- Salary statistics
- Textile conservator
Textile conservator
41 395 - 39 779 kr / month
Kultur, media, design
Salary progression Textile conservator
What does a textile conservator do? – Tasks and work environment
A textile conservator works to preserve, restore, and document textile objects of historical, artistic, or cultural value. The tasks include practical conservation work, material analysis, and advising on storage, handling, and display of textiles. The work often takes place at museums, archives, cultural institutions, or private studios and can involve individual objects or larger collections. The environment is characterized by focus, precision, and close collaboration with other experts in conservation, collections, and exhibition production.
Salary development over time
The salary for textile conservators has shown stable and positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,200 SEK per month, increasing to 38 400 SEK in 2023. The latest recorded average salary for 2024 is 39 779 SEK per month, representing a total increase of approximately 10 percent over the three-year period. This increase can partly be explained by a greater focus on cultural heritage and preservation within the museum sector, as well as higher educational requirements and specialized skills. Despite the profession's niche status and high competition for positions, the salary trend indicates a steady demand for qualified textile conservators.
Textile conservator salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 39 779 SEK/month
- Lowest/highest salary: Information not available
- Hourly wage: 239 SEK
- Gender differences: Information not available
- Regional differences: Information not available
Education and qualifications
To work as a textile conservator, a specialized university degree in conservation is usually required, often with a focus on textiles. The education combines theoretical knowledge in materials science and art history with practical skills in conservation techniques. Internships are often an important part of the program, and competition for places is high.
- Formal degree: Bachelor’s in conservation (3 years), often with a master’s or postgraduate qualification (additional 1–2 years)
- Specific courses: Textile conservation, material analysis, ethics, and documentation
- Internships: Mandatory internships at museums or conservation studios
- Prerequisites: Background in science or arts, sometimes portfolio submissions
- Tips: Engagement in cultural heritage projects and networking within the industry are recommended
Many textile conservators have the opportunity to work with unique and world-famous textiles, from royal costumes to medieval tapestries. This means that each project often requires tailored solutions and a high degree of creative problem-solving.
Common benefits and compensations
Textile conservators employed at larger institutions are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowances, generous vacation terms, and opportunities for professional development. For project-based or freelance work, benefits may vary, but flexible working hours and remote work options are sometimes available.
Competition and challenges
The profession is niche and the number of positions limited, leading to high competition for permanent roles at museums and cultural institutions. High demands are placed on formal education and practical experience, with many employers seeking specialized skills in specific textile techniques or materials. Ongoing professional development is necessary as new methods and technologies evolve rapidly in the field. Additionally, project funding and budget constraints can affect job security, especially for freelancers and project-based workers.
Tips for aspiring textile conservators
To succeed as a textile conservator, it’s beneficial to combine meticulousness with a genuine passion for cultural heritage and history. Analytical and methodical skills facilitate material analysis and documentation, while creative problem-solving is often needed to find suitable conservation methods for unique textiles. Patience and perseverance are important, as the work is often time-consuming and detail-oriented. Building networks within the museum sector and participating in specialist courses can increase employment chances, as can taking initiative with internships and projects. An open mind to new techniques and methods is essential for continuous professional development.
Key facts about Textile Conservator
- Average salary: 39 779 SEK/month
- Education level: University degree with a specialization in conservation
- Work environment: Museums, archives, and conservation studios
- Job openings in the field: 620 (including visual artists, etc.)
- Hourly wage: 239 SEK
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, many textile conservators have the opportunity to undertake more advanced projects, supervise interns, or work as project managers on larger conservation efforts. Some pursue further education or specialization in areas such as digital documentation or research-oriented conservation. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast for visual artists, which includes textile conservators, there is no separate assessment basis, but competition for permanent positions is expected to remain high. The field currently offers approximately 620 job openings, though these also include other artistic professions. Generally, high competence and flexibility are required to establish oneself and advance in the field.
Frequently asked questions about Textile Conservator
- What does a Textile Conservator earn?
- The average salary is 39 779 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 239 SEK. - What education is required to become a Textile Conservator?
- A university degree in conservation, often with a focus on textiles, is required. - What is the job market like for Textile Conservators?
- The number of positions is limited and competition for permanent roles is high. - What workplaces are most common for Textile Conservators?
- Most work in museums, archives, or specialized conservation studios. - What personal qualities are important in the profession?
- Attention to detail, analytical skills, patience, and creativity are central qualities. - Are there opportunities for further education?
- Yes, many pursue master's or postgraduate studies and specialist courses. - What related professions are there?
- Conservator for paper, paintings, archaeological artifacts, and museum technicians.
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 Textile 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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