- Salary statistics
- Vocalist salary
Vocalist salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
44 400 - 46 400 SEK / month
Kultur, media, design
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Salary progression Vocalist
What does a Vocalist do? – Tasks and Work Environment
A vocalist works with singing, either as a soloist or in an ensemble, and can be active in various genres such as pop, rock, jazz, classical, or musical. Tasks often include live performances and recording work in a studio. Preparation for concerts, rehearsals, vocal care, and collaboration with other musicians or producers are central parts of the profession. The work environment varies greatly – from concert halls and clubs to tour buses and recording studios – and working hours are often irregular, with many evening and weekend shifts.
Salary development over time
The profession of vocalist has seen some variation in salary development in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 45,200 SEK per month, which decreased slightly to 48 300 SEK in 2023. However, in 2024, there was a clear increase to 47 400 SEK, corresponding to an approximately 9 % rise compared to the previous year. This fluctuation can be explained by increased demand for live performances post-pandemic and a growing interest in cultural events, but also by industry cyclical sensitivity and gender distribution differences. The pay gap between women and men remains significant, and regional differences can be influenced by the availability of larger stages and productions in metropolitan areas.
Vocalist salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 47 400 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 42,200 SEK/month (female), 49,800 SEK/month (male)
- Highest salary: 51,900 SEK/month (male), 44,200 SEK/month (female)
- Hourly rate: 290 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 0 % of what men do
- Regional differences: Salary levels tend to be higher in metropolitan regions with more stages and productions
Many vocalists combine their artistry with teaching, songwriting, or other creative tasks to create a more stable income and broaden their skills. This versatility can also lead to unexpected collaborations and new career opportunities within the music industry.
Education and Qualifications
Formal degrees are rarely required to work as a vocalist, but many choose to study at music colleges, folk high schools, or through private singing teachers. Practical experience, musicality, and a well-developed vocal technique are crucial, and it is common to combine formal education with self-study and workshops. Knowledge of music theory, ear training, and stage presence are often advantageous.
- Music college education: 3–4 years, bachelor level
- Folk high school – music program: 1–2 years
- Short courses and workshops: Private or via study associations
- Practices/tours: Experience through concerts and collaborations
- Self-study: Voice training, music theory, and stage performance
Common Benefits and Compensation
Vocalists employed or on longer contracts may receive benefits such as pension contributions, wellness stipends, sick pay, and sometimes travel allowances during tours. Freelance vocalists often negotiate their fees and supplements themselves, and it is common with performance-based compensation and royalties for recorded material.
Competition and Challenges
The job market for vocalists is highly competitive, with many applicants for each position or engagement. It requires both musical skill and a strong personal profile to stand out. Irregular working hours, financial uncertainty, and ongoing vocal care are additional challenges. The industry is also sensitive to economic fluctuations and changes in audience demand. Building networks and having a broad repertoire are often key to securing new assignments.
Tips for Aspiring Vocalists
To succeed as a vocalist, it is important to have a strong musical sensibility and to be fearless in performing before an audience. Perseverance during rehearsals and vocal training, discipline, and resilience are essential. Flexibility and openness to various music styles can increase opportunities for engagements, as well as actively building networks within the industry. Creativity is valuable both in interpretations and in creating original music. Finally, good collaboration skills are crucial, as many projects are group-based and often under time pressure, requiring attentiveness and team spirit.
Key Facts about Vocalists
- Educational Path: Music college, folk high school, or private lessons
- Typical employment: Freelance or project-based
- Work environment: Stages, studios, and tours
- Demand: 620 job openings in the profession in 2024
- Salary range: 42,200–51,900 SEK/month depending on gender, sector, and experience
Career Paths and Future Outlook
After three to five years in the profession, a vocalist can develop their career by taking on larger solo roles, working as a singing teacher, or expanding into songwriting and music production. Some choose to start their own ensembles or work in performing arts and musicals. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that job opportunities within musicians, singers, and composers are substantial, but competition is also fierce. Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, with a paradoxical situation where recruitment difficulties coexist with high turnover in certain parts of the profession.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vocalists
- What does a Vocalist earn?
- The average salary for a vocalist is 47 400 SEK per month, but it varies depending on gender, experience, and employer. - How does one become a vocalist?
- Most start with singing lessons, education at a music college or conservatory, and build experience through performances. - Are there gender differences in salary?
- Yes, women earn on average 0 % of what men do within the profession. - Is formal education required to work as a vocalist?
- Formal education is not a requirement, but many have music college education or equivalent experience. - What are common work environments for vocalists?
- Common environments include concert stages, recording studios, clubs, and sometimes schools or churches. - What are the future prospects?
- According to the Employment Service, job opportunities are plentiful, but competition is fierce and demand is expected to remain unchanged in the coming years. - What is the highest and lowest salary for a vocalist?
- The highest salary is 51,900 SEK (male), while the lowest is 42,200 SEK (female).
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 42200 kr | 43000 kr | |
| 45-54 | 104% | 43700 kr | 44400 kr |
| 55-64 | 102% | 44600 kr | 46000 kr |
| Snitt | 46400 kr | 47400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 42200 kr | 43000 kr | |
| 45-54 | 104% | 43700 kr | 44400 kr |
| 55-64 | 102% | 44600 kr | 46000 kr |
| Snitt | 46400 kr | 47400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 42200 kr | 43000 kr | |
| 45-54 | 104% | 43700 kr | 44400 kr |
| 55-64 | 102% | 44600 kr | 46000 kr |
| Snitt | 46400 kr | 47400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 104% | 42800 kr | 43500 kr |
| 55-64 | 102% | 44400 kr | 45500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 104% | 42800 kr | 43500 kr |
| 55-64 | 102% | 44400 kr | 45500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 104% | 42800 kr | 43500 kr |
| 55-64 | 102% | 44400 kr | 45500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 43000 kr | 44100 kr | |
| 35-44 | 45800 kr | 46900 kr | |
| 45-54 | 104% | 44300 kr | 45100 kr |
| 55-64 | 102% | 44700 kr | 46300 kr |
| Snitt | 44300 kr | 45500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 43000 kr | 44100 kr | |
| 35-44 | 45800 kr | 46900 kr | |
| 45-54 | 104% | 44300 kr | 45100 kr |
| 55-64 | 102% | 44700 kr | 46300 kr |
| Snitt | 44300 kr | 45500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 43000 kr | 44100 kr | |
| 35-44 | 45800 kr | 46900 kr | |
| 45-54 | 104% | 44300 kr | 45100 kr |
| 55-64 | 102% | 44700 kr | 46300 kr |
| Snitt | 44300 kr | 45500 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 Vocalist has the SSYK code 2652, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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