How much does a Set designer make

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  2. Set designer
Image that illustrates Set designer

Set designer

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 Set designer

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

What does a scenographer do? – Tasks and work environment

A scenographer is responsible for designing and creating stage environments in theatre, film, TV, and other performing arts contexts. The work includes developing visual concepts and drawings, collaborating with directors, costume designers, and technical teams to realize the artistic vision. The scenographer often works both practically and creatively, focusing on details such as props, lighting, and spatial design. The work environment varies between studios, workshops, rehearsals, and filming locations, where flexibility and teamwork are essential qualities.

Salary development over time

The salary of a scenographer has shown steady positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 38,300 SEK per month, increasing to 39100 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary is projected to be 41 100 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 7.3% over the period. This growth is largely attributed to increased demand for skilled scenographers in both film and stage production, as well as a growing awareness of the importance of visual design in cultural projects. The salary trend also reflects a broader pattern within creative professions, where specialized skills and experience are increasingly valued.

Scenographer salary – a comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 41 100 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 36,200 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 45,600 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 247 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women 40 200 SEK, men 44,400 SEK (women earn 91% of what men do)
  • Regional differences: No specific data available

Education and qualifications

To work as a scenographer, a higher education in art, design, or scenography is usually required, often lasting 3–5 years, e.g., at Konstfack or the Dramatic Institute. Many employers also value practical experience from projects in theatre, film, or TV. The profession demands broad technical and aesthetic knowledge, making both formal education and hands-on experience highly valued.

  • Artistic university education: 3–5 years, e.g., at Konstfack or the Dramatic Institute
  • Courses in scenography, lighting, and spatial design
  • Internships or trainee positions in theatre or film productions
  • Prerequisites: Basic eligibility and often work samples or interviews
  • Experience in project management and collaboration within creative teams

The scenographer profession often involves working under time pressure and with rapid changes, especially in productions where stage sets need to be rebuilt between performances or shots. The ability to quickly find creative solutions and collaborate closely with other professionals is therefore crucial for success in the role.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensation

Scenographers are often offered benefits such as flexible working hours, opportunities for further training, and participation in creative networks. Many employers within the cultural sector also provide wellness allowances, insurance, and in some cases, remote work options depending on the project. Compensation models can vary between permanent employment and project-based assignments.

Competition and challenges

The profession is competitive, with many applicants for a limited number of positions, especially at large institutions and production companies. Innovation and technical skills are key factors for standing out in the job market. Since work is often project-based, periods of intense work may alternate with times of uncertainty regarding the next assignment. Digitalization and new technological tools increase demands on scenographers to continuously develop their skills. Collaboration skills and the ability to work under pressure are qualities that often determine success in the profession.

Tips for aspiring scenographers

To succeed as a scenographer, it’s helpful to combine creativity with a strong eye for detail and structure. Building a broad portfolio by taking on various projects, including smaller productions, provides valuable experience and demonstrates initiative. Willingness to collaborate and good communication skills facilitate teamwork with directors and other creatives, while curiosity and openness to new techniques help stay relevant in a changing field. Gaining experience through internships or assistant roles in theatre or film offers insight into industry workflows, and managing stressful situations is important during quick scene changes and deadlines. Finally, it’s essential to dare to take artistic initiatives and develop a personal style that makes you recognizable in the industry.

Key facts about scenographers

  • Average salary: 41 100 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 36,200–45,600 SEK/month
  • Gender difference: Women earn 91% of what men do
  • Education level: University degree in art or design (3–5 years)
  • Work form: Project-based or permanent employment within the cultural sector

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years in the profession, many scenographers have built a network and gained experience that enables them to work on larger productions, such as film, TV series, or national theatre companies. Some choose to specialize in areas like lighting, digital scenography, or production design. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s job forecast, no specific assessment is made for the scenographer profession due to limited data, but there are 620 job openings within the broader occupational group. Future prospects depend on project funding and the development of the cultural sector, but demand for creative and technically skilled scenographers is expected to remain, especially within new media and digital productions.

Frequently asked questions about scenographers

  • What is the average salary of a scenographer?
    - A scenographer has an average monthly salary of 41 100 SEK.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for a scenographer?
    - The highest salary is 45,600 SEK and the lowest 36,200 SEK per month.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, men earn on average 44,400 SEK while women earn 40 200 SEK, which means women earn 91% of men's salaries.
  • What education is required to become a scenographer?
    - A university degree in art, design, or scenography is usually required.
  • What is the job market like for scenographers?
    - There are 620 job openings within the profession, but competition is high and the job market is project-based.
  • What personal qualities are important for a scenographer?
    - Creativity, collaboration skills, problem-solving ability, and stress tolerance are key qualities.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-04 23:40:00

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Set designer 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 Set designer 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 Set designer has the SSYK code 3432, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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