Literary engineer

What does a literature engineer do? – Tasks and work environment

A literature engineer works with managing, analyzing, and structuring large amounts of text-based material within, for example, libraries, archives, or research environments. The profession often involves responsibility for digitizing older literature, metadata management, and developing systems for information retrieval. Tasks may also include quality assurance of databases, advising researchers or the public, and educational efforts related to information literacy. The work environment is usually office-based and characterized by independent work and collaboration in project groups, often in close connection with universities, authorities, or larger organizations.

Salary development over time

The salary for a literature engineer has shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 35,200 SEK per month, increasing to 36 100 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the salary has continued to rise to 37 600 SEK, representing a total increase of about 7% over three years. This salary trend reflects increased demand for qualified services in digital management and analysis of literary material, as well as a greater focus on research and information security. The salary increase has been somewhat higher than the average for similar professions, possibly due to technological developments and the growing need for specialized skills in digitalization and information management.

Literature engineer salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 37 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,100 SEK/month (male, government sector, upper secondary education)
• Highest salary: 42,500 SEK/month (female, public sector, research education)
• Hourly wage: 226 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Women earn 37 400 SEK (98% of men's salary, men 38 200 SEK)
• Regional differences: Data on regional variation is lacking, but salary levels are often influenced by the size of the labor market and proximity to academic institutions.

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a literature engineer usually involves higher education in library and information science, often combined with courses in digital technology and metadata management. Many employers also value experience in project management and understanding of both humanities and technical issues. Internships, traineeships, and further training in digital tools are often advantageous.

• Formal degree: Bachelor's degree in library and information science (3 years) or equivalent
• Further education: Master's or doctoral studies can be advantageous for advanced positions
• Certifications: Courses in digital information management, programming, or metadata
• Internships: Recommended in archives, libraries, or research environments
• Prerequisites: Good knowledge of Swedish and English, and some technical understanding
• Tips for choosing: Combine humanities subjects with IT to broaden your skills

Common benefits and compensations

Literature engineers are often offered benefits such as flexible working hours, remote work options, wellness allowances, and opportunities for skill development. Occupational pension schemes, generous vacation policies, and access to internal training are common, especially in the public sector and larger organizations.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a literature engineer varies by region and employer, but generally, a paradoxical recruitment situation exists. Despite good future prospects with many available jobs within the profession, employers find it difficult to find the right competence, while some candidates struggle to establish themselves. Challenges mainly involve staying updated on digital technology, managing large datasets, and meeting high demands for information security. The job market is also affected by changes in research, the public sector, and digitalization projects.

Tips for those aspiring to become a literature engineer

To succeed as a literature engineer, it is beneficial to combine analytical skills with curiosity about both technology and culture. Developing good collaboration skills facilitates work in interdisciplinary teams and projects. Precision is crucial when handling large amounts of information and digital databases, while strong communication skills ease internal and external cooperation. Continuing education in both IT and information science strengthens career prospects. Flexibility and adaptability are important qualities as tasks and technology evolve rapidly. Finally, a genuine interest in knowledge dissemination and information structuring can make daily work stimulating and rewarding.

Key facts about the literature engineer

• Education level: Bachelor's degree in library and information science is most common
• Work environment: Office-based, often in academic or public settings
• Typical employment: Full-time, but project and hourly positions also occur
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment, especially in digitalization and archives
• Special skills: IT competence and experience with metadata management are advantageous

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years as a literature engineer, opportunities include roles such as project manager within digital archives, metadata specialist, or information system developer. Some choose to move into research-related positions or higher education teaching. The Swedish Public Employment Service forecasts that demand for librarians and archivists, including literature engineers, will remain unchanged over the next five years, but job opportunities are nationally large. There are approximately 620 job openings in the field, indicating good career prospects. Challenges remain in recruitment difficulties and the need for new skills in digitalization and information security.

Common questions about the literature engineer

• What does a literature engineer earn?
  - The average salary is 37 600 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience, education level, and sector.
• What education is required to become a literature engineer?
  - Usually, a bachelor's degree in library and information science, often supplemented with IT skills.
• Are there gender differences in salaries for literature engineers?
  - Yes, women earn on average 37 400 SEK and men 38 200 SEK, which means women earn approximately 98% of what men do.
• What work environments are most common for literature engineers?
  - Most work within libraries, archives, universities, or government agencies, often with digital tasks.
• What are the future prospects for literature engineers?
  - The job market is good with many available positions and stable demand according to the Swedish Public Employment Service.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a literature engineer?
  - Highest salary is 42,500 SEK/month (female, public sector, research education), lowest 31,100 SEK/month (male, government sector, upper secondary education).
• What personal qualities are important in the profession?
  - Analytical ability, accuracy, communication skills, and an interest in technology and culture are especially valuable.