- Salary statistics
- Woodcarver
Woodcarver
30 400 - 30 900 kr / month
Hantverksyrken
Salary progression Woodcarver
What does a woodcarver do? – Tasks and work environment
A woodcarver works with shaping, creating, and decorating objects in wood using various carving techniques. Tasks can include creating artistic details on furniture, restoring older woodworks, or producing ornaments for buildings or musical instruments. The work often involves both hand tools and machines, requiring great precision, creativity, and a feel for the material's properties. The work environment is typically workshop-based but can also involve work at clients’ locations, in cultural heritage sites, or construction sites depending on the assignment.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, salary development for woodcarvers has shown some fluctuations. In 2022, the average salary was 34,382 SEK per month, which increased slightly to 34 662 in 2023. However, there was a decrease to 30 900 in 2024, corresponding to a reduction of approximately 10.8% compared to the previous year. This change may be linked to fluctuations in demand for crafts and art objects, as well as possible variations in project funding and economic conditions. Despite this decline, the profession remains in demand, especially within specialized segments such as restoration and instrument making.
Woodcarver salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 30 900 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data unavailable
- Hourly wage: 186 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
- Gender differences: Data unavailable
- Regional differences: Data unavailable
Education and qualifications
To work as a woodcarver, a craft education focused on wood or artistic crafts is usually required. Educational paths include vocational colleges, folk high schools, and apprenticeships, often combining formal training with practical experience to develop the craftsmanship skills necessary for the profession. Specializations such as musical instrument making or furniture restoration may require additional courses or certification.
- Vocational education: Craft programs in wood or artistic crafts (3 years)
- Yrkeshögskola/Folk high school: Specialized training in woodcraft or wood technology
- Practical training: Apprenticeships or internships with experienced woodcarvers
- Certifications: Possibility to obtain journeyman or master craftsman certificates
- Self-study: Supplementary courses and self-education in design, materials, and tools handling
Many woodcarvers collaborate with other artisans and artists, which offers opportunities to participate in unique projects such as public art installations, stage design, or restoration of culturally significant buildings. The high level of specialization often opens doors to unexpected and creative collaborations.
Common benefits and compensations
For woodcarvers, benefits such as work clothing, tool allowances, and sometimes wellness stipends are common. Some employers also offer opportunities for skill development and participation in industry fairs or exhibitions. For self-employed individuals, benefits vary depending on the scope of assignments, but flexibility in working hours and the ability to pursue personal projects are often valued.
Competition and challenges
The job market for woodcarvers is characterized by competition, partly due to limited training places and a relatively small market. Challenges often include finding stable and long-term commissions, especially for freelancers. Digitalization and mass production have also affected demand for traditional craftsmanship, although interest in unique and handcrafted products is increasing in certain niches. The ability to market oneself and build networks is crucial for establishing oneself in the profession.
Tips for aspiring woodcarvers
To succeed as a woodcarver, it’s good to combine patience with a strong sense of detail and form. Developing good skills in both traditional and modern carving techniques broadens your expertise and increases chances of interesting commissions. Curiosity is an important trait, as materials and methods constantly evolve – continuous learning and seeking inspiration from other craft areas are recommended. Creativity and problem-solving skills facilitate working with custom solutions or restoring complex objects. Finally, perseverance and the ability to work independently are essential, as many projects require sustained focus and careful planning.
Key facts about Woodcarvers
- Average salary: 30 900 SEK/month
- Educational path: Vocational training or craft programs (3 years)
- Work environment: Workshop, studio, or on-site projects
- Demand: 341 job openings in 2024
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a woodcarver can advance to more specialized roles such as restoration manager, supervisor, or self-employed artisan. There are also opportunities to work in training new woodcarvers or develop own product lines for sale through galleries and fairs. Future prospects are considered stable, especially for those combining traditional craftsmanship with modern design and marketing. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service and job data, demand remains strong, particularly in cultural heritage, building conservation, and musical instrument making.
Frequently asked questions about Woodcarvers
- What is the average salary of a woodcarver?
- The average monthly salary is 30 900. - What education is required to become a woodcarver?
- Most commonly, a craft education at the high school or vocational college level, often supplemented with apprenticeships. - Are there regional salary differences for woodcarvers?
- Current statistics on regional salary differences are unavailable for this profession. - What is the job market like for woodcarvers?
- There are 341 job openings according to the latest data, and demand is considered stable. - What personal qualities are important for a woodcarver?
- Patience, creativity, and precision are key qualities for success. - Can one work as a self-employed woodcarver?
- Many work independently, taking on commissions for restoration or art objects. - What is the hourly wage for a woodcarver?
- The hourly wage is 186 SEK, based on 166 hours of work per month.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30400 kr | 30900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30400 kr | 30900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30400 kr | 30900 kr |
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 Woodcarver has the SSYK code 7319, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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