How much does a Poet make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Poet
Image that illustrates Poet

Poet

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 Poet

Average salary 44 500 kr
Males 45 100 kr
Females 44 200 kr
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What does a poet do? – Tasks and work environment

A poet works with creating and performing lyrical works that often express emotions, thoughts, and societal reflections. Tasks can include writing poetry, performing at cultural events, participating in workshops, and collaborating with other artists. The work environment is usually flexible and can vary from home offices to stages and cultural institutions. Poets often work independently but can also be affiliated with publishers, theaters, or educational institutions.

Salary development over time

The poet's salary has shown a positive trend over the past three years, increasing from 40,000 SEK per month in 2022 to 44,500 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total salary increase of approximately 11.25 percent during the period. In 2023, the average salary was 42 100 SEK, indicating a stable and gradual rise. This development can be linked to increased demand for cultural and creative professions, as well as higher educational levels among poets. Market interest in literature and poetry has also contributed to raising salary levels, despite the profession generally being competitive and often voluntary.

Poets often communicate social critique and personal experiences through their works, making their work an important voice in cultural debates and society at large.

– statsskuld.se

Poet salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 44,500 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 44,200 SEK (female)
  • Highest salary: 45,200 SEK (male)
  • Hourly wage: 268 SEK (based on 166 hours/month)
  • Gender differences: Women earn on average 98 % of men's salaries
  • Regional differences: Data missing for specific regional variations

Education and qualifications

The educational path for poets is often flexible and can include formal studies in literature, creative writing, or humanities. Many poets combine academic studies with extensive self-study and practical experience through writing and performances. There are no strict requirements for formal education, but relevant academic background and experience facilitate establishment in the profession.

  • Formal degrees: Bachelor's or master's degree in literature, creative writing, or equivalent (3–5 years)
  • Courses and workshops: Writing workshops, poetry, and dramaturgy courses
  • Internship/trainee: Possible through cultural institutions and publishers
  • Prerequisites: Good language skills and literary understanding
  • Self-studies: Important for developing personal style and voice
  • Tips for choosing: Combine formal education with active networking and publishing

Common benefits and compensations

Poets often have varied employment forms, affecting benefits and compensations. Common benefits may include wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and remote work options. Since many poets are freelancers, pension and insurance arrangements are often individual. In some cases, publishers' contracts or grants provide financial support.

Competition and challenges

The profession of poet is highly competitive, with few permanent positions and limited financial resources within the cultural sector. It requires great creativity and perseverance to establish oneself and reach a broad audience. Many poets balance writing with other jobs to ensure financial security. Digitalization and social media have opened new channels but have also increased competition for attention. Staying relevant and developing a unique expression are central challenges.

Tips for those who want to become poets

To succeed as a poet, it is helpful to develop strong creative skills and a clear personal voice. Persistence and disciplined work on writing are important, as success often requires long-term effort. A curious and open attitude helps to receive criticism and develop continuously. Active networking within literary circles and participating in events can open doors to publishing and collaborations. Finally, combining artistic passion with business-minded thinking is valuable for navigating a competitive industry.

Key facts about Poet

  • Educational level: University/higher education in literature or creative writing
  • Salary range: 44,200–45,200 SEK/month
  • Work environment: Flexible, often home or stage-based
  • Employment form: Freelance or project-based most common
  • demand: Approximately 620 job openings within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years in the profession, poets can develop into established authors with opportunities to work as editors, literary critics, or lecturers. Some move on to roles within cultural administration or education. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, demand for creative professions such as poetry and writing is expected to remain stable, with particular focus on digital and interdisciplinary projects. There are also opportunities to combine poetic creation with other media such as film and stage art to broaden the career.

Common questions about poets

  • What does a Poet earn?
    - The average salary for a poet is approximately 44,500 SEK per month, with some variation between genders.
  • What education is required to become a poet?
    - There are no formal requirements, but education in literature or creative writing is common and recommended.
  • What is the work environment like for a poet?
    - The work environment is often flexible and can range from home offices to cultural venues.
  • Are there regional differences in poet salaries?
    - There is no clear data on regional differences within this profession.
  • What are the future prospects for poets?
    - Demand is stable with approximately 620 job openings within the group of writers and similar professions.
  • Is there a significant salary difference between men and women?
    - Women earn on average 98 % of men's salaries in the poetry profession.
  • What are the most common employment forms for poets?
    - Freelance and project-based employment are most common, permanent positions are rare.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-03 19:41:28

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

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Salary, Taxes, and Fees
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Net salary
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