Contact interpreter

What does a Kontakttolk do? – Tasks and work environment

A Kontakttolk works to facilitate communication between individuals who do not share a common language. The tasks include interpreting conversations between two or more parties, often in sensitive or socially critical situations such as meetings within healthcare, education, social services, immigration authorities, or courts. The interpretation is primarily oral and can be performed on-site, via telephone, or through digital platforms. The work environment varies depending on the nature of the assignment – some interpreters work mainly in public settings on location, while others perform their duties remotely. Flexibility, accuracy, and the ability to handle stress are essential qualities in the profession.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for a Kontakttolk has increased significantly. In 2022, the average salary was 34,700 SEK per month, followed by a slight decline to 33 500 SEK in 2023. Since then, a clear salary increase has occurred, and the current average salary for 2024 is 38 300 SEK per month. This represents a total increase of approximately 10.3% over the period. The development can be partly explained by increased demand for qualified interpreters, especially in socially critical sectors, as well as higher requirements for certification and educational level. The positive trend indicates that the profession's status and salary conditions have strengthened as the need for language competence has grown in Swedish society.

Kontakttolk salary – a complete overview

• Average salary: 38 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,500 SEK/month (female, public sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 48,100 SEK/month (male, private sector, postgraduate education)
• Hourly wage: 230 SEK/hour (average, hourly worker)
• Women earn: 38 500 SEK/month (102% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 37 700 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on location and employer, but differences are generally moderate within Sweden.

Education and qualifications

To work as a Kontakttolk, a completed interpreter training at a folk high school or Vocational College (1–2 years) is usually required. Many employers also prefer or require authorization or certification from the Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education. The education combines language studies with social orientation and professional ethics. Practical components, such as supervised internships, are often part of the training and are important for developing communicative and ethical competence. Prerequisites vary depending on the education and language.

• Formal education: Interpreter training at folk high schools or Vocational Colleges (1–2 years)
• Certification: Authorization via the Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education is recommended
• Internship: Supervised internships are usually included in the training
• Prerequisites: Very good knowledge of Swedish and the target language
• Courses and self-study: Continuing education and online courses can enhance professional skills

Common benefits and compensations

Kontakttolkar are generally offered compensation per hour or assignment, with an average hourly rate for hourly workers of 230 SEK. Other benefits may include travel allowances, compensation for inconvenient working hours, and opportunities for further training and certification through the employer. Permanent employees may also have pension contributions and health insurance, but for many freelancers, benefits vary depending on the employer and employment type.

Competition and challenges

The profession of Kontakttolk is characterized by competition, especially for certain languages where the supply of qualified interpreters is high. At the same time, there is a shortage of interpreters for less common languages and dialects, creating good opportunities for those with the right language combinations. Challenges include irregular working hours, high demands for neutrality and stress management, and the need for continuous skills development. Digitalization and new technological solutions are rapidly changing the job market, and interpreters are expected to adapt to new working methods, such as remote interpreting via video. The variation in assignments and income uncertainty can make the profession demanding, especially for freelancers.

Tips for those who want to become a Kontakttolk

To succeed as a Kontakttolk, it is good to have a keen ear and the ability to quickly understand new situations. A strong sense of ethics and responsibility facilitates handling sensitive topics professionally in front of different parties. Precision is crucial to ensure the interpretation is accurate and impartial, especially in formal contexts. Being flexible and open to new working methods makes it easier to adapt to digital tools and varied assignments. For self-driven and proactive individuals, there are good opportunities to build a strong network and find assignments within in-demand language combinations. Continuing education and staying updated on professional ethics are also valuable. Finally, the ability to manage stress and maintain calm under pressure is essential for success in the role.

Key facts about Kontakttolk

• Educational level: Interpreter training, folk high school or Vocational College (1–2 years)
• Work environment: Varied – on-site, digital, or via telephone
• Common employment form: Freelancer or self-employed
• Demand: About 620 job openings in the profession
• Gender distribution: Women have slightly higher average salaries than men

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a Kontakttolk can develop their career by specializing in legal interpretation, medical interpretation, or training new interpreters. Some advance to roles such as coordinator, project manager, or administrator within interpretation agencies. Others choose to deepen their expertise in language technology or digital interpreting services. The future outlook is uncertain according to the Swedish Public Employment Service, as there is no clear assessment for this specific profession, but there remains a steady need for interpreters in various social sectors, and new digital working methods create additional opportunities. Currently, there are 620 job openings in the field, indicating strong demand at present.

Frequently asked questions about Kontakttolk

• What is the average salary of a Kontakttolk?
  - A Kontakttolk has an average monthly salary of 38 300 SEK.
• Are there differences in salary between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 38 500 SEK, which is 102% of men's salary, which is 37 700 SEK.
• What education is required to become a Kontakttolk?
  - Interpreter training at a folk high school or Vocational College (1–2 years) and preferably authorization from the Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education.
• What does the job market look like for a Kontakttolk?
  - There are approximately 620 job openings in the profession, with particularly high demand for rare languages.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a Kontakttolk?
  - The highest salary is 48,100 SEK, while the lowest is 31,500 SEK per month.
• Do Kontakttolkar mostly work on-site or remotely?
  - Both – many assignments are on-site, but remote and video interpreting are increasing rapidly.
• Is authorization required to work as a Kontakttolk?
  - Authorization is not always required, but many employers prefer or require it.