How much does a Stage decorator make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Stage decorator
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Stage decorator

41 100 kr

Interior designers, decorators and scenographers etc.

36 200 - 45 600 kr / month

Women earn 91% of what men do.

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Stage decorator

Average salary 41 100 kr
Males 44 400 kr
Females 40 200 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 7 Vacant jobs ->

What does a Stage Decorator do? – Tasks and work environment

A Stage Decorator is responsible for creating and designing stage environments for theater, film, TV, concerts, and other events. Tasks include interpreting the director's vision, producing sketches, selecting materials, building decorations, and supervising assembly work on site. Collaboration with set designers, lighting technicians, and technical staff is central, as well as managing logistics related to transportation and adjustments during production. The work can be physically demanding, often under time pressure, in environments where both creativity and safety are crucial. Stage Decorators typically work in workshops, on stages, and sometimes outdoors, with varying hours depending on project deadlines and nature.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for a Stage Decorator has shown steady growth. In 2022, the average salary was 38,300 SEK per month, increasing to 39100 SEK in 2023. The latest data from 2024 indicates continued growth to 41 100 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 7.3% over the period. This positive trend can be partly explained by a growing demand for creative roles within the culture and entertainment sectors, as well as increased project volumes in streaming, events, and TV production. Salaries are also influenced by factors such as experience, workplace, and education level, with specialized skills and broader portfolios often leading to higher compensation.

Stage Decorator salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 41 100 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 36,200 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 45,600 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 247 SEK
  • Women: 40 200 SEK/month
  • Men: 44,400 SEK/month
  • Women's share of men's salary: 91%
  • Regional differences: No specific statistics available

Education and qualifications

To work as a Stage Decorator, a combination of artistic education and practical experience is often required. Many have a high school education in aesthetics with specialization in theater, set design, or art, followed by further studies at college or university. Internships and work samples are common to improve employment prospects. Some choose to supplement with courses in technology, construction, or digital visualization to broaden their skills.

  • High school education: Aesthetic programs, 3 years
  • Post-secondary education: Vocational college/university, 2–3 years in set design, decoration, or art
  • Internships: Work placements or trainee positions are highly recommended
  • Courses/certifications: Additional training in construction technology, digital visualization, or material knowledge
  • Work samples: Portfolio and documented experience are often required

Many Stage Decorators have the opportunity to work on both large national productions and smaller, experimental projects. The creative freedom and variation between assignments make the profession particularly attractive for those who want to combine artistic creation with practical craftsmanship.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Stage Decorators are often offered benefits such as overtime pay for evening and weekend work, wellness allowances, insurance, and sometimes opportunities for skills development through courses or workshops. In larger productions, travel and per diems may also be provided, especially if work involves tours or recordings in other locations.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a Stage Decorator is relatively high, especially for the most attractive projects in film, TV, and major theaters. Since the profession is quite specialized and permanent positions are limited, a strong network and a well-developed portfolio are essential to stand out. Uncertain employment forms and project-based contracts are common, which can lead to periods without work. Additionally, the pace and work environment require flexibility and the ability to work under pressure. Staying updated on new materials and techniques is also necessary to remain competitive.

Tips for aspiring Stage Decorators

To succeed as a Stage Decorator, it is beneficial to combine creativity with technical understanding and good collaboration skills. Building a strong portfolio with documented projects demonstrates skill and commitment, making it easier to secure assignments. Networking is central in the industry, so initiating collaborations and internships provides valuable contacts. Precision and problem-solving skills are important, as unexpected challenges often arise during productions. Being flexible and resilient under stress helps meet tight deadlines and adapt to changes. It is also wise to continuously develop your knowledge, for example, in new materials or digital tools, to broaden your competence and increase employability.

Key facts about Stage Decorator

  • Average salary: 41 100 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 36,200–45,600 SEK/month
  • Education requirements: High school + post-secondary education recommended
  • Work form: Often project- or fixed-term employment
  • Number of available jobs in the field: 620

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a Stage Decorator can take on larger and more complex productions or advance to roles such as set designer, production manager, or supervisor within decoration construction. Some choose to specialize in film, TV, theater, or events, while others start their own business to take on freelance assignments. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, there are currently 620 available jobs in the field, but due to limited data, no specific forecast for future job market conditions is made. Overall, demand for creative and technical roles within culture, media, and design is expected to remain stable, especially for those with broad skills and good adaptability.

Frequently asked questions about Stage Decorator

  • What does a Stage Decorator earn?
    - The average salary for a Stage Decorator is 41 100 SEK per month.
  • How does the salary difference between women and men look?
    - Women earn an average of 40 200 SEK while men earn 44,400 SEK, meaning women earn 91% of men's salary.
  • What education is required to become a Stage Decorator?
    - High school education in aesthetics and further training at college or university is recommended, along with internships and work samples.
  • Are there regional salary differences?
    - No specific statistics are available regarding regional differences for Stage Decorators.
  • What is the job market like?
    - There are 620 available jobs in the field, but no exact forecast for the future due to limited data.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for the profession?
    - The highest salary is 45,600 SEK and the lowest is 36,200 SEK per month.
  • What personal qualities are important for a Stage Decorator?
    - Creativity, precision, teamwork skills, and flexibility are key qualities in the profession.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-07 23:39:20

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Stage decorator is 45600 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers with a unspecified education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 45100 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Stage decorator is 36200 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Private sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 44400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 33800 kr 34900 kr
35-44 39900 kr 40700 kr
45-54 43900 kr 45000 kr
55-64 44900 kr 45300 kr
Snitt 91% 40200 kr 41100 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 Stage decorator has the SSYK code 3432, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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