- Salary statistics
- Illustrator
Illustrator
41 395 - 39 779 kr / month
Kultur, media, design
Salary progression Illustrator
What does a draftsman do? – Tasks and work environment
A draftsman works with creating images, illustrations, and graphic expressions for various purposes and clients. Tasks can include book illustrations, comic drawing, advertising, and digital illustrations for web and games. Typically, the work is done either as a freelancer or as an employee at an agency, publisher, or media company. The work environment is often creative and independent, combining digital tools and traditional techniques to meet client or project requirements. Flexibility and the ability to adapt to different styles and platforms are central to the role.
Salary development over time
The salary for draftsmen has shown a steady upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,200 SEK per month, increasing to 38 400 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 39 779 SEK per month, which corresponds to an increase of approximately 10 percent over three years. This salary development reflects a growing demand for visual content in digital channels, while competition for assignments remains high. Digitalization and the broadened scope of the industry, e.g., within gaming and media production, have contributed to increasing the value of professional skills. Despite this, salaries vary significantly depending on clients, experience, and work arrangements.
Draftsman salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 39 779 SEK/month
- Lowest/highest salary: Varies depending on work form and experience, no exact statistics available
- Hourly wage: 239 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: No data on specific salary differences between men and women
- Regional differences: No available statistics on regional salary variation
Education and qualifications
To work as a draftsman, a artistic education is usually required, but many are self-taught and build their careers through portfolios and practical experience. Formal education in art and design, graphic design, or illustration are common paths, often supplemented with courses in digital tools. Internships and work samples are highly valued in hiring or assignments.
- Formal education: Art or design studies at university (2–4 years)
- Courses and certifications: Focus on digital illustration, graphic design, or comic drawing
- Internships: Common during studies or as freelance assignments
- Prerequisites: Portfolio with work samples
- Self-study: Online courses and ongoing personal projects
The draftsman profession has expanded significantly in recent years, and it is not uncommon for illustrators to also work with animation, graphic design, or digital storytelling. Mastering multiple forms of expression often provides more opportunities for exciting assignments.
Common benefits and compensations
Employed draftsmen may receive benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible hours, professional development, and sometimes remote work options. Freelancers often set their own conditions and invoice fees per assignment, providing flexibility but requiring personal responsibility for insurance and pension contributions.
Competition and challenges
The profession as a draftsman is characterized by high competition, especially for permanent roles or prestigious assignments. Many work as freelancers and must constantly market themselves and build their network. Digitalization has increased market accessibility but has also pressured prices in some segments. Standing out with a clear style, high technical skill, and reliable delivery is crucial for success. Developments in AI and digital tools also demand continuous skill development. Clients often prioritize versatility and the ability to adapt to different styles and platforms.
Tips for aspiring draftsmen
To succeed as a draftsman, combining creativity with perseverance and a willingness to develop is important. Building a strong portfolio requires patience and self-discipline, especially if aiming to work as a freelancer or reach larger clients. A good eye for detail and visual communication is essential, as is the ability to accept constructive criticism and turn feedback into practice. Networking and visibility in creative circles increase chances of assignments, and flexibility regarding work methods and techniques is advantageous. Curiosity and ongoing education make it easier to meet new demands and trends in the market.
Key facts about draftsmen
- Education level: Higher education in art, design, or equivalent
- Work environment: Creative and independent, often digitally based
- Work form: Commonly freelance or project employment
- Demand: 620 job openings within the profession (2024)
- Special skills: Digital illustration and graphic design
Career paths and future outlook
After three to five years in the profession, a draftsman can develop into roles such as art director, graphic designer, animator, or illustrator with specialization in areas like gaming, advertising, or publishing. Many choose to start their own business or work internationally, especially within digital media. The employment agency's forecasts show that there is a limited basis for precise future predictions for draftsmen, but within the visual artists group, there were 620 job openings in 2024. Overall, the profession is expected to remain relevant, especially for those who are flexible and technologically up-to-date. The shift toward digital platforms and increased demand for visual content suggest a stable or slightly growing need in the future.
Frequently asked questions about draftsmen
- What does a draftsman earn?
- A draftsman has an average salary of 39 779 SEK per month according to the latest data. - Is formal education required to become a draftsman?
- It is common with art or design education, but many are self-taught with a strong portfolio. - What are the most common work arrangements for draftsmen?
- Many work as freelancers or on a project basis, but there are also permanent positions. - What is the competition like in the profession?
- The competition is high, especially for permanent roles and larger assignments, requiring continuous development. - Which digital tools are most commonly used?
- Programs like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Procreate are common in the profession. - Are there regional salary differences?
- Reliable statistics on regional salary differences for draftsmen are lacking. - What are the future prospects?
- The outlook is uncertain, but digitalization and increased image demand indicate continued demand.
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 Illustrator has the SSYK code 2651, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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