- Salary statistics
- Foreman
Foreman
30 400 - 30 900 kr / month
Hantverksyrken
Salary progression Foreman
What does a verkmakare do? – Tasks and work environment
A verkmakare manufactures, repairs, and maintains musical instruments, with a particular focus on string or wind instruments. Tasks include everything from precision work with wood and metal to advanced adjustments of mechanics and acoustics. The verkmakare often works in small workshops, sometimes as self-employed, but can also be employed at larger music stores or instrument workshops. The work environment is characterized by precision, silence, and high concentration, as each instrument requires individual adjustment and care.
Salary development over time
The salary for verkmakare has shown a downward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,382 SEK per month, which increased slightly to 34 662 SEK in 2023. However, in 2024, the average salary has fallen to 30 900 SEK, corresponding to a decrease of about 11% compared to the previous year. This decline can be explained by decreased demand for traditional craftsmanship professions and increased competition from mass-produced instruments. Economic conditions and changes in consumer behavior also contribute to the pressure on salary levels. Despite the negative trend, there is still a continued need for skilled verkmakare, especially for specialized instruments and advanced repairs.
Verkmakare salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 30 900 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
- Hourly wage: 186 SEK
- Gender differences: Data not available
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a verkmakare often involves specialized craft education focused on musical instruments, supplemented with extensive practical training. Formal education options include vocational college programs or apprenticeship schemes, but many verkmakare acquire their skills through master training or long-term mentorship by experienced practitioners. Knowledge of wood and metalworking is advantageous, and an interest in music and patience are essential qualities for success.
- Vocational college: 2–3 years focused on instrument making
- Apprenticeship: Practical training with an established verkmakare, often 1–2 years
- Courses/certifications: Specialized courses in acoustics, materials science, and fine mechanics
- Prerequisites: Craftsmanship experience, preferably with wood or metal work
- Tips for choosing: Internships and networking within the instrument making industry are highly valuable
Many verkmakare develop close relationships with both instruments and customers, and it is not uncommon for the same verkmakare to service generations of musicians in a region. Personal contact and pride in the craft are often strongly present in this profession.
Common benefits and compensations
Typical benefits for verkmakare include flexible working hours, opportunities for independent work, and access to specialized tools. Some employers also offer wellness allowances, professional development, and discounts on musical instruments and accessories.
Competition and challenges
The profession of verkmakare is relatively niche, and competition for permanent positions can be fierce, especially in larger cities. Many practitioners choose to start their own business to build a customer base. One of the biggest challenges is increasing competition from inexpensive, mass-produced instruments, and a declining demand for traditional craftsmanship. At the same time, customers often expect high quality and quick service, which demands high craftsmanship skills and customer service. Staying updated with new materials and techniques is crucial to remaining competitive.
Tips for aspiring verkmakare
To succeed as a verkmakare, it is important to be meticulous and have a genuine interest in both music and craftsmanship. Developing patience and precision is essential, as the work often requires millimeter accuracy and focus over extended periods. Actively seeking internships and networking with experienced verkmakare is highly recommended, as hands-on learning provides invaluable experience. Creativity and problem-solving skills are important when unexpected challenges arise during repairs. Being service-minded and attentive helps to build long-term customer relationships, which are vital for the profession's future. Finally, continuous further education and staying updated with new materials and methods in instrument making are wise strategies.
Key facts about Verkmakare
- Average salary: 30 900 SEK/month
- Educational path: Vocational college or apprenticeship, 2–3 years
- Job market: 341 available jobs within the profession
- Work environment: Workshop, often small-scale and personalized
- Hourly wage: 186 SEK (average for hourly workers)
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a verkmakare can develop into a specialist in specific instruments, start their own workshop, or advance to supervisory roles within larger workshops. There are also opportunities to work internationally, especially for those who build a reputation for high quality and specialized knowledge. According to the Employment Service, demand for skilled musical instrument makers remains stable, although the number of positions is limited. Digitalization and new materials may create new niches for future verkmakare, while craftsmanship skills continue to be central to the profession’s appeal.
Frequently asked questions about Verkmakare
- What does a verkmakare earn?
- A verkmakare has an average salary of 30 900 SEK per month. - What education is required to become a verkmakare?
- The most common are vocational college education or apprenticeship training focused on instrument making. - What is the job market like for verkmakare?
- There are 341 available jobs within the profession, but competition is high and the market is niche. - Is there an opportunity for self-employment?
- Yes, many verkmakare work as self-employed or run their own workshops. - What personal qualities are important?
- Attention to detail, patience, creativity, and a service-oriented mindset are crucial for success as a verkmakare. - How does experience affect salary?
- Salaries can increase with experience and specialization, but the market is relatively stable and salary ranges are limited.
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 Foreman has the SSYK code 7319, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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