Image that illustrates Shoe designer

Shoe designer

48 100 kr

Other designers and creators

39 200 - 54 200 kr / month

Women earn 84% of what men do.

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Shoe designer

Average salary 48 100 kr
Males 53 800 kr
Females 44 900 kr

What does a shoe designer do? – Tasks and work environment

A shoe designer is responsible for designing and developing shoes for various purposes, from fashion and sports to functional work and leisure shoes. The profession involves combining aesthetic skills with technical understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and ergonomics. The work environment varies between design studios, prototype workshops, and sometimes factories where new models are tested. The shoe designer often collaborates with other designers, buyers, manufacturers, and sometimes marketers throughout the process from idea to finished product.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for shoe designers has shown some variation. In 2022, the average salary was 47,400 SEK per month, which decreased slightly to 46 300 SEK in 2023. Subsequently, the salary level increased significantly to 48 100 SEK in 2024, corresponding to an increase of just over 3.9% compared to the previous year. This trend may reflect increased demand for specialized design skills, especially in sustainability and innovation. Fluctuations may also be due to project-based employment and rapid changes within the fashion and design industry. Despite some variation, the trend is clear: qualified shoe designers have experienced a slow but steady increase in average salary during the period.

Shoe designer salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 48 100 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 39,200 SEK/month (men), 42,900 SEK/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 54,200 SEK/month (men), 52,200 SEK/month (women)
  • Hourly wage: 289 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 84% of what men do (44 900 SEK vs 53 800 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Data on regional differences is limited

Education and qualifications

To work as a shoe designer, a post-secondary education in design is usually required, often with a focus on textiles, fashion, or industrial design. It is common to supplement with specialized courses in shoe design and internships in the industry. Creativity, technical understanding, and knowledge of materials are crucial for success.

  • Post-secondary education: Design programs (2–3 years), often with a focus on fashion/textiles
  • Specialized courses: Courses in shoe design and material science are recommended
  • Internships: Internships or trainee programs at companies in the shoe or fashion industry
  • Prerequisites: Basic eligibility and often portfolio submissions during admission
  • Self-study: Online courses and portfolio building through personal projects are common

Many shoe designers work with both digital and handmade prototypes, meaning craftsmanship skills are still highly valued in the profession despite increasing digitalization of the design process.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Shoe designers are often offered additional benefits such as wellness allowances, remote work options, and flexible working hours. Larger companies may also provide pension contributions, employee discounts on shoes and clothing, and opportunities for further training within the company. Travel to international trade shows and factories is also common in the profession.

Competition and challenges

The competition within shoe design is high, especially among recent graduates and those seeking positions at well-known fashion houses and brands. The market is characterized by fast-changing trends and demands for constant innovation, requiring both creativity and technical adaptability. A challenge is staying updated on new materials and sustainable production methods. Additionally, project-based employment and freelance assignments can entail some financial insecurity. Shoe designers often need to build a strong network and a solid portfolio to stand out in selection processes.

Tips for aspiring shoe designers

To succeed as a shoe designer, it is good to combine creativity with technical precision and curiosity about new materials. A strong portfolio, including both digital and physical prototypes, increases chances of obtaining internships or employment. Being persistent and having good collaboration skills are important, especially when working in project teams or against tight deadlines. Self-discipline facilitates self-study and portfolio development, and taking initiative is often crucial to stand out in the industry. A passion for fashion and sustainability provides advantages, as these areas are rapidly growing within shoe design. Networking and participating in industry trade shows can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.

Key facts about Shoe Designers

  • Average salary: 48 100 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 39,200–54,200 SEK/month
  • Gender difference: Women earn 84% of what men do
  • Work environment: Studio, workshop, and sometimes factory environment
  • Job openings in the profession: 620 positions

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a shoe designer can advance to roles such as lead designer, product developer, or specialist in materials and sustainability. It is also common to start one's own business or work as a consultant for established brands. Forecasts from the Employment Service show that there is no specific assessment for the shoe designer profession, but within the broader group of other designers and creators, there were 620 job openings in the latest survey. Career opportunities are often international, especially for those who build a strong network and portfolio. The industry is influenced by trends, innovation, and sustainability, which can create new opportunities for specialized designers.

Frequently asked questions about Shoe Designers

  • What is the average salary of a shoe designer?
    - A shoe designer has an average salary of 48 100 SEK per month.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for a shoe designer?
    - The highest salary is 54,200 SEK per month, and the lowest is 39,200 SEK per month.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn 84% of what men do in the profession.
  • What education is required to become a shoe designer?
    - Post-secondary design education, often supplemented with specialized courses and internships in shoe design.
  • What is the job market like for shoe designers?
    - There are 620 job openings in the profession, but no exact forecast for the occupation.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Creativity, technical understanding, precision, and collaboration skills are central to success as a shoe designer.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Shoe designer is 54200 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Private sector with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 52200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Shoe designer is 39200 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 42900 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 87% 41100 kr 41200 kr
35-44 83% 48000 kr 48100 kr
45-54 82% 57700 kr 58000 kr
55-64 48100 kr 48200 kr
Snitt 84% 47900 kr 48100 kr
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 Shoe designer has the SSYK code 2179, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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