Theater technician salary

Salary and Work as a Theater Technician

Working as a theater technician means playing a central role in creating magic on stage. Whether you work with lighting, sound, or stage technology, your contribution is crucial for the performance to be carried out in the best possible way. But what does the salary look like for a theater technician, and what is required to get a job in this profession? Here, you will get an insight into both salary statistics and working conditions.

Salary Statistics for Theater Technicians

The average salary for a theater technician in Sweden is 35 500 kronor per month. This is an increase from previous years' data, which showed an average salary of 35 100 kronor. However, there is a certain wage gap between men and women in the profession. While men earn an average of 35 300 kronor, women earn 36 500 kronor, meaning that women earn 103% of what men do.

The highest salary for a theater technician is 38000 SEK, belonging to a man working as a privately employed executive with a post-secondary education of three years or more. For women, the highest salary is 36500 SEK. The lowest salary for a theater technician is 32300 SEK, belonging to a woman who is a privately employed executive with a post-secondary education of less than three years. For men, the lowest salary is 34200 SEK.

Job Duties for a Theater Technician

As a theater technician, you can work with various technical aspects of a theater production. You can specialize in lighting, sound, or stage technology. Your tasks may include rigging and programming lights, handling audio equipment and microphones, and building and assembling stage sets and props. The work requires both technical expertise and a creative flair, as you often collaborate closely with directors, set designers, and other artistic leaders.

Education and Qualifications

To become a theater technician, a post-secondary education in technical theater arts is usually required, which may include courses in lighting design, sound technology, and set design. There are several educational institutions in Sweden that offer such programs, including vocational colleges and some universities.

Practical experience is also highly valuable in this profession. Many theater technicians start as interns or assistants and then advance to more responsible roles. Employers also value technical competence and the ability to work under time pressure, as theater productions often have strict deadlines.

Labor Market and Future Prospects

The Swedish Public Employment Service's assessments of the labor market for theater technicians are limited due to a lack of sufficient data. Therefore, there is no specific forecast or assessment of job opportunities for this profession. However, it is important to note that the job market can vary significantly depending on the geographical location and the number of productions being carried out.

Benefits and Working Conditions

Benefits can vary depending on the employer and type of employment. Some employers may offer paid training to further develop your technical skills. Other possible benefits may include a company-paid mobile phone, work clothes, or equipment. It is always a good idea to discuss benefits and working conditions during the job interview.

What to Consider If You Want to Become a Theater Technician

If you are considering a career as a theater technician, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, be prepared for irregular working hours, including evenings and weekends, as theater performances often take place during these times. Secondly, develop a strong technical expertise and stay updated on the latest technology in your field. Finally, be prepared to work in a creative and sometimes stressful environment, where quick problem-solving and teamwork are key to success.

Working as a theater technician can be both challenging and rewarding. It is a profession that combines technical expertise with artistic creativity and offers the opportunity to be part of exciting and diverse theater productions.