How much does a Readers make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Readers
Image that illustrates Readers

Readers

35 200 kr

Other professions in culture and entertainment

35 200 - 35 300 kr / month

Women earn 100% of what men do.

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Readers

Average salary 35 200 kr
Males 35 200 kr
Females 35 300 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 9 Vacant jobs ->

What does a narrator do? – Tasks and work environment

A narrator primarily works with interpreting and recording texts, such as audiobooks, informational materials, e-learning, advertising, or other types of scripts. The work requires high concentration, clear diction, and the ability to adapt the voice to different styles and target audiences. Many narrators work in sound studios, but remote work with recording at home studio is also common. The work environment is often technically equipped and can involve both solo work and collaboration with producers, directors, and technicians.

Salary development over time

The salary development for narrators has been relatively stable in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,200 SEK per month, which decreased slightly to 36 000 SEK in 2023 and settled at 35,200 SEK in 2024. This represents a total decrease of approximately 5.5% over the three-year period. This decline can largely be explained by increased competition in the industry, as more people seek the profession due to the growing audiobook market and digitization of educational materials. Despite rising demand for recorded services, the large supply of voice talents and new technology have contributed to pressured salary levels.

Narrator salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 35,200 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 35,200 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 35,300 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 212 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Women earn as much as men
  • Regional differences: No significant difference reported

Education and qualifications

The career path to becoming a narrator is varied, and there are no formal requirements for university education. Many have some form of voice or theater training, and experience from stage or media is common. Practical skills and technical knowledge are important, especially for those working independently or from their own studio.

  • Formal degrees: Theater or voice training, often 1–3 years
  • Certifications/courses: Courses in voice technique and audio recording
  • Internship/trainee: Internships with production companies can be advantageous
  • Prerequisites: Good Swedish speaking skills, clear diction
  • Self-study/online: Many learn through practice and digital resources

Many narrators work as freelancers and build their careers by creating their own demo recordings to showcase their vocal range. Being able to direct and quickly adapt to different projects is often crucial to securing repeat assignments.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to base salary, project-based variable compensation is often offered, especially for freelance narrators. Some employers provide access to professional studios, technical support, and opportunities for skills development through workshops. Compensation for travel time and overtime may occur during larger productions.

Competition and challenges

The market for narrators is competitive, especially as technological developments make it easier for more people to work remotely and produce audio material. More people are entering the profession due to the audiobook boom, but this also raises higher demands for quality, speed, and adaptability. Establishing oneself can take time, and patience along with a strong personal profile is often necessary to stand out among other voices. Changing consumption patterns and increased automation may further impact the job market in the future.

Tips for aspiring narrators

To succeed as a narrator, it is good to have a strong sense of language and a natural curiosity about different texts and genres. Being meticulous and persistent is important, as recordings often require multiple takes and high concentration over long sessions. Good collaboration skills and flexibility facilitate working with producers and technicians, while a professional attitude towards deadlines and feedback is crucial. Investing time in voice training and creating a demo reel increases chances of establishing oneself in the industry. Self-leadership and the ability to take responsibility are key qualities, especially for freelancers or those running their own studio.

Key facts about narrators

  • Education level: Often theater or voice training, but no formal requirement
  • Work environment: Sound studio or home studio, both solo and team work
  • Common employment form: Freelance or project-based employment
  • Demand: High, with 620 available jobs within the profession
  • Gender salary gap: None, women and men have comparable salaries

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a narrator, many develop towards more specialized roles, such as voice director, producer, or sound engineer. Some choose to focus on specific genres, e.g., children's books, non-fiction, or advertising. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service and labor market data, demand remains good, with 620 available jobs within the profession. Digitization of education and entertainment is expected to further increase the need for qualified narrators, although competition remains high.

Common questions about narrators

  • What does a narrator earn?
    - A narrator has an average salary of 35,200 SEK per month.
  • How do salary differences between women and men look?
    - Women and men in the profession have virtually identical salaries, with women earning 35,300 SEK and men 35,200 SEK.
  • What education is required to become a narrator?
    - There are no formal educational requirements, but theater or voice training is common.
  • What is the job market like for narrators?
    - Demand is high with 620 available jobs according to current statistics.
  • What personal qualities are important for a narrator?
    - Attention to detail, endurance, and good collaboration skills are especially important.
  • Are there regional salary differences for narrators?
    - No significant regional differences are reported at present.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for a narrator?
    - The highest salary is 35,300 SEK (female, private sector), and the lowest is 35,200 SEK (male, various sectors).

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-11 17:21:02

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Readers is 35300 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Privately employed officials with a unspecified education. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 35200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Readers is 35200 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 35300 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 32600 kr 32700 kr
Snitt 100% 34900 kr 35200 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
Register an account before you can comment

To write a comment you need to create an account.

Default Avatar

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 Readers has the SSYK code 3439, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

Search salary statistics for occupation
8000 kr
<-|->
90000 kr
Vacant jobs
Show more
Similar occupations
Latest posts
  • Public Opinion - Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Public Opinion

    Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35
  • National Debt - The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    National Debt

    The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00
Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

With our Swedish tax calculator, you can easily calculate your after-tax income (net salary).

Swedish Church Member

* Updated with 2025 taxes

Explore more topics