- Salary statistics
- Scenic manager salary
Scenic manager salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
37 700 - 43 000 SEK / month
Women earn 94% of what men do.
Kultur, media, design
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Salary progression Scenic manager
What does a stage manager do? – Tasks and work environment
A stage manager holds overall responsibility for the technical and practical execution of stage productions at theaters, concert halls, or other event venues. Tasks include leading technical staff, planning scene changes, coordinating lighting, sound, and set design, and ensuring that technical equipment functions optimally before and during performances. The stage manager often ensures safety procedures are followed and that collaboration between different technical and production departments runs smoothly. The work environment can be dynamic and sometimes stressful, especially during premieres or major events, where quick adjustments and problem-solving are part of daily life.
Salary development over time
The salary development for stage managers has been clearly positive over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 35,100 SEK per month, increasing the following year to 38 600 SEK, and finally reaching 39 700 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of over 10% during the period, which is higher than the average for many similar professions within the cultural sector. The salary increase can partly be explained by increased demand for qualified stage technology skills and employers needing to offer better conditions to retain experienced leaders in a competitive industry. The trend indicates continued professionalization of the role and an increased value in the job market.
Stage manager salary – full overview
- Average salary: 39 700 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 33,600 SEK/month (female), 36,100 SEK/month (male)
- Highest salary: 40,300 SEK/month (female), 43,700 SEK/month (male)
- Hourly wage: 232 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Women earn 94% of what men do (37 800 SEK/month compared to 40 000 SEK/month)
- Regional differences: Data unavailable for detailed regional comparison
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a stage manager often involves practical experience in stage technology, complemented by post-secondary education in technology, production, or culture. It is common for stage managers to have worked as technicians or coordinators before taking on a managerial role. Good organizational skills and leadership are crucial, and some employers may require specific certifications or courses in work environment and safety.
- Post-secondary education: 1–3 years in technology, production, or culture
- Work experience: Internships or work as a stage technician are highly meritorious
- Certificates: Work environment or safety training may be required
- Prerequisites: High school diploma, preferably with a focus on technology/aesthetic production
- Further education: Courses in project management or leadership provide advantages
A stage manager often plays a key role in larger productions and is the person who keeps the entire technical team together – from lighting and sound to set design. Many employers appreciate managers with hands-on experience, as it provides a better understanding of the team’s challenges and builds trust in the production.
Common benefits and compensations
Stage managers often receive benefits such as overtime pay for evening and weekend work, wellness allowances, and sometimes extra vacation days. Pension schemes and insurance are standard in most employment contracts. Larger theaters and arenas may also include training allowances, free entry to events, or opportunities for professional development as part of the employment package.
Competition and challenges
The market for stage managers is characterized by some competition, especially at attractive workplaces with large productions. Since the number of managerial roles is limited compared to technician positions, extensive experience and leadership skills are required for advancement. Challenges in the profession often involve managing rapid changes, coordinating multiple teams, and ensuring productions are delivered on time and within budget. Technical innovations and new work methods mean that stage managers need to be committed to continuous skills development. Workload can be high during intense periods, demanding resilience and problem-solving skills.
Tips for aspiring stage managers
To succeed as a stage manager, it’s beneficial to combine technical knowledge with strong leadership and organizational skills. Being communicative and clear facilitates collaboration with technicians and artistic teams, while a solutions-oriented attitude helps handle unexpected challenges during productions. Gaining practical experience early, through internships or part-time work, is wise to understand the profession’s daily life in depth. Engagement and a desire to learn continuously are appreciated, especially as technology develops rapidly. Flexibility and resilience are also qualities that help you cope with sometimes stressful working conditions. Building a network within the industry can open doors to new opportunities, and most interesting positions are often filled through recommendations and contacts.
Key facts about the Stage Manager
- Salary range: 33,600–43,700 SEK/month
- Average salary: 39 700 SEK/month
- Gender distribution: Women earn 94% of men's salaries
- Educational requirements: Post-secondary education of 1–3 years and practical experience
- Available jobs in the profession: 620
Career paths and future prospects
After several years of experience as a stage manager, there are opportunities to move on to larger productions or become a technical director responsible for all stage operations at a theater or arena. Some progress to roles such as production manager or project leader within the event industry. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, it’s difficult to give an exact assessment for the specific role of stage manager, as it belongs to a broader category with limited data. However, there are 620 available jobs in the lighting, sound, and stage technology professions, indicating ongoing demand for technical expertise in culture and events. Future outlooks depend on how many new productions are staged and technological developments, but experienced stage managers generally have good prospects for continued employment or advancement.
Frequently asked questions about Stage Managers
- What is the average salary of a stage manager?
- A stage manager has an average salary of 39 700 SEK per month. - What is the highest salary for a stage manager?
- The highest reported salary is 43,700 SEK per month, for a man with private employment and post-secondary education. - What are the gender differences among stage managers?
- Women earn on average 37 800 SEK, which corresponds to 94% of men's salaries. - What education is required to become a stage manager?
- Post-secondary education in technology, production, or culture lasting 1–3 years, along with practical experience, is most common. - Are there many job openings for stage managers?
- There are 620 available jobs in the lighting, sound, and stage technology professions according to the latest data. - How has the salary developed for stage managers?
- Between 2022 and 2024, the average salary increased from 35,100 SEK to 39 700 SEK, an increase of over 10%. - What are the duties of a stage manager?
- A stage manager is responsible for planning, leading, and executing stage productions as well as technical coordination and safety.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 34800 kr | 35500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 37300 kr | 38100 kr | |
| 45-54 | 44000 kr | 45100 kr | |
| 55-64 | 43500 kr | 43900 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 38900 kr | 39700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 36800 kr | 36800 kr | |
| 35-44 | 100% | 38800 kr | 39000 kr |
| 45-54 | 94% | 40000 kr | 40500 kr |
| 55-64 | 112% | 39800 kr | 40000 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 39400 kr | 39700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 36800 kr | 36800 kr | |
| 35-44 | 100% | 38800 kr | 39000 kr |
| 45-54 | 94% | 40000 kr | 40500 kr |
| 55-64 | 112% | 39800 kr | 40000 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 39400 kr | 39700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 34700 kr | 35400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 37300 kr | 38100 kr | |
| 45-54 | 44100 kr | 45300 kr | |
| 55-64 | 43700 kr | 44100 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 38900 kr | 39700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 34700 kr | 35400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 37300 kr | 38100 kr | |
| 45-54 | 44100 kr | 45300 kr | |
| 55-64 | 43700 kr | 44100 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 38900 kr | 39700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 34600 kr | 35300 kr | |
| 35-44 | 37100 kr | 37800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 44500 kr | 45700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 43500 kr | 43900 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 39200 kr | 40000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 100% | 38800 kr | 39000 kr |
| 45-54 | 94% | 40200 kr | 40800 kr |
| 55-64 | 112% | 39300 kr | 39500 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 39400 kr | 39800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 100% | 38800 kr | 39000 kr |
| 45-54 | 94% | 40200 kr | 40800 kr |
| 55-64 | 112% | 39300 kr | 39500 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 39400 kr | 39800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 34600 kr | 35300 kr | |
| 35-44 | 37000 kr | 37800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 44700 kr | 45900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 43700 kr | 44200 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 39200 kr | 40000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 34600 kr | 35300 kr | |
| 35-44 | 37000 kr | 37800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 44700 kr | 45900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 43700 kr | 44200 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 39200 kr | 40000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 94% | 37000 kr | 37800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 36900 kr | 36900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 100% | 39000 kr | 39000 kr |
| 45-54 | 94% | 38400 kr | 38400 kr |
| 55-64 | 112% | 44400 kr | 44400 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 39600 kr | 39600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 36900 kr | 36900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 100% | 39000 kr | 39000 kr |
| 45-54 | 94% | 38400 kr | 38400 kr |
| 55-64 | 112% | 44400 kr | 44400 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 39600 kr | 39600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 94% | 36900 kr | 37700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 94% | 36900 kr | 37700 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 Scenic manager has the SSYK code 3522, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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