Discover how much you can save by comparing loans, credit cards, insurance, online brokers, savings accounts, and electricity contracts. Switching might be easier than you think!
Keep more money in your pocket
- Salary statistics
- Journalist salary
Journalist salary
44 800 SEK
Latest available salary statistics are for 2024. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
43 900 - 51 000 SEK / month
Women earn 98% of what men do.
Kultur, media, design
Average salary
44 800 SEK/month
Monthly gross salary
Salary range
43 900 - 51 000 SEK
Latest available range
Data year
2024
Latest published dataset
Related tools
Salary progression Journalist
Average salary
44 800 kr
Males
45 200 kr
Females
44 400 kr
What does a journalist do? – Tasks and working environment
A journalist works with collecting, reviewing, editing, and communicating information to the public through various channels such as newspapers, radio, television, and digital platforms. Tasks include interviewing people, investigating social issues, writing reports and news articles, and producing segments for broadcast media. The work is often characterized by tight deadlines, high pace, and demands for accuracy, while also requiring the ability to handle unexpected events and adapt to a changing media landscape. The working environment can vary from offices and newsrooms to fieldwork, which may involve travel or working at inconvenient hours.
Salary development over time
The salary of a journalist has shown a relatively stable but positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,000 SEK per month, which decreased slightly to 42 500 SEK in 2023. Afterwards, the salary increased to 44 800 SEK in 2024, representing an increase of approximately 5.4% between 2023 and 2024. This salary increase can partly be explained by increased demand for digital skills within journalism and changes in the media landscape where specialized journalists have become more attractive. Despite some salary variation, the profession has generally maintained a stable position in the job market, although the number of permanent positions has decreased due to industry restructuring. The gender pay gap remains small but still exists in favor of men.
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 ≥3 years)
- Highest salary (female): 48,500 SEK/month
- Hourly wage (average): 269 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 98% of what men do (men: 45 200 SEK, women: 44 400 SEK)
- Regional differences: Specific regional salary differences are not available
Education and qualifications
To work as a journalist, a post-secondary education in journalism, media, and communication or similar fields is usually required. Many employers also value practical experience, often through internships or work at student newspapers. Specialized courses, digital skills, and the ability to handle new publishing tools are becoming increasingly important. Self-study, networking, and continuous further education are also valuable to stay current in the profession.
- Formal education: Post-secondary degree in journalism or media (2–3 years)
- Certifications/courses: Courses in digital journalism, data journalism, photography, or video
- Internship/trainee: Internships at editorial offices or student media are highly recommended
- Prerequisites: High school diploma, often with a focus on social studies, language, or media
- Self-study/online: Opportunities to deepen knowledge via online courses and self-study
- Advice for choosing: Select programs with practical training and strong industry contacts
Many journalists develop strong expertise in specific areas such as politics, sports, or science, which can open doors to more niche roles and opportunities for in-depth reporting. Building a personal network is often crucial for career development.
Common benefits and compensations
Journalists often have access to benefits such as collective agreement-based occupational pension, wellness allowances, professional development, and sometimes flexible working hours or remote work. Some employers also offer insurance, extra vacation days, and access to press cards and work-related travel, especially at larger media companies.
Competition and challenges
The profession of journalism is characterized by tough competition, especially for permanent positions at larger editorial offices. Digitalization and changing consumption patterns have led many employers to seek digital skills and the ability to produce content for multiple platforms. Uncertainty regarding employment forms and increased use of freelancers are common challenges. The ability to quickly adapt to new tools and working methods is crucial for success. At the same time, the profession carries a significant responsibility regarding ethics and source criticism, which demands integrity and independent thinking.
Tips for those who want to become a journalist
To succeed as a journalist, it’s good to be curious and have a genuine interest in social issues, which facilitates finding relevant news and angles. Being communicative and clear is important, both in interviews and when writing texts. Flexibility and adaptability are required to handle rapid changes in tasks and technology. It is also essential to be meticulous and uphold a strong ethical stance, as the profession involves reporting accurately and objectively. Practical experience, such as internships or student media, provides valuable contacts and skills. Building a broad network and continuously developing digital skills increase chances of establishing oneself in the industry. Finally, perseverance and patience are vital, as the path to a permanent position can be long and challenging.
Key facts about a journalist
- Education level: Post-secondary degree (usually 2–3 years)
- Work environment: Office-based with fieldwork elements
- Work form: Both permanent positions and freelance assignments
- Available jobs: 620 advertised within the profession
- Special skills: Digital publishing, source criticism, storytelling techniques
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a journalist, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as editor, news director, or specialized reporter in areas like politics, economics, or culture. Some choose to further specialize and become analysts, columnists, or producers for radio and TV. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast, there is currently no precise assessment of future outlooks for the journalism profession due to limited data. However, labor market data indicates 620 available jobs, suggesting continued demand, especially for those with digital skills and the ability to handle multiple media formats. Opportunities may vary depending on the region and the size of the media outlet, and competition for permanent positions remains high.
Frequently asked questions about journalists
- What is the average salary of a journalist?
- A journalist has an average salary of 44 800 SEK per month. - How large is the salary difference between men and women?
- Women earn 98% of what men do; men have an average of 45 200 SEK and women 44 400 SEK. - What education is required to become a journalist?
- Typically, a post-secondary education in journalism or media, usually 2–3 years. - What does the job market look like for journalists?
- There are 620 available jobs, but competition for permanent positions is high. - What are the highest and lowest salaries for journalists?
- The highest salary is 51,000 SEK (male, public sector, post-secondary education ≥3 years). The lowest salary is 43,900 SEK for both men and women. - What benefits are common for journalists?
- Benefits include occupational pension, wellness allowance, and professional development. - Are there regional salary differences?
- Specific regional salary differences are not available for this profession.
Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Journalist is 51000 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 48500 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Journalist is 43900 kr. Both men and women in this profession have the same lowest salary and work in the Multiple sectors.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31500 kr | 34000 kr | |
| 25-34 | 96% | 38400 kr | 40100 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 45400 kr | 46500 kr |
| 45-54 | 104% | 45600 kr | 46400 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 47400 kr | 48600 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 43500 kr | 44800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 45900 kr | 45900 kr | |
| 45-54 | 46900 kr | 47000 kr | |
| 55-64 | 102% | 49300 kr | 49300 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 47300 kr | 47700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 45900 kr | 45900 kr | |
| 45-54 | 46900 kr | 47000 kr | |
| 55-64 | 102% | 49300 kr | 49300 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 47300 kr | 47700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31500 kr | 34000 kr | |
| 25-34 | 96% | 38400 kr | 40100 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 45400 kr | 46500 kr |
| 45-54 | 104% | 45600 kr | 46400 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 47400 kr | 48600 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 43500 kr | 44800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31500 kr | 34000 kr | |
| 25-34 | 96% | 38400 kr | 40100 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 45400 kr | 46500 kr |
| 45-54 | 104% | 45600 kr | 46400 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 47400 kr | 48600 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 43500 kr | 44800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 96% | 39000 kr | 41100 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 44700 kr | 46000 kr |
| 45-54 | 104% | 44300 kr | 45400 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 47800 kr | 49200 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 43700 kr | 45200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 102% | 49000 kr | 49000 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 48100 kr | 49300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 102% | 49000 kr | 49000 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 48100 kr | 49300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 96% | 39000 kr | 41100 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 44700 kr | 46000 kr |
| 45-54 | 104% | 44200 kr | 45400 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 47800 kr | 49200 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 43700 kr | 45200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 96% | 39000 kr | 41100 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 44700 kr | 46000 kr |
| 45-54 | 104% | 44200 kr | 45400 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 47800 kr | 49200 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 43700 kr | 45200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31600 kr | 34000 kr | |
| 25-34 | 96% | 38100 kr | 39500 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 46000 kr | 46900 kr |
| 45-54 | 104% | 46800 kr | 47400 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 47100 kr | 48000 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 43400 kr | 44400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 46200 kr | 46200 kr | |
| 45-54 | 46300 kr | 46300 kr | |
| 55-64 | 102% | 49800 kr | 49800 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 46800 kr | 46800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 46200 kr | 46200 kr | |
| 45-54 | 46300 kr | 46300 kr | |
| 55-64 | 102% | 49800 kr | 49800 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 46800 kr | 46800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31600 kr | 34000 kr | |
| 25-34 | 96% | 38100 kr | 39500 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 46000 kr | 46900 kr |
| 45-54 | 104% | 46800 kr | 47400 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 47100 kr | 48000 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 43400 kr | 44400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31600 kr | 34000 kr | |
| 25-34 | 96% | 38100 kr | 39500 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 46000 kr | 46900 kr |
| 45-54 | 104% | 46800 kr | 47400 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 47100 kr | 48000 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 43400 kr | 44400 kr |
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
Register an account before you can comment
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 Journalist has the SSYK code 2642, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
Vacant jobs
-
Bilingual Car Journalist and Web Editor Wanted at Carup.se
Journalists etc.
Sat, 13 Jun 2026 - 09:02 -
Web Editor for Students – Practical Experience in Digital Marketing
Journalists etc.
Sat, 13 Jun 2026 - 00:05
Similar occupations
Compare salary, work tasks and job outlook in adjacent occupations to find roles with similar skills or pay levels.
-
Average salary: 48 300 SEK/month • Kultur, media, design
Musicians, singers and composers
Compare with Journalist
Tue, 16 Jun 2026 - 03:29 -
Average salary: 38 300 SEK/month • Kultur, media, design
Translators, interpreters and linguists etc.
Compare with Journalist
Mon, 15 Jun 2026 - 11:01 -
Average salary: 38 300 SEK/month • Kultur, media, design
Translators, interpreters and linguists etc.
Compare with Journalist
Tue, 16 Jun 2026 - 05:50 -
Average salary: 37 600 SEK/month • Kultur, media, design
Librarians and archivists
Compare with Journalist
Mon, 15 Jun 2026 - 18:59 -
Average salary: 39 779 SEK/month • Kultur, media, design
Visual artists etc.
Compare with Journalist
Mon, 15 Jun 2026 - 22:13 -
Decorative painter, construction salary
Average salary: 41 100 SEK/month • Kultur, media, design
Interior designers, decorators and scenographers etc.
Compare with Journalist
Mon, 15 Jun 2026 - 22:05
Latest posts
-
Up to 25% off experiences for mom – Celebrate Mother’s Day with Live it
Tue, 26 May 2026 - 12:00
Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary
31 390
Net salary
31 390
Taxes
11 718
Fees
12 582