Information brokers

What does an information broker do? – Tasks and work environment

An information broker works with collecting, organizing, and analyzing information from various sources to make it accessible and useful for companies, authorities, or organizations. Tasks often include identifying relevant information resources, creating databases, presenting data in reports, and guiding clients or colleagues in information retrieval. Many information brokers work within libraries, archives, or information departments and play a central role in ensuring the right information reaches the right recipient at the right time. The work environment is usually office-based and characterized by a fast pace, especially when quick and accurate information delivery is required.

Salary development over time

The salary development for information brokers has been steadily positive over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 35,200 SEK per month, which increased to 36 100 SEK in 2023 and further to 37 600 SEK in 2024. The total increase during this period amounts to approximately 6.8 %. The consistent salary increase is linked to sustained high demand for the profession and increased awareness of the importance of information management in digitalized operations. Salary development is also influenced by education level, experience, and sector, with the public sector often offering slightly higher salaries for specialists with doctoral education. The gender pay gap is small but still noticeable, with women earning 98 % of men's average salary.

Information broker salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 37 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,100 SEK/month (man, government sector, 3-year upper secondary education)
• Highest salary: 42,500 SEK/month (woman, public sector, doctoral degree)
• Hourly wage: 226 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Men 38 200 SEK, women 37 400 SEK (women earn 98 % of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Information on regional variation is limited, but some differences may exist between metropolitan areas and rural regions.

Education and qualifications

To work as an information broker, a post-secondary education in information science, library science, or archival science is usually required. The educational path can vary, but a bachelor's degree is often the minimum requirement. Some employers also seek specialized courses, certifications, or experience in digital information management. Internships and trainee positions provide valuable work experience and can increase chances of employment.

• Bachelor's degree: Information science, library science, or archival science (3 years)
• Certifications/courses: Digital information management, data analysis
• Internships/trainee: Merit in the field
• Pre-requisites: Upper secondary school diploma and university eligibility
• Self-study/online: Possible for supplementary skills

Common benefits and compensations

Information brokers are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and the possibility of remote work. Other common compensations include occupational pension, skills development, and sometimes subsidized lunches or public transport cards, especially within the public sector.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as an information broker can vary depending on the region and employer. Despite the large opportunities for employment nationwide, there are reports of a paradoxical situation where there are both recruitment difficulties and some over-saturation within the profession. Digitalization increases demands for technical competence and the ability to handle large data volumes. Challenges also include changing working methods, increased requirements for information security, and the need for continuous skills development to meet new technological solutions.

Tips for those who want to become an information broker

To succeed as an information broker, it is good to combine accuracy and analytical ability with a genuine interest in digital tools. Gaining practical experience early, for example through internships or summer jobs in information management, provides a valuable advantage. The ability to communicate clearly and pedagogically is important, as the role often involves guiding others in information retrieval. Flexibility and curiosity facilitate adaptation to new technological solutions, while a structured working approach helps when large amounts of information need to be managed. Building networks and staying updated on industry trends can also open new career paths.

Key facts about information brokers

• Educational level: Bachelor's degree in information science or library science
• Work environment: Office-based with elements of digital work and analysis
• Work arrangements: Most commonly full-time, but part-time and hourly positions also occur
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment nationwide (620 job openings in the profession)
• Special skills: Digital information management and data analysis

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an information broker, there are good opportunities to move on to more specialized roles, such as information specialist, archivist with digitalization responsibilities, or head of information departments. Forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service show that employment opportunities in the profession are large and expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. At the same time, there are reports of a paradoxical situation with both recruitment difficulties and some unemployment, often due to differences in educational focus and geographic location. Digitalization and increased requirements for information security are expected to continue shaping the profession's development.

Frequently asked questions about information brokers

• What does an information broker earn?
  - The average salary for an information broker is 37 600 SEK per month.
• What are the gender differences within the profession?
  - Men earn an average of 38 200 SEK and women 37 400 SEK, which means women earn 98 % of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become an information broker?
  - Typically, a bachelor's degree in information science, library science, or archival science is required.
• What career opportunities are available after a few years?
  - Opportunities exist to advance to specialist roles, digitalization managers, or management positions within information management.
• What is the job market like for information brokers?
  - The job market is considered good with many opportunities nationwide (620 job openings in the profession).
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Some variation may occur between metropolitan areas and smaller towns, but detailed statistics are lacking.
• What personal qualities are important for an information broker?
  - Attention to detail, analytical ability, technical interest, and good communication skills are particularly important.