How much does a Scriptwriter make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Scriptwriter
Image that illustrates Scriptwriter

Scriptwriter

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 Scriptwriter

Average salary 44 500 kr
Males 45 100 kr
Females 44 200 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments

What does a screenwriter do? – Tasks and work environment

A screenwriter is responsible for creating, developing, and finalizing scripts for film, TV, radio, theater, or digital media. Job duties include idea development, research, story structuring, and dialogue writing. The work often involves close collaboration with directors, producers, and other creative professionals. The work environment can vary greatly; many screenwriters work as freelancers with the flexibility to work from home, while others are employed by production companies or theaters and work in teams on-site. The profession requires a high level of creativity, self-discipline, and patience to handle long development processes and recurring feedback.

Salary development over time

Screenwriters have seen positive salary growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,000 kronor per month. The following year, 2023, the average increased to 42 100 kronor, representing an increase of approximately 5.25%. The latest data from 2024 shows a continued rise to 44,500 kronor on average per month, an increase of another 5.7% compared to the previous year. This trend indicates a stable demand for screenwriters, especially as streaming services, film, and TV productions increase. The market's need for original content and new formats drives up salaries, while competition for the most experienced and creative writers intensifies. Education level and experience are often key factors in salary development within the profession.

Screenwriter salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 44,500 kr/month
  • Lowest salary: 44,200 kr/month
  • Highest salary: 45,200 kr/month
  • Hourly wage: 268 kr
  • Women: 44,200 kr/month
  • Men: 45 100 kr/month
  • Women earn: 98% of what men do

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a screenwriter varies, and formal education is not always required, but many choose to take courses or programs in film, literature, or drama. Practical experience, networking, and a strong portfolio of scripts are often crucial for success. Many screenwriters develop their skills through self-study, further training, and collaboration with other creative professionals.

  • Formal degrees: Bachelor's or master's programs in film, literary studies, or drama (3–5 years)
  • Courses/certifications: Screenwriting courses via folk high schools, universities, or online
  • Internships/Traineeships: Internships at production companies or theaters
  • Prerequisites: Good knowledge of Swedish and storytelling techniques
  • Self-study: Developing personal writing skills and participating in writing networks

Many successful screenwriters have backgrounds in other creative professions, such as journalism, theater, or advertising. This versatility often brings new perspectives and storytelling techniques that can make scripts more original and engaging.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Screenwriters often receive royalties, especially when working for film and TV where scripts are reused multiple times. Other common benefits include flexible working hours, remote work options, compensation for work materials, and sometimes access to industry-specific networks or further training. Employment may also include collective agreements and occupational pensions.

Competition and challenges

The competition in the screenwriting profession is fierce, especially for assignments within larger productions and established media houses. Many screenwriters work freelance, which means irregular income and the need to constantly seek new projects. Challenges can also include tough feedback, creative compromises, and tight deadlines. Success requires perseverance, adaptability, and continuous development of storytelling skills. The industry is also characterized by rapid changes in technology and audience preferences, making it important to stay updated.

Tips for aspiring screenwriters

To succeed as a screenwriter, it is important to be persistent and self-disciplined, as long writing processes and revisions are common. Creativity and curiosity help in developing original stories and finding new angles. Building a strong network within the industry can open doors to new projects and collaborations, while humility in accepting feedback helps improve scripts. It is also vital to work independently and continually develop your craft through courses, workshops, and personal writing. Reading extensively and analyzing others' scripts provides valuable insights, and submitting your work to competitions or production companies is crucial for getting noticed. Finally, resilience is needed to overcome setbacks and continue growing in the profession.

Key facts about Screenwriters

  • Average salary: 44,500 kr/month
  • Common work form: Freelance or project-based employment
  • Educational path: Courses, bachelor's or master's programs in creative fields
  • Demand: 620 available jobs within the profession
  • Work environment: Flexible, often from home or at production companies

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a screenwriter, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as head screenwriter, script editor, or dramaturg, especially within larger film and TV productions. Some choose to become teachers, consultants, or start their own production companies. The outlook is considered good according to the Swedish Public Employment Service, with 620 available jobs in the profession. The increasing demand for original content in streaming and digital media drives the need for screenwriters, although competition for the most attractive assignments remains high.

Frequently asked questions about Screenwriters

  • What does a screenwriter earn?
    - A screenwriter has an average salary of 44,500 kronor per month.
  • What do salary differences between men and women look like?
    - Men earn an average of 45 100 kronor per month while women earn 44,200, which means women earn 98% of what men do.
  • What education is required to become a screenwriter?
    - Formal education is not a requirement, but many have taken courses or programs in film, literature, or drama.
  • Are there opportunities for permanent employment?
    - Most screenwriters work as freelancers, but there are also project-based and permanent positions, especially within larger production companies.
  • What are the future outlooks?
    - Demand is stable with 620 available jobs in the profession according to the latest statistics.
  • What is the highest salary for a screenwriter?
    - The highest reported salary is 45,200 kronor per month, applicable to a male private sector employee.
  • What is the average hourly wage for a screenwriter?
    - The average hourly wage is 268 kronor.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-12 20:56:42

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

Search salary statistics for occupation
8000 kr
<-|->
90000 kr
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