- Salary statistics
- Wood sculptor
Wood sculptor
41 395 - 39 779 kr / month
Kultur, media, design
Salary progression Wood sculptor
What does a wood sculptor do? – Tasks and work environment
A wood sculptor works with creating artworks and objects in wood, often through carving, whittling, and other processing techniques. Tasks include everything from selecting and preparing raw materials to designing and completing sculptures using both hand tools and machines. Many wood sculptors work on commissions or create their own pieces for exhibitions, public spaces, or sales. The work environment can vary greatly – some work in their own studios while others are active in larger workshops, companies, or educational settings. The profession often involves physical strain, dusty environments, and a high demand for precision and artistic sensibility.
Salary development over time
The profession of wood sculptor has shown steady salary increases over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,200 SEK per month. In 2023, this increased to 38 400 SEK, corresponding to an increase of about 6.1%. For 2024, the average salary continued upward and reached 39 779 SEK, a further increase of approximately 3.6% from the previous year. The salary development reflects a somewhat increased demand for specialized artistic professions and greater recognition for craftsmanship skills. Since the profession is often project-based and can include both permanent positions and freelance work, salary levels are also influenced by economic conditions and public demand for artistic services.
Wood sculptor salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 39 779 SEK/month
- Lowest/highest salary: Varies greatly depending on assignments and experience
- Hourly wage: 239 SEK
- Gender differences: No available statistics
- Regional differences: No available statistics
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a wood sculptor is often individual, but an artistic education focusing on wood or visual arts forms a common foundation. Many combine formal education with longer internships, self-study, and specialized courses to develop both technical skills and artistic expression. Prior knowledge in craftsmanship, material science, and drawing techniques is valuable, and the profession demands high attention to detail and patience.
- Artistic education: 2–5 years at folk high schools, universities, or vocational colleges
- Specialized courses: Carving, design, material science
- Internships/traineeships: Common with established artists or workshops
- Self-study: Independent work and portfolio building are central
- Prerequisites: Interest in art, form, and material handling
Many wood sculptors combine their artistry with teaching, workshops, or public art projects, which provides variety and new contacts within the profession.
Common benefits and compensations
Wood sculptors with permanent employment may be covered by collective agreements and thus offered occupational pensions, holiday pay, and insurance. Freelance wood sculptors and self-employed individuals are responsible for these aspects themselves but often have the opportunity to negotiate fees and project terms. Compensation for material costs and exhibition fees also occur, especially for larger public assignments.
Competition and challenges
The competition in the profession of wood sculptor is significant, as the number of permanent positions is limited and many work as freelancers or self-employed. Establishing oneself requires perseverance, a strong personal style, and the ability to network within the art industry. The market is influenced by economic cycles and public and private demand for art. Challenges also include the need to constantly develop technical skills and stay updated on trends within art and craftsmanship. Uncertain income and fluctuating workloads are common, especially early in one’s career.
Tips for aspiring wood sculptors
To succeed as a wood sculptor, it’s good to have a strong artistic drive and curiosity about the material’s possibilities. Developing patience through methodical and careful work is crucial, as is entrepreneurial spirit to market your work and find new commissions. Creativity is needed both in the creative process and when exploring new expressions or techniques. Building a network in the art world can open doors to collaborations and exhibitions, and flexibility helps when projects or tasks vary. Finally, continuous education and openness to feedback are important for long-term development and strengthening your position in the market.
Key facts about Wood Sculptor
- Education level: Artistic education (2–5 years)
- Common work form: Self-employed or freelancer
- Work environment: Studio, workshop, or public projects
- Demand: 620 available jobs in the visual arts profession
- Special skills: Carving, material science, design
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, many wood sculptors establish themselves as freelance artists, hold their own exhibitions, or begin working on larger public commissions. Experience and an expanding network can also lead to assignments in teaching, project management, or collaborations with other artists and designers. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast for the visual arts profession, there is no specific assessment of future prospects for wood sculptors due to limited data. Nevertheless, the number of available jobs indicates some demand, but competition for the most attractive projects is expected to remain high. Flexibility and broad skills increase the chances of finding new opportunities within the profession.
Common questions about Wood Sculptor
- What does a wood sculptor earn?
- A wood sculptor has an average salary of 39 779 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 239 SEK. - What education is required to become a wood sculptor?
- An artistic education lasting 2–5 years, often supplemented with specialized courses and internships, is most common. - What is the job market like for wood sculptors?
- The job market is competitive, but there are approximately 620 available positions within the profession of visual artists. - Are there regional salary differences for wood sculptors?
- There is no available statistics on regional salary differences for wood sculptors. - What personal qualities are important for wood sculptors?
- Creativity, patience, precision, and an entrepreneurial spirit are central qualities. - Do wood sculptors often work as self-employed?
- Yes, many wood sculptors are self-employed or freelancers and combine multiple assignments.
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 has the SSYK code 2651, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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