What does a news graphic designer do? – Tasks and work environment
A news graphic designer visualizes news and complex information through graphic elements, charts, and illustrations. Working closely with journalists and editors, the professional is responsible for quickly transforming data and stories into clear, visually appealing presentations—often under time pressure. The work environment is usually editorial, digital, and fast-paced. The work often takes place in digital tools and software, with both daily and longer-term projects depending on news flow and publication schedules.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, the salary for news graphic designers has shown relatively stable development. In 2022, the average salary was 33,000 SEK per month, increasing to 34 800 SEK in 2023. Between 2023 and 2024, the salary has slightly decreased to 34 700 SEK, corresponding to a decline of about 0.3%. The largest increase occurred between 2022 and 2023, when the salary rose by approximately 5.5%. This trend may partly be linked to increased demand for visual news formats and digital skills in the media industry. The slight downward trend in the past year suggests some slowdown, possibly due to changed budget priorities or increased competition within the profession.
News graphic designer salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 34 700 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 31,800 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 37,800 SEK/month
- Hourly wage (average): 209 SEK
- Women: 31 900 SEK/month
- Men: 37 700 SEK/month
- Women earn: 85% of what men do
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
To work as a news graphic designer, a post-secondary education in graphic design, visual communication, or related fields is often required. Practical experience with digital graphics programs and understanding of journalistic work are highly meritorious. The educational path can vary, but it is common to combine formal education with internships or projects at editorial offices.
- Formal education: Vocational college (2 years) or university (3 years) in graphic design or visual communication
- Courses/certifications: Specialization in digital graphics and infographics
- Internships: Strongly recommended at editorial offices or media companies
- Prerequisites: Good computer skills and experience with programs like Adobe Illustrator and InDesign
- Self-study/online: Possible to supplement with online courses in digital visualization
Many news graphic designers have backgrounds in both art and technology, making the profession unique within editorial environments. The ability to quickly interpret and visually communicate complex information is highly valued, especially in today's fast news cycle where clear and engaging graphics can significantly enhance reader understanding.
Common benefits and compensations
Typical benefits for news graphic designers include wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and remote work opportunities. Skills development, access to modern tools, and sometimes bonuses linked to projects or performance are also common. Occupational pension schemes and insurance coverage are often included in employment conditions.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as a news graphic designer is relatively high, especially at larger media outlets and in metropolitan areas. A challenge is to stay updated on new digital tools and trends in data visualization, as technology evolves rapidly. Additionally, the profession requires high stress tolerance, as many projects have tight deadlines and involve close collaboration with other editorial roles. Increased automation and access to template-based tools may also pose new challenges for the profession's future. At the same time, there are opportunities for those who can combine creativity with technical skills and journalistic thinking.
Tips for aspiring news graphic designers
To succeed as a news graphic designer, it is beneficial to have a genuine interest in both journalism and graphic design. Strong analytical skills help quickly understand and visualize complex news, while creativity is essential for creating engaging graphics. Being meticulous and detail-oriented makes it easier to avoid misleading presentations, and good communication skills facilitate collaboration with journalists and editors. It is also wise to continually develop skills in digital tools and stay updated on industry trends. Curiosity and flexibility are important traits to adapt to changing workflows and new media formats. Finally, building a strong portfolio with diverse examples of infographics and news visualizations is highly recommended.
Key facts about news graphic designers
- Educational level: Vocational college or university in graphic design
- Work environment: Editorial, often digital and fast-paced
- Typical employment: Permanent or project-based employment
- Demand: 1,437 available jobs in the profession (pre-press technicians and printers)
- Gender distribution: Women earn 85% of what men do
Career paths and future outlook
After three to five years in the profession, a news graphic designer can advance to roles such as senior graphic designer, art director, or take responsibility for larger projects and teams within visual communication. There are also opportunities to specialize in data visualization, interactive media, or educational graphics. Forecasts from the Employment Service show no specific assessment for the profession, as it falls under the group pre-press technicians and printers. Currently, there are 1,437 available jobs within this group, indicating some demand. Future prospects may be influenced by technological development and changing media habits, but individuals with broad digital skills and journalistic understanding have good opportunities to develop within the industry.
Frequently asked questions about news graphic designers
- What is the average salary of a news graphic designer?
- The average salary is 34 700 SEK per month.
- What are the lowest and highest salaries for a news graphic designer?
- The lowest salary is 31,800 SEK and the highest is 37,800 SEK per month.
- Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn on average 31 900 SEK and men 37 700 SEK, which means women earn 85% of men's salaries.
- What education is required to become a news graphic designer?
- Usually, vocational college or university education in graphic design, along with practical experience.
- What are the future prospects for the profession?
- There is no specific forecast, but there are 1,437 available jobs in the profession.
- What is the work environment like for a news graphic designer?
- The work environment is often editorial, digitally oriented, and characterized by a high pace.
- What are the most common benefits?
- Common benefits include wellness allowances, flexible working hours, remote work, and skills development.
