How much does a Tailor make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Tailor
Image that illustrates Tailor

Tailor

30 900 kr

Tailors and atelier seamstresses etc.

30 800 - 30 900 kr / month

Hantverksyrken

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Tailor

Average salary 30 900 kr
Males 0 kr
Females 30 800 kr
2 Likes 0 Comments 5 Vacant jobs ->

What does a tailor do? – Tasks and work environment

A tailor works with sewing, altering, and repairing clothes, often according to customer specifications. The profession includes everything from taking measurements and selecting materials to creating patterns, cutting fabric, and sewing garments by hand or with machines. Many tailors specialize in certain areas, such as men's or women's clothing, evening wear, or workwear. The work environment varies depending on the workplace—it can be a personal atelier, larger clothing factories, or small tailoring shops. The job often requires a high degree of precision and artistic sense, as work is detail-oriented and demands accuracy. Long periods of sitting and repetitive movements are common, making ergonomics and working posture important factors.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salary development for tailors has been relatively stable. In 2022, the average salary was 28,800 SEK per month. The following year, 2023, the average salary increased to 31 000 SEK, corresponding to a salary increase of about 4.2%. In 2024, the average salary has slightly decreased to 30 900 SEK, representing a marginal decline of 0.3% compared to the previous year. This slight decrease may be due to changing demand or increased competition within the profession. Overall, the salary trend reflects a market with relatively unchanged demand and an oversupply of labor, which influences salary levels. Despite this, salaries remain stable with small year-to-year variations.

Tailor salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 30 900 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 28,800 SEK/month (2022 level)
  • Highest salary: 31 000 SEK/month (2023 level)
  • Hourly wage: 186 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Women earn an average of 30 800 SEK/month. Data for men is not available.
  • Regional differences: Specific figures are lacking, but salary levels may vary depending on demand and labor market conditions in different regions.

Education and qualifications

To work as a tailor, a vocational education in textiles and fashion is usually required, often with a focus on sewing and garment creation. Many attend the high school craft program with a textile specialization, but there are also qualified post-secondary programs and apprenticeship opportunities. Practical experience and a well-developed sense for form, color, and details are essential for success in the profession.

  • Vocational training: Craft program – textile design, 3 years
  • Post-secondary education: University college or folk high school with sewing specialization, 1–2 years
  • Internship: Apprenticeship or internship at a tailoring shop is recommended
  • Courses: Specialized courses in pattern making, cutting, and material knowledge
  • Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of sewing and material handling

Many tailors combine traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques such as digital pattern making and machine sewing. Those proficient in both classic and new methods often have an advantage in the job market.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to base salary, tailors may be offered benefits such as wellness allowances, subsidized work clothing, and sometimes bonuses based on performance or projects. Insurance, pension contributions, and opportunities for skills development through courses and training are also common.

Competition and challenges

The job market for tailors is characterized by high competition and an oversupply of labor, according to the Swedish Public Employment Service. Demand for tailors and atelier seamstresses is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, meaning that new job opportunities are limited while many seek to enter the profession. Automation and cheaper ready-made clothing pose additional challenges, as does the trend of consumers choosing to buy new instead of repairing or tailoring garments. Standing out often requires specialized skills, such as men's tailoring, advanced alteration techniques, or work with exclusive materials.

Tips for aspiring tailors

To succeed as a tailor, it’s important to be meticulous and have an eye for detail, as precision is key to achieving high quality in every seam. Creativity helps in finding solutions when faced with unexpected challenges, especially with custom orders. Patience is a vital trait since many tasks require time and concentration. Good communication facilitates collaboration with clients and colleagues, especially when interpreting wishes and advising on material choices. Flexibility and willingness to learn new techniques are also valuable, as trends and methods evolve, and those who adapt quickly have better chances of securing new assignments. A genuine interest in fashion and textiles makes daily work more inspiring and supports long-term motivation in the profession.

Key facts about tailors

  • Education level: Vocational or post-secondary education in textiles
  • Work environment: Atelier, small tailoring shop, or clothing industry
  • Typical employment type: Full-time, part-time, or hourly employment
  • Demand: Limited job opportunities, oversupply of labor
  • Job vacancies: 341 nationally within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, tailors can advance to more specialized roles such as pattern maker, atelier manager, or start their own business in fashion and sewing. Some choose to further their education in textile design or work with costume design, while others become trainers or mentors for new tailors. Projections from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicate limited job opportunities and high competition, with an oversupply of applicants. Over five years, demand is expected to remain unchanged, making niche skills and specialization potentially increasing chances of employment or attracting clients.

Frequently asked questions about tailors

  • What does a tailor earn?
    - A tailor has an average salary of 30 900 SEK per month.
  • How to become a tailor?
    - The most common path is to attend the vocational program with a textile specialization or pursue a post-secondary education in sewing and fashion.
  • What is the job market like for tailors?
    - The job market is competitive with limited opportunities for new jobs and a surplus of labor.
  • Are there regional differences in salary?
    - Specific figures are lacking, but salary levels can vary depending on demand and regional labor market conditions.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Accuracy, patience, creativity, and good communication skills are crucial for success as a tailor.
  • Can I work as a self-employed person?
    - Yes, many tailors run their own businesses or work as freelancers within fashion and sewing.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 14:34:08

Occupation
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
Snitt 30800 kr 30900 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Register an account before you can comment

To write a comment you need to create an account.

Default Avatar

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 Tailor has the SSYK code 7531, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

Search salary statistics for occupation
8000 kr
<-|->
90000 kr
Vacant jobs
Show more
Similar occupations
Latest posts
  • Public Opinion - Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Public Opinion

    Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35
  • National Debt - The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    National Debt

    The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00
Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

With our Swedish tax calculator, you can easily calculate your after-tax income (net salary).

Swedish Church Member

* Updated with 2025 taxes

Explore more topics