- Salary statistics
- Wood sculptor, artist
Wood sculptor, artist
41 395 - 39 779 kr / month
Kultur, media, design
Salary progression Wood sculptor, artist
What does a wooden sculptor with an artistic focus do? – Tasks and work environment
A wooden sculptor with an artistic focus creates decorative and artistic forms in wood, often by processing and carving wood pieces into sculptures, ornaments, or embellishments. Tasks can range from designing their own works to restoring older wood details in churches, buildings, or furniture. Many work on commissions from private individuals, institutions, or public environments, which means the work environment varies between personal studios, workshops, and sometimes on-site at the client’s location. The work requires both artistic sensibility and high craftsmanship skills, as well as understanding of different wood types and techniques.
Salary development over time
The profession of wooden sculptor, artist, has shown steady salary growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,200 SEK per month, which increased to 38 400 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 39 779 SEK per month. The increase corresponds to approximately 10 percent over the three-year period. This positive trend can be partly explained by an increased demand for unique and handcrafted art pieces, as well as more clients valuing craftsmanship quality in public and private settings. Inflation and rising material costs have also contributed to higher wages within the profession. Despite this, salary levels still depend on project volume, reputation, and geographic location.
Wooden sculptor, artist salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 39 779 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
- Hourly wage: 239 SEK
- Gender differences: Data not available
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
To work as a wooden sculptor with an artistic focus, a combination of artistic education and practical craftsmanship skills is often required. Many choose to attend vocational colleges or artistic programs at folk high schools, while some deepen their skills through apprenticeships or private courses. Practical experience and a strong portfolio are crucial for establishing oneself in the profession.
- Formal education: Vocational college (2–3 years) or artistic education at a folk high school
- Certifications/courses: Specialized courses in wood sculpture and art
- Internships: Apprenticeships or practical placements are highly recommended
- Prerequisites: Basic education in art and design is often advantageous
- Self-study: Personal creation and documentation in a portfolio
It is not uncommon for wooden sculptors to collaborate with architects, interior designers, or other artists on larger projects. Such collaborations often provide new perspectives and opportunities to develop both techniques and styles.
Common benefits and compensation
Wooden sculptors with an artistic focus often have access to flexible working hours and opportunities to work from home or in their own studio. Some employers offer insurance, wellness allowances, and opportunities for professional development through courses and workshops. Compensation models vary and can include project-based pay, commissions, or fixed fees for larger assignments.
Competition and challenges
The competition within the profession is significant, especially since the number of trained wooden sculptors with an artistic focus is limited, while assignments are often project-based and seasonal. Establishing oneself requires a strong network and a well-developed personal brand. Many face challenges in finding enough well-paid assignments to make a living full-time. The market is also influenced by economic cycles and changes in public and private demand for artistic services. Digitalization and new technologies are also changing the conditions for marketing and sales, requiring adaptability.
Tips for those who want to become a wooden sculptor with an artistic focus
To succeed as a wooden sculptor with an artistic focus, it is good to develop patience and precision, as the work often requires detailed work over a long period. Creativity is an important trait to create unique and personal works and to solve technical challenges in various projects. Being social and active in networks can open doors to new collaborations and assignments. Self-discipline is needed to structure the workday, especially for those running their own business. Finally, continuously developing skills and staying updated on new techniques and materials in wood sculpture is essential.
Key facts about Wooden Sculptor, Artist
- Education level: Vocational college or artistic education (2–3 years)
- Work environment: Own studio, workshop, or at the client’s location
- Work form: Project-based and often freelance
- Demand: 620 available jobs in the profession
- Special skills: Craftsmanship and artistic expression
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, many wooden sculptors with an artistic focus have built a stable client base and can undertake larger and more prestigious assignments, such as public art installations or restoration projects. Some choose to specialize in areas like church or furniture restoration, while others develop their own artistic style and exhibit in galleries. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, there are 620 available jobs within the visual artists sector, but no specific forecast for wooden sculptors. Demand is influenced by the economy and the cultural sector, but opportunities exist for those who are skilled and entrepreneurial.
Frequently asked questions about Wooden Sculptor, Artist
- What does a wooden sculptor with an artistic focus earn?
- The average salary is 39 779 SEK per month. - What is the job market like for wooden sculptors, artists?
- There are 620 available jobs, but competition is high and assignments are project-based. - What education is required to become a wooden sculptor, artist?
- Vocational college or artistic education at a folk high school, often combined with internships or apprenticeships. - Are there regional differences in salary or demand?
- Specific regional differences are not available in accessible statistics. - What personal qualities are important in the profession?
- Creativity, precision, patience, and the ability to work independently are central qualities. - How does experience affect salary?
- Salaries often increase with experience and a well-established personal brand. - What work environments are most common?
- Own studio or workshop, and work at client sites for larger projects.
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 Wood sculptor, artist has the SSYK code 2651, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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