Discover the Profession of a Perfumer
As the name suggests, a perfumer is a creator of fragrances. Both an artist and a scientist, this specialist designs scents that meet the desires and expectations of their clients.
They may work as independent creators or be employed by a major brand.
Want to learn more about what it means to be a perfumer? This job guide will tell you everything you need to know.
Job Description – Perfumer
First and foremost, it’s important not to confuse the role of a perfumer with that of a nose. While the two are closely linked (and complement each other perfectly), they are involved at different stages of the fragrance creation process.
The perfumer is responsible for designing the fragrance. Their job is to select and blend the right scent ingredients to create a unique product. They might work for a perfume brand, or for a company producing household products (laundry detergent, dish soap, etc.) or personal care products (soap, shampoo, shower gel, etc.).
But the role goes beyond simple creation. A perfumer must understand consumer habits and preferences in order to offer the right scent. If they work within a company, they’ll often collaborate with the marketing department and conduct customer tests to adjust the fragrance if needed.
In addition, a perfumer must stay up to date with current regulations set by the IFRA (International Fragrance Association) and ensure that no toxic ingredients are used, in compliance with guidelines from the RIFM (Research Institute for Fragrance Materials).
Salary of a Perfumer
According to various studies, a perfumer can earn anywhere from €897 to €6,576 gross per month, depending on their experience. The lower end of the range generally applies to freelance perfumers just starting out.
On average, a perfumer earns around €2,876 gross per month (about €2,000 for entry-level positions).
Key Qualities of a Perfumer
Naturally, a perfumer must have an exceptional sense of smell. They must be able to identify and select scent ingredients with precision.
If you’re aiming to work in the luxury sector, speaking a foreign language is essential—English, of course, and ideally Chinese as well.
A perfumer is both an artist and a scientist. Their creativity must shine through in their work to develop unique and original fragrances. If working independently, they also need to consider packaging, which can be just as important as the scent itself.
At the same time, strong knowledge of biology and chemistry is essential to understand what ingredients are safe or harmful.
Finally, a perfumer is also a businessperson. They need to stay tuned in to market trends and customer needs to create fragrances that will sell.
How to Become a Perfumer
Outside of specialized institutions like the École Supérieure du Parfum, very few schools offer formal training to become a perfumer.
That’s because the profession relies heavily on both creative and commercial talent.
Most commonly, aspiring perfumers begin their career as evaluators and work closely with experienced perfumers to develop their skills. However, by enrolling in our training programs and benefiting from our industry partnerships, you can gain a strong foundation to launch your career as a perfumer.
Our goal is to help you explore every facet of the fragrance industry and guide you through the process of creating your first perfume—helping you gain visibility among the public and professionals alike.
From there, you can choose to start your own brand, work for a luxury perfume house, or join a cosmetics company.
Feel free to contact us to learn more about the perfumer profession, our training programs, and available career opportunities.