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Picture framer

Make frames to protect pictures, photos and other items so people can display them.

About skillsGetting in

About the job

Salary

Source: National Careers Service

Weekly

£308

Entry level

£481

Experienced

Monthly

£1,333

Entry level

£2,083

Experienced

Yearly

£16,000

Entry level

£25,000

Experienced

2,900

people are currently employed

Low growth

No change in number of jobs in 5 years

These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics

What it's like

You would make frames to protect and display people’s pictures, photos and other items.

You might frame posters and pictures, certificates or even 3D objects such as medals or dried flowers.

You would:

  • Talk to the customer about what they want to frame

  • Decide or advise on a style and material for the frame

  • Work out the costs for the customer to approve

  • Cut glass and materials for the backing, mount and frame to the correct size

  • Mount the object on the backing

  • Assemble the frame

  • Fix the object in the frame

Once you’ve completed the object you’d show it to the customer to make sure they are happy with it. You’d wrap it in packaging to protect it so they can take it away. Or, instead of the customer picking it up, you might deliver it to them.

If you run your own shop, you may also sell other items such as prints, cards and artists' materials. And you’d also need to do the administrative tasks involved in running a business.

Hours

As a picture framer in a shop or gallery, or with a specialist manufacturer, you would usually work 37 to 40 hours a week. This could include weekends. As a self employed framer, you would work irregular hours, possibly from home.

Environment

You could work in a shop or gallery, or possibly work at home. You would use specialist equipment, such as mounting and laminating machines, and glass cutting equipment. Workshops tend to be dusty, and you may need to use protective equipment such as face masks.

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Top skills

Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!

It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.

Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:

  • working with numbers
  • creative
  • observation
  • respecting
  • verbal communication
  • listening
  • attention to detail
  • developing a plan
  • implementing ideas
  • time management

Your skills are important

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Getting in

Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.

You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.

Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:

  • Art and Design

  • Practical Woodwork

There are no formal qualifications required to enter this role but some employers value a good general education.

Qualifications that show your ability to use tools such as Skills for Work Construction Crafts (SCQF level 4/5). 

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