- Salary statistics
- Theater assistant
Theater assistant
38 500 - 39 300 kr / month
Kultur, media, design
Salary progression Theater assistant
What does a theatre assistant do? – Tasks and work environment
A theatre assistant works closely with the production team at theatre, stage, or film, assisting with a wide range of tasks. Common duties include organizing rehearsals, maintaining contact with actors and technical staff, and handling props and logistics before performances. The work often takes place in a creative and dynamic environment, where workdays can be irregular and the pace high. Flexibility and good organizational skills are required to manage quick changes and meet tight deadlines. The work environment is characterized by close collaboration with various professionals in performing arts and technical production, demanding good communication and stress resilience.
Salary development over time
The salary for theatre assistants has shown a clear upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,200 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 36 200 SEK, representing a salary increase of approximately 5.8%. Between 2023 and 2024, the average salary further rose to 39 300 SEK, an increase of an additional 8.6%. The overall salary development during this period has been strong, which can be explained by increased demand for skills in production and stage management, as well as employers’ efforts to attract and retain qualified staff in competitive cultural environments. The positive trend also indicates that the job market for theatre assistants remains relatively stable despite fluctuations within the cultural sector.
Theatre assistant salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 39 300 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data unavailable
- Hourly wage: 236 SEK
- Gender differences: Women 38 800 SEK/month, men – data unavailable
- Regional differences: Data unavailable
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a theatre assistant varies, but it is common to have some form of post-secondary education in theatre, performing arts, or cultural production. Practical experience in theatre work is highly valued, and many start as interns or volunteers before securing a permanent position. There are also opportunities to supplement with shorter courses and specialized training to further enhance skills.
- Post-secondary education: 1–3 years in theatre, performing arts, or cultural production
- Internship/trainee: Often required or highly meriting
- Courses and workshops: In lighting, sound, stage technology, or production
- Prerequisites: High school diploma, preferably with an aesthetic focus
- Stage work experience: Practical work is prioritized in recruitment
Being a theatre assistant often involves working behind the scenes and paying attention to details that the audience rarely notices. The role requires both creative problem-solving and the ability to quickly adapt when unforeseen challenges arise. Those who enjoy a changing environment and teamwork often find great job satisfaction in this profession.
Common benefits and compensations
Theatre assistants are often covered by collective agreements, which can include benefits such as occupational pension, insurance, and overtime pay for work evenings and weekends. Some employers also offer wellness allowances, staff tickets to performances, and opportunities for skills development through internal training and workshops.
Competition and challenges
Competition for positions as theatre assistants can be tough, especially in larger cities where many seek employment in the cultural sector. The number of available jobs varies and is often project- and season-dependent within theatre and performing arts. A challenge is that the job market can be sensitive to changes in funding and audience interest, leading to shorter and project-based employment. Irregular hours and work evenings and weekends are common, which can affect work-life balance. However, those who are flexible and have broad skills increase their chances of employment.
Tips for aspiring theatre assistants
To succeed as a theatre assistant, it’s good to be both meticulous and flexible, as tasks often vary and quick changes are common. Showing initiative by taking responsibility and solving practical problems is appreciated by employers. Good teamwork skills are essential, since the role involves contact with many different professionals and requires smooth relationships. Resilience to stress helps during busy periods like premieres or performances. A clear interest in performing arts and a willingness to develop through further training and new tasks are also important qualities. Building a network within the industry can provide access to more job opportunities and valuable contacts. Finally, professional conduct and clear communication are vital for building trust within the team.
Key facts about Theatre Assistants
- Average salary: 39 300 SEK/month
- Education level: Post-secondary education in theatre or performing arts
- Work environment: Production, stage, and theatre with varying hours
- Available jobs in the profession: 620
Career paths and future prospects
After a few years of experience as a theatre assistant, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as prompter, production assistant, or stage manager. Some choose to further their education in directing, stage technology, or production to broaden their career options. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that it’s difficult to make an exact assessment of future prospects for theatre assistants, as the profession is part of a larger occupational group with a project-based and fluctuating job market. Currently, there are 620 available jobs in the group "prompt operators and scriptors," indicating some demand. For those who are flexible and willing to work in different locations, chances of employment increase, especially within larger productions or institutions.
Frequently asked questions about Theatre Assistants
- What does a Theatre Assistant earn?
- The average salary is 39 300 SEK/month, with women earning 38 800 SEK/month. Data on men is unavailable. - What education is required to become a theatre assistant?
- Post-secondary education in theatre, performing arts, or cultural production is recommended. - What is the work environment like for a theatre assistant?
- The work takes place in a creative and varied environment, often with irregular hours and high pace. - Are there many job openings for theatre assistants?
- There are 620 available jobs in the profession according to the latest data. - What are the most common benefits?
- Occupational pension, overtime pay, wellness allowance, and staff tickets are common benefits. - How has the salary developed over recent years?
- The salary has increased from 34,200 SEK (2022) to 39 300 SEK (2024), indicating a positive trend.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 41100 kr | 41800 kr | |
| Snitt | 38500 kr | 39300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 41100 kr | 41800 kr | |
| Snitt | 38500 kr | 39300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 41100 kr | 41800 kr | |
| Snitt | 38500 kr | 39300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 38000 kr | 38800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 38000 kr | 38800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 38000 kr | 38800 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 Theater assistant has the SSYK code 3433, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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