How much does a Violinist make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Violinist

Violinist

48 300 kr

Musicians, singers and composers

42 200 - 51 900 kr / month

Women earn 85% of what men do.

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Violinist

Average salary 48 300 kr
Males 51 900 kr
Females 44 200 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 6 Vacant jobs ->

What does a Violinist do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A violinist is a professional musician specializing in playing the violin, both solo and in various ensembles such as orchestras, chamber groups, or studio settings. Tasks can include daily practice, rehearsals, concert performances, recordings, and sometimes teaching students. The work often requires flexibility in working hours, as concerts and rehearsals frequently occur in the evenings and on weekends. The work environment varies from acoustically well-designed concert halls to smaller stages, studios, and sometimes outdoor events, demanding both technical skill and adaptability.

Salary development over time

The salary for violinists has shown some variation over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 45200 kr per month, which decreased slightly in the following year to 44 300 kr. In 2024, the salary increased significantly to 48 300 kr, corresponding to an increase of about 9% compared to the previous year. This development can partly be explained by increased demand for specialized musicians within the cultural sector, but also by inflation adjustments and collective bargaining agreements. Salary development for violinists also depends on factors such as employer sector, experience, and visibility in the job market, where competition for permanent positions remains high.

Violinist salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 48 300 kr/month
  • Lowest salary: 42,200 kr/month
  • Highest salary: 51,900 kr/month
  • Hourly rate: 290 kr
  • Women: 44,200 kr/month (85% of men's salary)
  • Men: 51,900 kr/month
  • Regional differences: Not specified

Education and qualifications

To work as a violinist, a solid music education is usually required, often from a music college or equivalent institution. Many start their careers early with private lessons or music schools and then continue with advanced studies in classical music or other genres. Practical experience from ensembles, orchestras, and competitions is often crucial for establishing oneself in the profession. Formal qualifications are often combined with ongoing professional development and participation in master classes.

  • Bachelor’s degree in music (3–4 years)
  • Master’s degree in violin (optional, 1–2 years)
  • Private lessons and music school from an early age
  • Participation in orchestras, competitions, and festivals
  • Regular further education and self-study

Being a violinist requires not only technical skill but also endurance and mental strength. Many professional violinists practice several hours daily and actively work to prevent strain injuries, making body awareness and good physical condition important parts of the profession.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for violinists may include occupational pension, travel and accommodation allowances during tours, and access to instrument insurance. In some cases, wellness allowances and support for further training are also offered, especially within larger orchestras or institutions. Compensation levels and benefits vary significantly depending on the employer and employment type.

Competition and challenges

The competition for permanent positions as a violinist is high, especially within larger symphony orchestras and renowned ensembles. Many work as freelancers or on project basis, which means income and workload can vary over time. The large number of applicants for each vacancy makes both technical skill and adaptability crucial. Challenges also include the risk of strain injuries, the need for continuous professional development, and the financial uncertainty that can follow irregular assignments. Another challenge is the gender pay gap, where women earn on average 85% of what men do in the profession.

Tips for aspiring Violinists

To succeed as a violinist, it’s beneficial to combine musical talent with determination and discipline. Daily practice of technique and repertoire requires patience and perseverance, while openness to feedback from teachers and conductors allows for constant improvement. A strong network within the music industry is valuable, so collaboration skills and social competence should be prioritized when participating in orchestras and ensembles. Managing performance nerves requires mental strength and the ability to perform under pressure. Finally, flexibility and willingness to take on various types of assignments are important for gaining experience and visibility in the profession.

Key facts about Violinists

  • Average salary: 48 300 kr/month
  • Salary range: 42,200–51,900 kr/month
  • Gender difference: Women earn 85% of men's salary
  • Work form: Commonly project-based and freelance work
  • Education level: Bachelor's degree in music or equivalent

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a violinist can advance to soloist roles, concertmaster positions, or secure permanent jobs within larger orchestras. Further education or specialization in pedagogy can lead to teaching assignments at music schools or universities. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast for the "Musicians, Singers, and Composers" occupational group, the job market is considered good nationwide, with "large" opportunities for employment despite high competition for attractive positions. Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, and there are currently 620 job openings in the field. The recruitment situation is characterized by a paradox where there is both difficulty finding the right skills and a relatively high proportion of part-time workers and those leaving the profession.

Frequently asked questions about Violinists

  • What is the average salary of a Violinist?
    - A violinist has an average monthly salary of 48 300 kr.
  • What is the highest salary for a Violinist?
    - The highest salary is 51,900 kr and belongs to a man who is a privately employed official.
  • What education is required to become a violinist?
    - Usually, a bachelor's degree in music and extensive experience with ongoing professional development.
  • Are there differences in salary between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 85% of what men do in the profession.
  • What does the job market look like for violinists?
    - The job market is considered good, but competition for permanent positions is high.
  • What does a typical workday look like for a violinist?
    - The workday often includes practice, rehearsals, concerts, and sometimes teaching.
  • What are common benefits for violinists?
    - Common benefits include occupational pension, instrument insurance, and travel allowances during tours.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-07 08:47:44

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Violinist is 51900 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a unspecified education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 44200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Violinist is 42200 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 49800 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
35-44 88% 47600 kr 48100 kr
45-54 44100 kr 44900 kr
55-64 96% 46900 kr 48100 kr
65-68 45500 kr 46800 kr
Snitt 85% 47400 kr 48300 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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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 Violinist has the SSYK code 2652, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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