How much does a Playwright make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Playwright
Image that illustrates Playwright

Playwright

44 500 kr

Authors etc.

44 200 - 45 200 kr / month

Women earn 98% of what men do.

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Playwright

Average salary 44 500 kr
Males 45 100 kr
Females 44 200 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments

What does a playwright do? – Tasks and work environment

A playwright writes scripts for theater, film, radio, or TV and often works closely with directors, producers, and other creatives. Tasks include developing stories, creating dialogues, and adapting texts for different formats or clients’ requests. Many playwrights work project-based, combining personal writing with assignments for theaters, production companies, or educational activities. The profession is characterized by great creative freedom but also demands discipline, the ability to meet deadlines, and a high degree of independence. The work is usually done independently but can also occur in creative teams where idea exchange and collaboration are central.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, playwright salaries have developed positively. In 2022, the average salary was 40,000 SEK per month, increasing to 42 100 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary is 44,500 SEK, representing a total increase of about 11% over the three-year period. This salary development reflects increased interest in cultural production and changing compensation levels within creative professions. The demand for professional scriptwriters and playwrights has been strengthened by the growing importance of streaming services and theater, contributing to higher salaries. Despite this, differences between genders are still noticeable, although relatively small compared to many other professions.

Playwright salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 44,500 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 44,200 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 45,200 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 268 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 98% of what men do (men: 45 100 SEK, women: 44,200 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a playwright is often individual, but most have some form of higher education in literature, scriptwriting, or dramaturgy. Practical experience is crucial, as is a broad interest in performing arts and storytelling. Many combine formal studies with self-study, workshops, and internships within the cultural sector.

  • Formal education: Higher education in scriptwriting/dramaturgy (3–4 years)
  • Courses and workshops: Specialization in writing and characterization
  • Internships: Opportunities for internships at theaters or production companies
  • Prerequisites: Good knowledge of Swedish and literature
  • Self-study: Personal writing and participation in writing networks

Many playwrights combine their writing with teaching, lectures, or other artistic assignments. This variation provides both financial security and new creative impulses, and helps the profession to continually develop.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to base salary, playwrights can receive royalties, copyright fees, premiere bonuses, and access to grants and scholarships. Some employers also offer wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and opportunities for skills development through workshops or international collaborations.

Competition and challenges

The competition for assignments is high, especially for new works and within established theaters and production companies. Many playwrights work as freelancers, which entails insecurity and unpredictable income. At the same time, continuous renewal is required to meet audience and industry changing tastes. Building networks and establishing contacts are crucial, as is the ability to accept and handle criticism. Changes in the media landscape and technological developments also impose new requirements for storytelling techniques and distribution formats.

Tips for aspiring playwrights

To succeed as a playwright, it is good to combine creativity with discipline and curiosity. Regular practice of writing and participating in writing courses develop both craft and confidence. A strong network within the cultural sector is invaluable and can be built by actively seeking collaborations and being open to feedback. Independence is needed to drive your own projects, but also the ability to work in teams and adapt to directors’ and producers’ wishes. Persistence and patience are important qualities, as the process from idea to finished script is often long. Finally, it is wise to stay updated on current trends in performing arts and media to create relevant and engaging works.

Key facts about Playwrights

  • Education level: Usually higher education in scriptwriting or dramaturgy
  • Work environment: Independent, often project-based and flexible
  • Work form: Freelance or employed at theater/production companies
  • Demand: About 620 available jobs in the profession in Sweden
  • Special skills: Storytelling, dialogue, theatrical staging

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a playwright can establish themselves as a scriptwriter for larger theater productions or film projects, with opportunities to take leading roles in creative teams. Many also choose to further their education in dramaturgy, directing, or pedagogy to broaden their skills. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, competition for the most attractive assignments remains tough, but there is an increasing need for qualified scriptwriters as new platforms and formats develop. Future prospects are stable, especially for those who are flexible, have a strong network, and can adapt to industry changes.

Common questions about Playwrights

  • What does a playwright earn?
    - A playwright has an average monthly salary of 44,500 SEK, with some variation depending on experience and employer.
  • How do you become a playwright?
    - Most have higher education in scriptwriting, dramaturgy, or literature, combined with practical experience and personal writing.
  • Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
    - Yes, men earn on average 45 100 SEK and women 44,200 SEK per month, which means women earn 98% of men's salary.
  • What workplaces hire playwrights?
    - Playwrights can work at theaters, film and TV productions, radio theaters, educational institutions, and as freelancers.
  • What does the future look like for playwrights?
    - The outlook is stable with about 620 available jobs, but competition for assignments is high.
  • What benefits can a playwright receive?
    - Benefits can include royalties, fees, grants, flexible working hours, and skills development.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 08:49:12

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Playwright is 45200 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 44500 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Playwright is 44200 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 44900 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 37400 kr 37500 kr
35-44 43700 kr 43700 kr
45-54 47900 kr 48300 kr
55-64 48700 kr 48900 kr
Snitt 98% 44300 kr 44500 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 Playwright has the SSYK code 2641, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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Salary, Taxes, and Fees
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Net salary
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Fees
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