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

A news writer works with producing, editing, and adapting news texts for various media channels. Tasks range from writing quick news briefs to developing longer reports and analyses. Often, work is done under tight deadlines, where the ability to quickly process information and present it accurately is crucial. News writers collaborate closely with reporters, editors, and sometimes photographers or graphic designers to create informative and reader-friendly material. The work environment is characterized by a fast pace, strict deadlines, and high linguistic quality requirements, often in newsroom settings, but remote work options are also available.

Salary development over time

The salary for a news writer has shown a clear increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,700 SEK per month. In 2023, it temporarily dropped to 33 500 SEK, but recovered quickly and rose to 38 300 SEK in 2024. This represents an increase of approximately 10.4% between 2023 and 2024, which is an unusually strong salary growth for the profession. Behind this trend are factors such as increased demand for digital content, higher requirements for linguistic skills, and more employers competing for experienced writers. The temporary decline between 2022 and 2023 can be explained by economic fluctuations and decreased demand in certain media segments, but the recent rise indicates a strong recovery and increased value of the role.

News writer salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 38 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,500 SEK/month (female, public sector, 3-year upper secondary education)
• Highest salary: 48,100 SEK/month (male, private sector, doctoral degree)
• Hourly wage (average): 230 SEK
• Women: 38 500 SEK | Men: 37 700 SEK
• Women earn: 102% of what men do
• Regional differences: No specific data available

Education and qualifications

To work as a news writer, a postgraduate education in journalism, language, or communication is usually required. Many employers value relevant work experience, internships, or trainee programs, as well as documented ability to write quickly and accurately. Self-study and online courses can complement your skills in digital publishing and media technology.

• Journalism degree: 2–4 years at college or university
• Courses in Swedish, communication, or language science: 1–3 years
• Internships or trainee programs at newsrooms: 3–12 months
• Prerequisites: Upper secondary school diploma, good Swedish in speech and writing
• Certifications/online courses in digital publishing: Recommended
• Tips: Combine education with personal writing or freelance projects to build a portfolio

Common benefits and compensations

News writers are often offered benefits such as flexible working hours, remote work, wellness allowances, and skills development in language, digital publishing, and journalism. Other common compensations include overtime pay for work during unsociable hours, as well as collective agreement-based insurance and pension schemes.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a news writer is generally high, especially at larger newsrooms and established media companies. The profession requires continuous updating, as the media landscape changes rapidly and digital skills become increasingly important. Challenges include high workload, tight deadlines, and the need for constantly updated knowledge of societal issues and new publishing platforms. Additionally, news writers are often expected to handle multiple projects simultaneously and adapt quickly to new methods and tools. The ability to work under pressure and deliver high-quality work is crucial for long-term success.

Tips for aspiring news writers

To succeed as a news writer, it’s good to have a genuine interest in societal issues and news, as well as a strong sense of language. Practicing writing under pressure is an important preparation, along with training to quickly identify relevant angles in large amounts of information—a skill that requires both analytical ability and curiosity. Building a portfolio with different types of texts, such as through freelance work or blogs, increases your chances of employment. Flexibility and the ability to accept and process feedback are also central, as the workflow is often dynamic and involves multiple people. Being thorough and organized facilitates the delivery of accurate material even when the pace is high. Finally, actively networking within the industry is valuable for finding new opportunities and staying updated on current trends.

Key facts about news writers

• Education level: Post-secondary education in journalism or languages
• Work environment: Editorial office or remote work with high pace
• Typical employment form: Full-time, but freelance and project-based work also occur
• Demand: 620 available jobs within the profession
• Gender distribution: Women have a slightly higher average salary than men

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a news writer can advance to roles such as editor, content manager, or specialized writer within areas like economy, culture, or society. Opportunities also exist to work as a communicator, copywriter, or with digital strategy at media agencies and companies. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that it’s difficult to give an exact assessment of future prospects for news writers, as the profession is part of a broader occupational group with limited statistical data. However, the number of available jobs signals continued demand, especially for those with digital skills and linguistic breadth. For those wishing to develop further in the industry, it’s advantageous to continually update their knowledge and be open to new roles in the media landscape.

Frequently asked questions about news writers

• What does a news writer earn?
  - The average salary is 38 300 SEK per month, with the lowest at 31,500 SEK and the highest at 48,100 SEK.
• Are there gender differences in the salaries for news writers?
  - Yes, women earn on average 102% of what men do, with 38 500 SEK for women and 37 700 SEK for men.
• What education is required to become a news writer?
  - Most commonly, a postgraduate education in journalism, language, or communication.
• What is the job market like for news writers?
  - There are 620 available jobs within the profession, but competition is fierce and digital skills are in demand.
• What career paths are available for news writers?
  - Possible paths include editor, content manager, specialist in various fields, or communicator.
• What benefits are commonly offered to news writers?
  - Flexible working hours, wellness allowances, skills development, and sometimes remote work.
• How does education level affect the salary of a news writer?
  - Higher education, especially doctoral studies, can lead to higher salaries within the profession.