What does an economic journalist do? – Tasks and work environment
An economic journalist covers, analyzes, and reports on economics, finance, and business for various media outlets. The work may include news coverage, investigative reports, interviews with decision-makers, and analyses of economic trends and corporate reports. It often requires quickly understanding complex economic contexts and explaining them in an accessible way for a broad audience. The work environment is typically newsroom-based, which means a fast pace and tight deadlines, but many economic journalists also have the opportunity to work remotely or in the field when needed. Collaboration with photographers, editors, and other specialists is common.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, the salary of an economic journalist has shown a relatively stable but slightly increasing trend. In 2022, the average salary was 43,000 SEK per month, followed by a slight increase to 42 500 SEK in 2023. Between 2023 and 2024, there was a more noticeable rise to 44 800 SEK, corresponding to a salary increase of approximately 5.4% from the previous year. This improvement can partly be explained by increased demand for qualified economic journalism as financial markets become more complex and public interest in economics grows. Additionally, changes in the media landscape and digitalization have contributed to more employers seeking specialized skills in the field, positively affecting salary levels.
Economic Journalist salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 44 800 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 43,900 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 51,000 SEK/month (male, public sector, post-secondary education of 3+ years)
- Highest salary (female): 48,500 SEK/month
- Hourly wage (average): 269 SEK
- Gender gap: Women earn 98% of what men do (men: 45 200 SEK, women: 44 400 SEK)
- Regional differences: Data on regional differences is unavailable
Education and qualifications
To work as an economic journalist, a post-secondary education in journalism, economics, or social sciences is usually required. Many employers also seek documented experience in journalistic work, especially within economics or business. Internships during studies and ongoing further education in journalism and economics are considered advantageous.
- Formal degree: Bachelor's degree in journalism, economics, or social sciences (3 years)
- Courses and certifications: Additional courses in finance, editorial training, or economics
- Internships: Recommended during studies, preferably at a financially oriented editorial office
- Prerequisites: Good knowledge of Swedish, analytical skills, and interest in social economics
- Tips for choosing: Combine journalism studies with economics subjects for broader competence
Economic journalists often have direct contact with leading company executives and politicians, providing a unique insight into societal development. The daily variation in tasks makes the profession particularly dynamic and stimulating.
Common benefits and compensations
Economic journalists are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, and health insurance. In addition, flexible working hours, remote work options, and professional development opportunities are common. Many employers also offer educational stipends and participation in industry conferences.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as an economic journalist is high, especially at larger editorial offices and in metropolitan areas. Digitalization has increased demands for speed, multi-skilling, and technical understanding, while the number of permanent positions in traditional media has decreased. A challenge is to stay constantly updated within both economics and journalism, as the field changes rapidly. The ability to quickly analyze and communicate complex developments is crucial for success. Networking and specialization in areas such as finance, sustainability, or international economics can improve job prospects.
Tips for aspiring economic journalists
To succeed as an economic journalist, it’s good to combine curiosity with a structured approach. A strong interest in economics and societal issues makes it easier to identify news and find your own angles. Analytical skills are important for interpreting and explaining economic relationships clearly, and good communication skills help reach a broad audience. Building networks within the media industry and the business sector facilitates career start and opens more opportunities. The ability to work under pressure and handle tight deadlines is appreciated by employers, as is the willingness to continuously further educate oneself in both economics and journalism.
Key facts about Economic Journalist
- Education level: Bachelor's degree in journalism, economics, or social sciences
- Work environment: Editorial work with high tempo and tight deadlines
- Work form: Full-time, often permanent employment but freelancing also occurs
- Demand: 620 available jobs in the journalism profession
- Special skills: Economic analysis, research, and interview techniques
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, an economic journalist can advance to roles such as editor, news manager, or specialized reporter within economics and business. It is also common to transition into communication roles within companies, organizations, or authorities where journalistic experience is valuable. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast, no specific assessment is made for economic journalists due to limited data, but the journalism field has approximately 620 available jobs. The job market is considered competitive but stable for those with the right skills and willingness to continue education in new media and digital methods.
Frequently asked questions about Economic Journalist
- What is the average salary of an Economic Journalist?
- The average salary for an economic journalist is 44 800 SEK per month.
- Are there significant salary differences between women and men?
- Women earn 98% of what men do in this profession.
- What education is required to become an economic journalist?
- Most commonly, a bachelor's degree in journalism, economics, or social sciences.
- What does the job market look like for economic journalists?
- There are approximately 620 available jobs in the journalism field, but competition is high.
- What career paths are available after a few years in the profession?
- Common paths include editor, news manager, specialized reporter, or communications professional within the business sector.
- What is the highest salary for an economic journalist?
- The highest salary is 51,000 SEK and is held by a man with post-secondary education of at least 3 years in the public sector.
