

Private bookbinders are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, holiday pay, and wellness contributions. Overtime compensation may apply depending on employment type. Some employers also provide material allowances and opportunities for further training within the profession.

Competition and challenges

The profession is relatively niche with a limited job market, which can lead to competition for available positions. Challenges include staying updated with new materials and techniques and adapting to changing customer needs in a digitalized world. Combining traditional craftsmanship with modern design is an advantage. Flexibility and entrepreneurship are often necessary to find and retain clients.

Tips for aspiring private bookbinders

To succeed as a private bookbinder, develop accuracy and patience, as the profession demands precision from material selection to final finishing. Creativity helps when custom solutions are requested. A good eye for detail combined with technical knowledge ensures high-quality work. Being entrepreneurial and managing customer relationships effectively are also valuable. An open attitude to learning and further education helps stay relevant in a changing industry.

Key facts about private bookbinders

  • Education level: Vocational or post-secondary craftsmanship education
  • Salary range: 32,400–38,300 SEK/month
  • Work environment: Workshop setting focused on craftsmanship
  • Employment type: Usually private employment, sometimes self-employed
  • Demand: Around 1,437 job openings in the bookbinding sector according to current data

Career paths and future outlook

After several years in the profession, private bookbinders can advance to specialist roles in restoration or start their own business. Opportunities also exist to work with larger institutions such as libraries and museums. The future outlook is considered stable but with limited growth due to the niche nature of the profession. The demand for qualified craftsmanship is expected to persist, especially within restoration and exclusive book projects. According to the Swedish Employment Service, there are over 1,400 job openings in the bookbinding sector, indicating a relatively healthy job market.

Frequently asked questions about private bookbinders

  • What does a private bookbinder earn?
    - The average salary is approximately 33 300 SEK/month with an hourly rate of around 200 SEK.
  • What education is required to become a private bookbinder?
    - Usually, a vocational or post-secondary education in bookbinding is necessary.
  • Are there gender differences in salary?
    - Yes, women earn on average 99 % of men's salaries within the profession.
  • What is the work environment like for a private bookbinder?
    - Work is typically conducted in a workshop with good lighting, focusing on craftsmanship.
  • What are the future prospects for a private bookbinder?
    - The outlook is considered stable with ongoing demand for specialized craftsmanship.
  • Can one work as a self-employed bookbinder?
    - Yes, many private bookbinders run their own businesses or work freelance.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Private bookbinder is 38300 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Privately employed workers with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 35500 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Private bookbinder is 32400 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 32900 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
45-54 32400 kr 34000 kr
55-64 32300 kr 33800 kr
Snitt 99% 31800 kr 33300 kr
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 Private bookbinder has the SSYK code 7323, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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