Props

39 300 kr

Stage managers and script supervisors etc.

38 500 - 39 300 kr / month

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Props

1 Likes 0 Comments 9 Vacant jobs ->

What does a set decorator do? – Tasks and work environment

A set decorator is responsible for managing and handling props for film, theater, TV, and other stage productions. The role involves planning, acquiring, making, and maintaining objects used in the production, from small details to larger stage elements. The work is often done in close collaboration with production designers, directors, and production managers to ensure the props align with the artistic vision. The working environment can vary from studios and workshops to filming locations and theaters, with high workloads before premieres or important shooting days.

Salary development over time

The salary for set decorators has shown a clear positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,200 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 36 200 SEK, representing an increase of about 5.8%. The latest measurement for 2024 shows a further rise to 39 300 SEK, which is an increase of approximately 8.6% compared to the previous year. This development can partly be explained by increased demand for skilled personnel in the growing film and TV productions, as well as a greater focus on the profession's importance for production quality. It is also likely that competition among the most experienced set decorators has contributed to rising wages in the industry.

Set decorator salary – comprehensive overview

Average salary: 39 300 SEK/month
Lowest/Highest salary: Data on lowest and highest salaries is unavailable
Hourly wage: 236 SEK
Gender differences: Women earn 38 800 SEK, data on men is unavailable
Regional differences: Specific details are missing

Education and qualifications

To work as a set decorator, education in scenography, art, design, or crafts is often required, combined with practical experience from film, TV, or theater productions. Many set decorators have artistic university degrees, but it is also common to build skills through internships and work as assistants. Personal drive, creativity, and the ability to work under pressure are crucial for success in the profession.

Formal education: Artistic university programs (3–4 years), e.g., scenography or design
Short courses: Vocational courses in props, crafts, or scenography
Internships: Internships at theaters, film, or TV productions are recommended
Prerequisites: Creativity, precision, and craft skills
Further education: Opportunities to specialize through workshops or online courses

The set decorator profession often requires quickly finding creative solutions to unexpected problems – sometimes about sourcing the right object within just a few hours or improvising with available materials. The ability to collaborate closely with other production team members is therefore just as important as technical skill.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Set decorators are often offered benefits such as flexible working hours, opportunities to work at various filming locations, and access to specialized equipment and workshops. In some cases, additional pay for evening and weekend work, as well as travel allowances for work outside the regular workplace, may be included. Union agreements can provide further security and benefits depending on the employer.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a set decorator can be fierce, especially in larger productions where demand for experienced professionals is high. Challenges often include working under tight deadlines and managing multiple tasks simultaneously, while meeting high standards of creativity and problem-solving. The project-based nature of the industry means periods of intensive work and occasional job insecurity between projects. Additionally, job availability can vary regionally and depend on the scope and budget of productions.

Tips for aspiring set decorators

To succeed as a set decorator, it is helpful to have a keen eye for detail and aesthetics, as every object on stage or in frame must fit into the overall concept. Being flexible and solution-oriented is valuable when unexpected obstacles arise, which happens frequently in this industry. Building a broad network of contacts is also beneficial, as many jobs are obtained through recommendations and previous collaborations. Precision and organizational skills are essential for managing both budgets and props. Finally, patience and persistence are important, as the path into the profession often involves a lot of internships and work in smaller productions before securing larger assignments.

Key facts about the set decorator profession

Educational level: Artistic university education or equivalent experience
Work environment: Varies between workshops, filming locations, and theaters
Work form: Project-based, often freelance
Demand: 620 job openings within the profession (2024)
Special skills: Craftsmanship, logistics, and creative problem-solving

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience, a set decorator can advance to roles such as set decorator manager or production designer, or take responsibility for the entire props department of larger productions. Further specialization in crafts or production management is also common. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, no precise forecast exists for the future of the profession due to limited data, but the high turnover of productions and projects in film, TV, and stage arts creates ongoing demand for skilled set decorators. Flexibility and broad experience increase the chances of stable assignments, especially in larger cities where the industry is most active.

Frequently asked questions about the set decorator profession

What does a set decorator earn?
- The average salary is 39 300 SEK/month, while women earn 38 800 SEK.
What education is required to become a set decorator?
- Usually artistic university education or equivalent experience from productions.
What is the job market like for set decorators?
- There are approximately 620 job openings within the profession, but availability varies depending on region and productions.
Do set decorators mainly work as freelancers?
- Yes, many work project-based and take on freelance assignments.
What personal qualities are important?
- Creativity, flexibility, precision, and good collaboration skills are central qualities.
Are there regional salary differences?
- Specific information on regional differences is lacking, but larger cities often have more productions and thus more opportunities.
What career paths are available after a few years as a set decorator?
- Advancement to set decorator manager, production designer, or other senior roles within production is possible.

Richard Andersson - 2025-08-09 21:21:35

Occupation

Salary distributed by age and sector

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
55-64		41100 kr	41800 kr
Snitt		38500 kr	39300 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
55-64		41100 kr	41800 kr
Snitt		38500 kr	39300 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
55-64		41100 kr	41800 kr
Snitt		38500 kr	39300 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
Snitt		38000 kr	38800 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
Snitt		38000 kr	38800 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
Snitt		38000 kr	38800 kr

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

Salary per sector

Salary based on education

Register an account before you can comment

To write a comment you need to create an account.

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 Props has the SSYK code 3433, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

How much does a Props make