- Salary statistics
- Shoe designer salary
Shoe designer salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
40 500 - 55 100 SEK / month
Women earn 91% of what men do.
Kultur, media, design
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Salary progression Shoe designer
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 48 100 SEK in 2023. Subsequently, the salary level increased significantly to 51 700 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: 51 700 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 91% of what men do (49 400 SEK vs 54 600 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.
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: 51 700 SEK/month
- Salary range: 39,200–54,200 SEK/month
- Gender difference: Women earn 91% 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 51 700 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 91% 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.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 47300 kr | 47400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 94% | 51800 kr | 52100 kr |
| 45-54 | 55400 kr | 56000 kr | |
| 55-64 | 55700 kr | 56200 kr | |
| Snitt | 91% | 51300 kr | 51700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 108% | 46200 kr | 46900 kr |
| 45-54 | 90% | 47000 kr | 47900 kr |
| 55-64 | 109% | 44400 kr | 44400 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 45700 kr | 46200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 108% | 46200 kr | 46900 kr |
| 45-54 | 90% | 47000 kr | 47900 kr |
| 55-64 | 109% | 44400 kr | 44400 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 45700 kr | 46200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 47300 kr | 47400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 93% | 51800 kr | 52100 kr |
| 45-54 | 55700 kr | 56300 kr | |
| 55-64 | 56500 kr | 57000 kr | |
| Snitt | 90% | 51400 kr | 51800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 47300 kr | 47400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 93% | 51800 kr | 52100 kr |
| 45-54 | 55700 kr | 56300 kr | |
| 55-64 | 56500 kr | 57000 kr | |
| Snitt | 90% | 51400 kr | 51800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 94% | 53600 kr | 54100 kr |
| Snitt | 91% | 54100 kr | 54600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 108% | 43400 kr | 45000 kr |
| 45-54 | 90% | 48600 kr | 50500 kr |
| 55-64 | 109% | 42400 kr | 42400 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 45000 kr | 46000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 108% | 43400 kr | 45000 kr |
| 45-54 | 90% | 48600 kr | 50500 kr |
| 55-64 | 109% | 42400 kr | 42400 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 45000 kr | 46000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 93% | 53800 kr | 54200 kr |
| Snitt | 90% | 54300 kr | 54800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 93% | 53800 kr | 54200 kr |
| Snitt | 90% | 54300 kr | 54800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 40800 kr | 40900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 94% | 50400 kr | 50600 kr |
| 45-54 | 51900 kr | 52100 kr | |
| Snitt | 91% | 49200 kr | 49400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 108% | 48400 kr | 48400 kr |
| 45-54 | 90% | 45600 kr | 45600 kr |
| 55-64 | 109% | 46300 kr | 46400 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 46400 kr | 46400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 108% | 48400 kr | 48400 kr |
| 45-54 | 90% | 45600 kr | 45600 kr |
| 55-64 | 109% | 46300 kr | 46400 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 46400 kr | 46400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 40800 kr | 40900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 93% | 50400 kr | 50700 kr |
| 45-54 | 52100 kr | 52300 kr | |
| Snitt | 90% | 49300 kr | 49500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 40800 kr | 40900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 93% | 50400 kr | 50700 kr |
| 45-54 | 52100 kr | 52300 kr | |
| Snitt | 90% | 49300 kr | 49500 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 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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