How much does a Director make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Director
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Director

45 700 kr

Directors and producers of film, theater etc.

39 600 - 54 000 kr / month

Women earn 107% of what men do.

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Director

Average salary 45 700 kr
Males 44 100 kr
Females 47 400 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 5 Vacant jobs ->

What does a director do? – Tasks and work environment

A director is responsible for leading and shaping the artistic vision in productions within film, theater, TV, or other stage expressions. Tasks include interpreting scripts, selecting actors, collaborating with technical and artistic staff, as well as directing rehearsals and recordings. The director ensures that the production maintains the desired quality and that the story is conveyed effectively and engagingly to the audience. The work environment varies from intensive filming locations and theater stages to creative meeting rooms, often under time pressure and with high demands for collaboration and problem-solving.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salary development for directors has shown both variation and stability. In 2022, the average salary was 43,400 SEK per month, which increased to 47 000 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has stabilized at 45 700 SEK per month, representing a decrease of approximately 2.8% compared to the previous year. The salary trend can be explained by temporary increases in demand for creative productions, followed by some market adjustment. Despite this decline, the profession remains at a relatively high salary level, especially for women who, on average, earn more than men within the group.

Director salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 45 700 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 39,600 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 54,000 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 275 SEK
  • Women: 47 400 SEK/month
  • Men: 44 100 SEK/month
  • Women earn: 107% of what men do

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a director usually involves university degrees in film, theater, or performing arts. Many combine formal education with internships, self-study, and industry experience. Creativity, leadership skills, and understanding of all aspects of production are crucial for success.

  • Higher education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in film, theater, or performing arts (3–5 years)
  • Internships or traineeships: Common in film and theater production
  • Courses and workshops: Specialized courses in directing, dramaturgy, or production
  • Prerequisites: Basic eligibility requirements plus often portfolio reviews or interviews
  • Self-study: Frequently supplemented with online courses or personal projects

Many directors develop their careers by first working in related roles, such as assistant director or screenwriter, which provides a broad understanding of the entire production process. Building a network and showcasing personal projects can be crucial for securing initial assignments.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Directors often enjoy benefits such as flexible working hours, access to creative networks, and opportunities for further education. Some employers also offer insurance, pension contributions, and support for work-related travel. Freelance directors can sometimes negotiate bonuses or royalty-based payments depending on the success of the project.

Competition and challenges

The competition for director jobs is generally high, largely due to an oversupply of qualified candidates compared to available positions. The number of available jobs in the profession is around 620, but opportunities for employment are considered limited nationally, and the recruitment situation is characterized by an oversupply. The industry is project-based, and the labor market is influenced by trends, funding, and cultural policy decisions. Success requires both artistic talent and business understanding, as well as the ability to build and maintain professional networks.

Tips for aspiring directors

To succeed as a director, it’s helpful to combine creativity with a structured work approach. Having strong motivation helps in initiating personal projects and seeking collaborations. Networking skills are crucial, as many jobs are secured through contacts and recommendations. Leadership qualities make it easier to manage teams and build trust among colleagues. Flexibility and adaptability are also important, as tasks and projects often change quickly. Continual education and staying updated on new techniques and expressions can provide a competitive edge. Finally, perseverance is key, as establishing oneself as a director rarely follows a straightforward path.

Key facts about Directors

  • Average salary: 45 700 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 39,600–54,000 SEK/month
  • Education level: Post-secondary education, often 3–5 years
  • Job market: Limited opportunities, oversupply of candidates
  • Gender difference: Women earn 107% of men's salaries

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, directors can advance to larger productions or step into international work. Some specialize in film, TV, or theater, while others move into roles such as producer, screenwriter, or educator. According to employment agency forecasts, the job market is expected to remain challenging, with limited opportunities and an oversupply of candidates even in five years. Demand for directors and producers is expected to remain unchanged, keeping competition for attractive positions high. However, new opportunities may arise for those flexible and open to new working forms, such as streaming and digital media.

Frequently asked questions about Directors

  • What does a Director earn?
    - The average salary for a director is 45 700 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience and employer.
  • How to become a Director?
    - Most commonly, by completing a university degree in film, theater, or performing arts, and gaining practical experience and networking.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 107% of men's salaries within the profession.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - The job market is competitive with limited opportunities and a surplus of candidates.
  • What education is required?
    - Post-secondary education lasting 3–5 years in film, theater, or performing arts is recommended.
  • What does the work environment involve?
    - The work environment is often project-based, varied, and can involve irregular hours and high pace.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries?
    - The highest salary is 54,000 SEK, and the lowest is 39,600 SEK per month.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-11 20:06:57

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Director is 54000 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 53600 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Director is 39600 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Public sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 39800 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 38500 kr 38600 kr
35-44 45100 kr 45300 kr
45-54 50200 kr 50500 kr
55-64 53400 kr 54100 kr
Snitt 107% 45500 kr 45700 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 Director has the SSYK code 2654, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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