How much does a News journalist make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. News journalist
Image that illustrates News journalist

News journalist

44 800 kr

Journalists etc.

43 900 - 51 000 kr / month

Women earn 98% of what men do.

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression News journalist

Average salary 44 800 kr
Males 45 200 kr
Females 44 400 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 12 Vacant jobs ->

What does a news journalist do? – Tasks and work environment

A news journalist's primary task is to collect, process, and communicate news to the public through various media such as newspapers, radio, television, and digital platforms. The profession involves quickly identifying relevant events, conducting interviews, fact-checking, and writing articles with high credibility. The work is often under tight deadlines, with irregular working hours, and sometimes in the field where quick adjustments are necessary. At the same time, the role requires critical thinking, strong language skills, and a high ethical awareness to ensure quality and impartiality in reporting.

Salary development over time

The salary development for news journalists has shown a relatively stable but slightly positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,000 SEK per month. In 2023, there was a slight increase to 42 500 SEK, which represented a temporary decrease of about 1.2%. The following year, 2024, the salary rose again to 44 800 SEK, corresponding to an increase of nearly 5.4% compared to the previous year. This development reflects a continued demand for qualified journalists but also some uncertainty related to changes in the media landscape and digitalization. Market adjustments and competition for jobs influence both salary setting and future opportunities within the profession.

News journalist salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 44 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 43,900 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 51,000 SEK/month (male, public sector, post-secondary education of 3 years or more)
  • Highest salary for women: 48,500 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 269 SEK
  • Women earn: 44 400 SEK/month (98% of men's salary)
  • Men earn: 45 200 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a news journalist, a university degree in journalism or media and communication studies is usually required. Many employers also demand practical experience from editorial work, often obtained through internships or temporary positions during studies. Self-study, shorter courses, and specializations in digital journalism or investigative reporting can also be advantageous, especially in the rapidly changing media industry.

  • Journalism degree (university/college): 3 years
  • Courses in media and communication studies: 1–2 years
  • Internship at an editorial office: Highly recommended
  • Prerequisites: Basic eligibility, good Swedish language skills
  • Certifications and online courses: Meritorious for specialization

Many news journalists build broad networks to quickly access exclusive sources and news, making personal contact and trust-building work an important part of daily professional life.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

News journalists are often covered by collective agreements that provide access to occupational pension, insurance, and holiday pay. Other common benefits include wellness allowances, opportunities for professional development, and flexible working hours, especially within digital media. Some employers also offer equipment such as mobile phones and computers, as well as options for remote work when needed.

Competition and challenges

The competition for permanent positions as news journalists is high, especially in metropolitan areas where many seek employment at established media houses. Digitalization has increased the pace and changed working conditions, requiring continuous skills development and adaptability. Employment security can vary, and many start their careers as substitutes or freelancers before obtaining a permanent position. The profession also demands managing stress, deadlines, and sometimes sensitive topics, which can be challenging but also rewarding for the right person.

Tips for those aspiring to become a news journalist

To succeed as a news journalist, it is good to combine curiosity with perseverance and social skills. Asking questions and seeking new angles are crucial, as is working structured even under time pressure. Building a strong network is also important since many news stories come through personal contacts. The ability to quickly understand various topics and adapt communication to different audiences provides a competitive edge. Strong language skills and high integrity are fundamental qualities to build trust both internally and externally. Taking the initiative with internships, freelance assignments, and personal projects provides valuable experience and increases chances of employment. Finally, it is important to continuously follow industry developments and be open to new working methods and technologies.

Key facts about news journalists

  • Educational level: Bachelor's degree in journalism (3 years)
  • Work environment: Fast-paced, often varying working hours
  • Employment type: Permanent, temporary, or freelance
  • Demand: 620 available jobs within the profession
  • Gender salary difference: Women earn 98% of men's salaries

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as a news journalist, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as editor, news manager, or specialist reporter within a specific field. Some choose to specialize in digital journalism or investigative reporting, while others move into communication roles within business or public sector. The employment agency's forecasts for the journalist profession do not provide an exact assessment for news journalists due to limited data, but the industry is changing, and digital skills are becoming increasingly important. At the same time, data shows that there are 620 available jobs in the field, indicating continued demand for competent professionals, especially those with experience in digital media and storytelling.

Frequently asked questions about news journalists

  • What is the average salary of a news journalist?
    - The average salary for a news journalist is 44 800 SEK/month.
  • How do salary differences between men and women look?
    - Men earn an average of 45 200 SEK/month and women 44 400 SEK/month, which means women earn approximately 98% of men's salaries.
  • What is required to become a news journalist?
    - Usually, a university degree in journalism and practical editorial experience are required.
  • Are there many job openings for news journalists?
    - Currently, there are 620 available jobs in the profession.
  • What is the highest salary for a news journalist?
    - The highest salary is 51,000 SEK/month and belongs to a man in the public sector with post-secondary education.
  • What is the work environment like for news journalists?
    - The work environment is characterized by a high pace, tight deadlines, and varying workplaces.
  • What education is recommended for the profession?
    - A three-year university degree in journalism is recommended for those wishing to work as a news journalist.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-08-09 21:05:00

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a News journalist is 51000 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 48500 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a News journalist is 43900 kr. Both men and women in this profession have the same lowest salary and work in the Multiple sectors.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 31500 kr 34000 kr
25-34 96% 38400 kr 40100 kr
35-44 102% 45400 kr 46500 kr
45-54 104% 45600 kr 46400 kr
55-64 97% 47400 kr 48600 kr
Snitt 98% 43500 kr 44800 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 News journalist has the SSYK code 2642, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

Search salary statistics for occupation
8000 kr
<-|->
90000 kr
Vacant jobs
Show more
Similar occupations
  • Read more about working as News journalist

    News journalist

    Journalists etc.

    Fri, 5 Dec 2025 - 00:54
  • Read more about working as Lexicographer

    Lexicographer

    Translators, interpreters and linguists etc.

    Thu, 4 Dec 2025 - 23:28
  • Read more about working as Recording leader

    Recording leader

    Lighting, sound and stage technicians

    Fri, 5 Dec 2025 - 05:32

  • Studioman

    Stage managers and script supervisors etc.

    Thu, 4 Dec 2025 - 16:55
  • Read more about working as Program Secretary

    Program Secretary

    Stage managers and script supervisors etc.

    Fri, 5 Dec 2025 - 07:03
  • Read more about working as Speaker

    Speaker

    Other professions in culture and entertainment

    Thu, 4 Dec 2025 - 10:55
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