Retoucher, photo

What does a retoucher in photography do? – Tasks and work environment

A retoucher in photography works with editing and enhancing digital images to achieve the desired visual result. Tasks often include color correction, exposure adjustment, contrast enhancement, and removal of unwanted details or objects. Retouchers work closely with photographers, art directors, and sometimes clients to ensure the final result meets aesthetic and technical requirements. The work environment is generally studio or office-based, where advanced computers and image editing software are used daily. The pace can be fast, especially during productions or near deadlines, but the profession also offers opportunities for creative work and specialization within genres such as advertising, fashion, or portrait photography.

Salary development over time

The salary for retouchers in photography has shown a clear upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 32,600 SEK per month, increasing to 33 600 SEK in 2023. The most significant increase occurred between 2023 and 2024, when the average salary rose to 38 100 SEK – an increase of about 13% in just one year. This positive salary development can be partly explained by increased demand for digital image editing in advertising, e-commerce, and social media, as well as evolving technical skill requirements. The market's need for high-quality visual material drives up salaries, and specialized retouchers are becoming increasingly valuable to employers in both private and public sectors.

Retoucher, photography salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 38 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 36,000 SEK/month (female, multiple sectors)
• Highest salary: 39,800 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education < 3 years)
• Hourly wage: 229 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 36,900 SEK/month (96% of men's salary of 38,500 SEK/month)
• Regional differences: No specific statistics available

Education and qualifications

To work as a retoucher in photography, a combination of formal education and practical experience is usually required. Many retouchers have backgrounds in photography, graphic design, or image editing, and have deepened their knowledge through specialized courses or self-study. Practical experience and a strong portfolio are highly valued in hiring, especially in commercial environments.

• Post-secondary education: YH training or university degree in photography, image editing, or graphic design (1–3 years)
• Short courses/certifications: Courses in Adobe Photoshop and other image editing software
• Internships/traineeships: Common within education programs or as entry points into the industry
• Portfolio: A strong work sample is often crucial for employment
• Self-study: Common, especially for new techniques and software

Common benefits and compensations

Retouchers in photography are often offered competitive benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and remote work options. Other common compensations include bonuses for major projects, training allowances for skill development, and access to modern equipment and software that facilitate daily work.

Competition and challenges

The competition within the profession of retoucher, photography, is significant, especially in larger cities where many seek entry into creative industries. Rapid technological development also means high demands for updated skills and software knowledge. Automation and AI-based image editing tools may affect demand for traditional retouching in the future, but there remains a strong need for skilled professionals for advanced and artistic image processing. Projects can vary greatly in scope, requiring flexibility and resilience to stress. The number of available positions within the profession is relatively high, but the number of dedicated retoucher roles is limited, making networking and specialization important tools for success.

Tips for aspiring retouchers in photography

To succeed as a retoucher in photography, attention to detail and precision are essential, as small errors can impact the overall impression of an image. Creativity and a developed sense of color and form help create visually appealing results that meet client requirements. Continuously updating skills with new techniques and software is crucial in this fast-changing profession. Building a strong portfolio that demonstrates variety and quality is important, as work samples often carry significant weight in hiring. Good teamwork skills are vital, as work is often done in collaboration with photographers and creative directors. Flexibility and resilience are needed, especially under tight deadlines or large projects. Finally, being proactive and able to work independently are advantages, as many retouchers work freelance or autonomously.

Key facts about retoucher, photography

• Education level: Post-secondary education or vocational training (1–3 years)
• Work environment: Office-based or freelance with flexible hours
• Common employment forms: Permanent employment, project-based or freelance assignments
• Demand: 1,433 available jobs within the profession (2024)
• Gender distribution: Women earn 96% of men's salaries

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a retoucher in photography can advance to roles such as senior retoucher, image editor, or project manager for image production. There are also opportunities to specialize within specific areas, such as fashion, advertising, or art photography. Some choose to start their own business and work as freelancers with their own clients. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, there is no specific assessment for retoucher, photography, but within the group of machine operators for photographic products, the number of available jobs is high, indicating a healthy job market. Continued digitalization and increased visual communication are expected to keep demand for skilled retouchers stable in the coming years, although competition for the most attractive positions may be tough.

Common questions about retoucher, photography

• What does a retoucher in photography earn?
  - A retoucher in photography has an average salary of 38 100 SEK per month. Men earn on average 38,500 SEK and women 36,900 SEK.
• How has the salary development been for retouchers?
  - Salaries have increased from 32,600 SEK in 2022 to 38 100 SEK in 2024, which is about a 17% increase over three years.
• What education is required to become a retoucher in photography?
  - Usually, post-secondary education in photography, image editing, or graphic design, often complemented with courses in photo editing and practical experience.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 96% of what men do in the profession of retoucher, photography.
• What is the job market like for retouchers?
  - There are 1,433 available jobs within the profession, but the number of dedicated retoucher roles is fewer and competition is high.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a retoucher in photography?
  - The highest salary is 39,800 SEK (male, private sector, post-secondary education), and the lowest is 36,000 SEK (female, multiple sectors).
• What personal qualities are important for the profession?
  - Precision, creativity, flexibility, and teamwork skills are especially valuable for success as a retoucher in photography.