- Salary statistics
- Saddler
Saddler
33 200 - 33 300 kr / month
Hantverksyrken
Salary progression Saddler
What does a saddle maker do? – Tasks and work environment
A saddle maker specializes in the manufacturing, repair, and modification of leather products, primarily saddles, harnesses, and accessories for horses and riders. Tasks include measuring and cutting leather, sewing and riveting parts together, and customizing and adjusting finished products for optimal fit and function. The profession requires great precision and a sense for both materials and details, as many steps are done by hand. The work environment is often a small craft business or a personal workshop, where the work can be physically demanding and vary depending on the season and orders.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, salary development for saddle makers has shown a clear increase. In 2022, the average salary was 28,600 SEK per month, rising to 29 300 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary increased further to 33 300 SEK per month. This increase corresponds to a total rise of approximately 16% over the three-year period. The salary growth can be linked to increased demand for skilled leather craftsmanship and a growing interest in sustainable and handmade products within the equine industry. The shortage of trained saddle makers and the fact that many work in small companies also help push up salary levels.
Saddle maker salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 33 300 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
- Hourly wage: 200 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
- Gender differences: Men earn 33 100 SEK, salary data for women is not available
- Regional differences: Specific statistics are not available
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a saddle maker usually involves attending a vocational program with a focus on leather craftsmanship, followed by further education at a vocational college or an apprenticeship with an experienced saddle maker. The profession requires both theoretical knowledge about materials and construction, as well as extensive practical training in craftsmanship. Formal certifications are uncommon, but many employers value documented experience and a portfolio of previous work.
- Education: Crafts program with specialization in saddle making (3 years)
- Further training: Vocational college or apprenticeship (1–2 years)
- Practical experience: Practical training with an established saddle maker is strongly recommended
- Pre-requisites: Interest in craftsmanship, good fine motor skills, and patience
- Tips: Personal interest and engagement in leather work and the horse industry are a great advantage
Many saddle makers have the opportunity to specialize in different areas, such as antique saddles, modern sports accessories, or custom pieces for competitive riders. This variety gives the profession a unique range and opportunities for personal development.
Common benefits and compensations
Saddle makers are often offered benefits such as flexible working hours, the possibility to work independently, and access to tools and materials provided by the employer. Some workplaces may also offer wellness allowances, work clothing, and insurance suited to craft professions. Variable pay is rare, but bonuses for larger projects can occur.
Competition and challenges
The profession of saddle making is characterized by tough competition, especially due to the limited number of training places and the low turnover among professionals. One of the biggest challenges is establishing oneself in the market, particularly for self-employed individuals. The demand for high-quality craftsmanship is stable, but competition from cheaper mass-produced products and international manufacturers means that craftsmanship must maintain a very high standard to remain competitive. Additionally, the profession requires continuous development of techniques and material knowledge to meet changing customer needs.
Tips for those who want to become saddle makers
To succeed as a saddle maker, it is good to be both meticulous and patient, as much of the work requires precision and endurance. A genuine interest in craftsmanship and leather is crucial, as well as a desire to constantly improve skills through training and further education. Building a network of contacts within the industry and being open to feedback from experienced colleagues can be vital for development. Creativity and problem-solving skills are also helpful in custom orders and repairs where standard solutions are insufficient. Finally, customer focus and clear communication skills are important to understand and deliver according to client wishes.
Key facts about Saddle Makers
- Education level: Gymnasium or vocational college
- Work environment: Workshop, often small businesses or self-employed
- Demand: 341 available jobs within the profession
- Special skills: Leatherwork, fine motor skills, repair, and manufacturing
Career paths and future outlook
After 3–5 years in the profession, a saddle maker can develop into a specialist in areas such as antique saddles, competition equipment, or exclusive custom work. There is also the possibility to run one's own workshop or move into supervisory roles within larger companies. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast, there is currently no specific assessment of future prospects for saddle makers, but the profession in leather craftsmanship and shoemaking reports 341 available positions. This indicates a certain level of demand, although the number of trained individuals is limited and competition for specialized assignments is high. The industry is influenced by trends in equestrian sports and consumers' interest in quality and sustainability.
Frequently asked questions about Saddle Makers
- What does a saddle maker earn?
- A saddle maker has an average salary of 33 300 SEK per month. - How to become a saddle maker?
- The profession requires education in the crafts program with a specialization in saddle making, as well as practical experience through an apprenticeship or further training. - What are the job tasks of a saddle maker?
- Tasks include manufacturing, repairing, and customizing saddles and other leather products for horses and riders. - Are there many job openings for saddle makers?
- There are a total of 341 available positions in the profession according to the latest data. - What personal qualities are important for a saddle maker?
- Meticulousness, patience, creativity, and good fine motor skills are important qualities. - What are the future prospects for saddle makers?
- There is no specific forecast, but demand within the profession is stable and the number of trained individuals is limited.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 33200 kr | 33300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 33200 kr | 33300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 33200 kr | 33300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 33100 kr | 33100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 33100 kr | 33100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 33100 kr | 33100 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 Saddler has the SSYK code 7534, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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