How much does a Translator make

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  2. Translator
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Translator

38 300 kr

Translators, interpreters and linguists etc.

31 500 - 48 100 kr / month

Women earn 102% of what men do.

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Translator

Average salary 38 300 kr
Males 37 700 kr
Females 38 500 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 28 Vacant jobs ->

What does a translator do? – Tasks and work environment

A translator works on transferring texts from one language to another, often focusing on preserving both content and tone. This can include everything from literature and technical documentation to legal texts and marketing materials. The work requires accuracy, language sense, and understanding of both source and target language cultures. Many translators are employed by translation agencies, within the public sector, or work as freelancers, which provides variation in work environment and the possibility to work remotely.

Salary development over time

The salary for translators has shown a clear increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,700 SEK per month. During 2023, it decreased slightly to 33 500 SEK, but recovered strongly to 38 300 SEK in 2024. This represents an increase of approximately 10.8% between 2023 and 2024, which is a significant rise and can be explained by increased demand for language skills in digitalization and globalization. The positive trend may also be due to more organizations recognizing the importance of professional translations and investing more in language services. Gender differences have leveled out, and women now earn slightly more than men in the profession.

Translator salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 38 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,500 SEK/month (female, public sector, upper secondary education)
  • Highest salary: 48,100 SEK/month (male, private sector, postgraduate education)
  • Hourly wage: 230 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Women earn 38 500 SEK, men 37 700 SEK (women 102% of men's salary)
  • Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a translator, a language-oriented university degree is usually required, often with specialization in translation or linguistics. Many employers also seek specialized knowledge in areas such as law, technology, or economics. Practical experience, for example through internships or traineeships, is valuable for strengthening competitiveness in the job market.

  • Bachelor's degree in languages or translation: 3 years
  • Master's or postgraduate degree: 1–2 additional years
  • Specialized courses/certifications: For example, authorized translator
  • Translation internships: Highly recommended
  • Prerequisites: Very good knowledge of both source and target languages
  • Self-study and online courses: Good for further development and specialization

Many translators have the opportunity to work on international projects and collaborate across borders, providing valuable insights into other cultures and working methods. This global dimension makes the profession particularly attractive for those who appreciate variation and intercultural communication. Digital tools and CAT programs have also transformed the daily work for many translators in recent years.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for translators include flexible working hours, the possibility of remote work, wellness allowances, and professional development. Some employers also offer insurance, pension contributions, and access to modern translation software. Freelancers often have greater freedom but are responsible for their own benefits and savings.

Competition and challenges

The competition within the translation profession is relatively high, especially for the most common language combinations. Technological developments, with automated translation tools and AI, have increased demands for quality and specialization. To stand out, expertise in a particular subject area or certification as an authorized translator is often required. Another challenge is staying updated on language usage and terminology changes, especially within rapidly evolving fields. Freelancers also face challenges in finding long-term assignments and competing with global players. The profession demands accuracy, reliability, and the ability to handle tight deadlines.

Tips for those who want to become a translator

To succeed as a translator, it is good to combine an interest in languages with carefulness and analytical skills. It is important to actively improve language skills in both source and target languages and to develop specialized expertise in a high-demand area. Being communicative and able to collaborate effectively is an advantage, especially for larger projects or when working with clients. Flexibility and adaptability to new tools and working methods are highly valued, especially considering technological developments in the industry. Self-discipline and good work structure facilitate working as a freelancer or remotely. A professional network provides access to more assignments and opportunities. Finally, it is crucial to have an eye for detail and always deliver high quality, even under time pressure.

Key facts about translators

  • Average salary: 38 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,500 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 48,100 SEK/month
  • Education level: Bachelor's degree in languages/translation most common
  • Work arrangement: Commonly remote or freelance
  • Job openings in the profession: 620

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a translator can advance to specialist roles in areas such as legal or technical translation, or work as a project manager at a translation agency. Some choose to become authorized translators or start their own business as freelancers. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, there is no precise forecast for translators due to limited data, but recent statistics show that there are currently 620 job openings in the profession. Digitization and globalization are expected to continue driving demand for qualified translators, especially in areas where machine translation is not sufficient.

Frequently asked questions about translators

  • What does a translator earn?
    - A translator earns on average 38 300 SEK per month, but the salary varies between 31,500 SEK and 48,100 SEK depending on experience, education, and sector.
  • What education is required to become a translator?
    - Usually, at least a bachelor's degree in languages or translation is required, often supplemented with specialized courses or internships.
  • Are there salary differences between women and men?
    - Yes, women earn on average 38 500 SEK and men 37 700 SEK, which means women earn 102% of men's salaries.
  • What is the job market like for translators?
    - Currently, there are 620 job openings in the profession, but competition is high and specialization is an advantage.
  • What are the most common working arrangements?
    - Many translators work remotely as freelancers, but there are also employment opportunities within the public sector and private companies.
  • What influences a translator's salary?
    - Salary is affected by education level, experience, specialization, sector, and sometimes region.
  • Is certification necessary to work as a translator?
    - Not always, but authorization or specific certifications can increase chances for more qualified assignments.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 13:00:31

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Translator is 48100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 47100 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Translator is 31500 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 34200 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
35-44 36200 kr 36700 kr
45-54 37500 kr 38200 kr
55-64 41100 kr 41700 kr
Snitt 102% 37700 kr 38300 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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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 Translator has the SSYK code 2643, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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