How much does a Columnist make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Columnist
Image that illustrates Columnist

Columnist

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 Columnist

Average salary 44 500 kr
Males 45 100 kr
Females 44 200 kr
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What does a Columnist do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A columnist works by regularly writing texts, called columns, for print and digital media. Tasks include analyzing current events, expressing opinions, and creating engaging content that often sparks debate or offers new perspectives. The work is often done in editorial offices, but remote work is also common, especially for freelancers. The environment is characterized by tight deadlines, high demands for linguistic precision, and constant monitoring of societal developments. Many columnists combine their writing with other journalistic roles or authorship.

Salary development over time

The salary for columnists has increased steadily over the past three years. In 2022, the average was 40,000 SEK, followed by an increase to 42 100 SEK in 2023 – a rise of approximately 5.3%. By 2024, the average salary has continued to grow to 44,500 SEK, which corresponds to an additional 5.7% increase compared to the previous year. This positive trend can be explained by increased demand for qualified writers, the impact of digitalization on the media landscape, and a growing willingness among employers to invest in prominent voices. The development also indicates relatively high salary stability within the profession, despite economic fluctuations. However, a columnist’s salary is influenced by factors such as employment type, employer, and experience level.

Columnist salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 44,500 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 44,200 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 45,200 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 268 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 98% of what men do (men: 45 100 SEK, women: 44,200 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Small differences; larger cities often pay higher salaries

Education and qualifications

The profession of a columnist requires strong language skills and deep societal awareness, but there is no strict formal educational path. Many have academic backgrounds in journalism, media studies, or related fields, but experience from other professions can also be advantageous. Practical experience in writing, self-study, and a broad network often weigh heavily in recruitment.

  • Journalism education: 2–3 years (college, folk high school, or university)
  • Short courses: Media and communication studies, opinion formation
  • Internships: Editorial internships or trainee programs provide valuable experience
  • Prerequisites: Good language skills and analytical ability
  • Self-study: Personal writing, blogs, and online publishing

Many prominent columnists have built their careers by first establishing themselves as experts in completely different fields, such as law, culture, or economics. A unique background can be an asset to stand out in the media noise.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensation

Columnists are often covered by collective agreements that include occupational pensions, wellness contributions, and insurance as standard. Other common benefits include flexible working hours, remote work options, and access to professional development through courses and seminars. Freelance columnists typically negotiate their compensation and additional payments themselves.

Competition and challenges

The competition for columnist roles is high, especially at larger media outlets where demand for prominent writers is constant. Challenges include consistently delivering current and engaging texts and building a loyal readership. Rapid changes in the media landscape require adaptability and experience in digital work. Demands for originality, fact-checking, and handling public criticism are significant. Entry barriers are high, and many aspiring columnists start their careers through their own platforms or freelance assignments.

Tips for aspiring columnists

To succeed as a columnist, it’s good to combine curiosity and societal engagement with a clear personal voice. Regular writing practice and extensive reading increase linguistic confidence and help develop a personal style. Persistence and the courage to publish your texts, even on smaller platforms, help build experience and a personal brand. Analytical skills are crucial for identifying and framing interesting angles on current topics. Networking and relationship-building are also important, as many assignments are obtained through recommendations. Being open to feedback and continuously developing your craft is a key to long-term success.

Key facts about Columnists

  • Education level: College/university most common, but no formal requirement
  • Work environment: Editorial environment or remote work
  • Employment type: Employed or freelance
  • Demand: Approximately 620 job openings in the field
  • Special skills: Analysis, opinion formation, societal coverage

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a columnist, opportunities open to advance to leadership roles, such as editor, debate chief, or chief columnist. Some move on to authorship, media analysis, or communication consulting. The Swedish Employment Service considers the future outlook for columnists to be relatively stable but emphasizes the importance of digital competence and a strong personal brand. The media landscape is changing rapidly, and those who stay updated on new formats and channels have the best chance of long-term success. The current number of job openings in the field is 620, indicating ongoing demand—especially within digital media and niche publications.

Frequently asked questions about Columnists

  • What does a Columnist earn?
    - The average salary is 44,500 SEK per month, with variation between 44,200 SEK and 45,200 SEK depending on experience and employer.
  • How does one become a Columnist?
    - The path often goes through journalism education, internships, and personal writing; networking and publishing in various media are important steps.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 98% of what men do within the profession.
  • What education is required to work as a Columnist?
    - Formal education is not always a requirement, but many have backgrounds in journalism or media studies.
  • What does the job market look like for Columnists?
    - There are approximately 620 job openings in the field, with high competition for prominent positions.
  • What does it mean to work as a freelance Columnist?
    - Freelancers negotiate their fees themselves and often enjoy greater freedom but also more uncertain income.
  • What qualities are most important for success?
    - Analytical skills, linguistic confidence, and the ability to engage readers are central.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-12 01:59:36

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Columnist 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 Columnist 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 Columnist has the SSYK code 2641, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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