- Salary statistics
- Application programmer salary
Application programmer salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
42 200 - 63 800 SEK / month
Women earn 95% of what men do.
Data/IT
Related tools
Salary progression Application programmer
What does an application programmer do? – Tasks and work environment
An application programmer works on developing, maintaining, and improving software used in computers, mobile devices, and other digital platforms. Tasks include the entire process from requirements analysis and design to implementation, testing, and troubleshooting. Programming is often done in teams, with collaboration with system developers, testers, and project managers being common. The work environment is generally office-based, but remote work has become increasingly common in the industry. Flexibility, problem-solving skills, and the ability to quickly adapt to new technology are key qualities for the profession.
Salary development over time
The salary for application programmers has shown a clear upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 50,700 SEK per month, increasing to 54 900 SEK in 2023 and reaching 55 500 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total salary increase of approximately 8.3% over three years. The continuous increase can be attributed to high demand for qualified programmers in both private and public sectors, as well as rapid technological development requiring advanced skills. Gender pay gaps persist, but the industry actively works to reduce these differences. The market for application programmers is characterized by competition for talent, which further drives up wages.
Application Programmer salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 55 500 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 40,000 SEK/month (female, public sector, pre-university education)
- Highest salary: 61,600 SEK/month (male, private sector, doctoral education)
- Hourly wage: 330 SEK/hour (based on 166 working hours/month)
- Gender pay gap: Women earn 95% of what men do (men: 56 100 SEK, women: 53 400 SEK)
- Regional differences: Data varies, but larger metropolitan areas generally have slightly higher salaries.
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming an application programmer usually involves a technical university or college degree in computer science, information systems, or similar fields. Besides formal education, experience with specific programming languages, development methods, and project work is often required. Many supplement their education with certifications or courses in current technologies, and self-study is common to stay updated. Internships during studies often provide valuable credentials for entering the workforce.
- Formal degree: University or engineering degree in computer engineering, information systems, or similar (3–5 years)
- Certifications: Often advantageous, e.g., Microsoft, AWS, Oracle, or Java certificates
- Internship/trainee: Common and beneficial for the job market
- Prerequisites: Basic programming skills, logical thinking
- Self-study/online: Common for learning new languages and frameworks
Many application programmers choose to specialize in areas such as mobile development, game development, or AI, which can open doors to particularly sought-after roles and exciting project environments.
Common benefits and compensations
Application programmers are often offered competitive benefits in addition to salary. Common compensations include occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexible working hours, remote work options, and further training. Bonus schemes and extra vacation days are also offered by some employers, especially in the private sector.
Competition and challenges
The profession of application programmer is competitive, but there is also a high demand for qualified labor. The recruitment situation is characterized by difficulties for employers in finding the right skills, especially within new technologies and programming languages. Challenges for individuals include keeping up with rapid technological developments and continuously developing their skills. Competition for the most attractive positions is fierce, and tasks require high precision and the ability to manage complex projects. Many leave the profession after a few years, creating a continuous need for new programmers.
Tips for those wanting to become an Application Programmer
To succeed as an application programmer, it is good to develop analytical skills and an interest in problem-solving early on. Patience and thoroughness facilitate coding work and reduce errors. It is recommended to continuously build broad competence by learning multiple programming languages and participating in projects outside of studies. Being communicative and able to collaborate with other roles provides strong conditions for thriving in team-based environments. Self-discipline is also crucial, especially regarding taking responsibility for one's own skills development and keeping up with rapid technological changes. Applying for internships or trainee positions during studies provides valuable experience and can open doors to future employment.
Key facts about Application Programmers
- Education level: Usually university or engineering degree in IT or computer science
- Work environment: Office-based, often with remote work options
- Demand: Very high nationally, especially in the private sector
- Salary range: 40,000–61,600 SEK/month depending on education, experience, and sector
- Gender distribution: Men constitute the majority, but the proportion of women is gradually increasing
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as an application programmer, there are good opportunities to advance to roles such as system architect, technical project manager, or specialist in areas like AI, cloud services, or cybersecurity. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast for software and system developers, the job opportunities remain large, and demand is expected to stay unchanged over the next five years. The recruitment situation is characterized by difficulty in finding the right skills, which means that those with updated knowledge and experience have excellent chances for development and well-paid positions. The profession offers a wide variation in tasks and opportunities to work internationally or change industry.
Common questions about Application Programmers
- What does an Application Programmer earn?
- An application programmer has an average salary of 55 500 SEK per month, but the salary varies depending on experience, education, and sector. - What education is required to become an Application Programmer?
- Most commonly, a university or engineering degree in computer science, information systems, or similar fields. - Which programming languages should an Application Programmer know?
- It varies between employers, but knowledge of languages such as Java, C#, Python, JavaScript, and SQL is often in demand. - Are there significant gender pay gaps?
- Yes, women earn on average 95% of what men do within the profession. - What is the job market like for Application Programmers?
- Demand is very high and employment opportunities are plentiful according to national forecasts. - What is the most common work area?
- Most work within IT companies, consulting firms, or larger organizations' IT departments. - Can you work remotely as an Application Programmer?
- Yes, remote work is common, especially after the pandemic.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 94% | 36000 kr | 36100 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 48800 kr | 49300 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 55900 kr | 56600 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 60300 kr | 61100 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 61200 kr | 62300 kr |
| 65-68 | 57800 kr | 58800 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 54900 kr | 55500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 35600 kr | 35700 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 42600 kr | 42800 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 48100 kr | 48400 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 51200 kr | 51600 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 51600 kr | 51900 kr |
| 65-68 | 98% | 50000 kr | 50500 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 48400 kr | 48700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 97% | 36000 kr | 36100 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 43000 kr | 43200 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 49000 kr | 49300 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 52300 kr | 52500 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 52800 kr | 53000 kr |
| 65-68 | 102% | 51700 kr | 52000 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 49100 kr | 49300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 33500 kr | 33600 kr | |
| 25-34 | 97% | 41700 kr | 42000 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 45400 kr | 45900 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 47300 kr | 47800 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 48000 kr | 48500 kr |
| 65-68 | 94% | 47800 kr | 48200 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 45800 kr | 46200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 35500 kr | 35500 kr | |
| 25-34 | 97% | 41200 kr | 41500 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 46400 kr | 47100 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 50500 kr | 51200 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 50500 kr | 51100 kr |
| 65-68 | 92% | 47800 kr | 48500 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 47700 kr | 48300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 93% | 36000 kr | 36100 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 49000 kr | 49500 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 56200 kr | 56900 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 60900 kr | 61800 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 62200 kr | 63300 kr |
| 65-68 | 58900 kr | 59900 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 55200 kr | 55900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 93% | 36000 kr | 36100 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 49000 kr | 49500 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 56200 kr | 56900 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 60900 kr | 61800 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 62200 kr | 63300 kr |
| 65-68 | 58900 kr | 59900 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 55200 kr | 55900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 94% | 36500 kr | 36600 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 48900 kr | 49400 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 56400 kr | 57100 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 60900 kr | 61700 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 61900 kr | 63000 kr |
| 65-68 | 58000 kr | 58900 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 55400 kr | 56100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 35600 kr | 35700 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 42700 kr | 43100 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 48100 kr | 48600 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 51300 kr | 51700 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 51700 kr | 52100 kr |
| 65-68 | 98% | 50300 kr | 50800 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 48500 kr | 48900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 97% | 36200 kr | 36300 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 43100 kr | 43400 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 49000 kr | 49300 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 52200 kr | 52400 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 52600 kr | 52800 kr |
| 65-68 | 102% | 51500 kr | 51800 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 49000 kr | 49300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 33100 kr | 33200 kr | |
| 25-34 | 97% | 41900 kr | 42300 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 45600 kr | 46100 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 47800 kr | 48400 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 48300 kr | 49100 kr |
| 65-68 | 94% | 48700 kr | 49300 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 46000 kr | 46500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 35500 kr | 35500 kr | |
| 25-34 | 97% | 41400 kr | 41800 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 46800 kr | 47500 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 50600 kr | 51500 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 51400 kr | 52100 kr |
| 65-68 | 92% | 48300 kr | 49100 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 48200 kr | 48900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 93% | 36500 kr | 36700 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 49100 kr | 49600 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 56800 kr | 57500 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 61500 kr | 62300 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 62900 kr | 64000 kr |
| 65-68 | 58900 kr | 59900 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 55800 kr | 56500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 93% | 36500 kr | 36700 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 49100 kr | 49600 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 56800 kr | 57500 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 61500 kr | 62300 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 62900 kr | 64000 kr |
| 65-68 | 58900 kr | 59900 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 55800 kr | 56500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 94% | 34200 kr | 34300 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 48700 kr | 49000 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 53900 kr | 54400 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 57600 kr | 58700 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 58800 kr | 59800 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 52800 kr | 53400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 35400 kr | 35400 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 42100 kr | 42200 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 47900 kr | 48000 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 51000 kr | 51100 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 51200 kr | 51400 kr |
| 65-68 | 98% | 49300 kr | 49500 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 48000 kr | 48200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 97% | 35300 kr | 35300 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 42500 kr | 42700 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 49000 kr | 49100 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 52800 kr | 53000 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 53300 kr | 53400 kr |
| 65-68 | 102% | 52300 kr | 52700 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 49100 kr | 49200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 40900 kr | 40900 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 44900 kr | 44900 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 46000 kr | 46200 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 47300 kr | 47400 kr |
| 65-68 | 94% | 46300 kr | 46300 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 45200 kr | 45300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 40500 kr | 40700 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 45200 kr | 45600 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 49800 kr | 49900 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 47300 kr | 47900 kr |
| 65-68 | 92% | 45300 kr | 45300 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 46100 kr | 46400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 93% | 34200 kr | 34200 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 48900 kr | 49200 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 54100 kr | 54700 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 58100 kr | 59400 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 59700 kr | 60800 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 53100 kr | 53700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 93% | 34200 kr | 34200 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 48900 kr | 49200 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 54100 kr | 54700 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 58100 kr | 59400 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 59700 kr | 60800 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 53100 kr | 53700 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 Application programmer has the SSYK code 2512, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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