- Salary statistics
- Picture conservator
Picture conservator
41 395 - 39 779 kr / month
Kultur, media, design
Salary progression Picture conservator
What does a Tavelkonservator do? – Tasks and work environment
A Tavelkonservator works with preserving, restoring, and caring for artworks on canvas, wood, paper, or other materials. The work includes meticulous cleaning and conservation of paintings, repairing damages, stabilizing substrates, and restoring color layers in a scientific and gentle manner. Tavelkonservatorer often collaborate with museums, galleries, churches, and private collections. The work environment is characterized by high concentration, work in specialized studios, and sometimes on-site in exhibition spaces or historic buildings. Close collaboration with other experts in conservation, art history, and craftsmanship is often required.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, the salary for Tavelkonservatorer has shown steady and positive growth. In 2022, the average salary was 36,200 SEK per month. The following year, 2023, the average salary increased to 38 400 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 6.1 %. In 2024, the upward trend continued to 39 779 SEK per month, an increase of an additional 3.6 %. This salary development reflects an increased demand for qualified conservation services and a growing interest in cultural heritage preservation. Factors influencing salary levels include specialized expertise, project-based employment, and access to public and private assignments within conservation.
Tavelkonservator salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 39 779 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data unavailable
- Hourly wage (average): 239 SEK
- Gender differences: Data unavailable
- Regional differences: Data unavailable
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a Tavelkonservator involves specialized university education in conservation, often focusing on painting or canvas art. The education combines theoretical knowledge of materials science and art history with practical skills in restoration techniques. Internships are common and provide valuable work experience. Many employers also value internationally recognized certifications or further training.
- Formal education: Bachelor's degree in conservation (3 years), often followed by a master's (2 years)
- Internships: During education or trainee programs at museums
- Certifications: Opportunities for international certification via organizations like IIC or E.C.C.O.
- Prerequisites: Basic eligibility and often artistic or scientific background
- Tips: Self-study in art history and materials knowledge enhances competitiveness
Working as a Tavelkonservator often involves solving complex problems where each artwork requires its own method. Many projects involve close dialogue with artists, clients, or heritage officials, making communication and pedagogical skills as important as technical craftsmanship.
Common benefits and compensation
Tavelkonservatorer are often offered benefits such as professional development, opportunities for specialized study trips, and access to advanced tools and laboratory environments. Some employers also provide wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and opportunities to participate in international projects or exhibitions.
Competition and challenges
The competition within the Tavelkonservator profession is significant, especially since the number of training places and permanent positions is limited. Many work project-based or as consultants, requiring flexibility and a broad network. Challenges often include funding for cultural heritage projects, access to large assignments, and staying updated on new conservation methods and research findings. Due to the high level of specialization required, it can also be difficult to find employers outside major cities or museum institutions.
Tips for aspiring Tavelkonservatorer
To succeed as a Tavelkonservator, it is beneficial to combine meticulousness with creative problem-solving. Gaining broad experience through internships or volunteer work at museums helps build technical skills and professional networks. An analytical approach facilitates material investigations and restoration decisions, while patience and perseverance are crucial for long-term projects. Continuous education in art history and new technologies provides a competitive edge. Good communication skills are essential for explaining interventions to clients and partners. Finally, an interest in cultural heritage and historical materials is central to thriving and developing in the profession.
Key facts about Tavelkonservator
- Educational level: Bachelor's or master's degree in conservation
- Work environment: Laboratory or studio-based with fieldwork elements
- Typical employment: Project-based or consulting assignments
- Demand: Limited number of permanent positions, but 620 available jobs in the profession
- Special skills: Materials science and art history
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a Tavelkonservator can advance to leading roles in larger conservation projects, serve as a project manager, or specialize in a specific material or technique. Experienced Tavelkonservatorer often work as consultants for cultural heritage institutions or run their own businesses. Future prospects are influenced by general interest in cultural heritage and access to public funding. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast for visual artists, it is difficult to provide an exact assessment for Tavelkonservatorer due to limited data, but the entire profession reports 620 available jobs. Specialized skills and international experience increase employment and assignment opportunities.
Frequently asked questions about Tavelkonservator
- What does a Tavelkonservator earn?
- A Tavelkonservator has an average salary of 39 779 SEK per month according to current statistics. - What education is required to become a Tavelkonservator?
- The profession requires a bachelor's or master's degree in conservation, often with practical components. - What is the job market like for Tavelkonservatorer?
- The job market is limited but there are 620 available jobs within the visual arts profession. - Do Tavelkonservatorer mostly work with museums?
- Most work with museums, but also with churches, private collections, and as consultants. - Are there regional salary differences?
- Reliable data on regional salary differences for Tavelkonservatorer is lacking. - What qualities are important for the profession?
- Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, patience, and communication skills are central qualities.
Salary distributed by age and sector
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 Picture conservator has the SSYK code 2651, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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