Editorial archivist

What does an editorial archivist do? – Duties and work environment

An editorial archivist is responsible for systematically collecting, organizing, and preserving archival materials within editorial activities. Tasks include managing documentation, ensuring correct archive handling, and facilitating information access for staff and researchers. The environment is usually office-based, emphasizing accuracy and structure, where digital tools are used for efficient archiving and searching. Communication with other departments is common to ensure the archive material is complete and accurate.

Salary development over time

The salary for editorial archivists has shown stable growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 35,200 SEK per month, increasing to 36 100 SEK in 2023 and further to 37 600 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total salary increase of approximately 7% over the period. The positive trend can be explained by increased demand for qualified archive management in line with digitalization and the need for efficient information access in the media and cultural sectors. The level of education and specialized skills within the field also contribute to a stable salary development. Despite some recruitment challenges within the profession, salaries have remained relatively strong, reflecting the important role of the profession in information management.

Editorial archivist salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 37 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,100 SEK/month (male, government sector, secondary education)
• Highest salary: 42,500 SEK/month (female, public sector, postgraduate education)
• Hourly wage: 226 SEK (based on 166 working hours/month)
• Gender differences: Women earn on average 37 400 SEK, men 38 200 SEK, women earn 98 % of men's salaries
• Regional differences: Data is lacking, but salary levels can be influenced by local demand and municipality type

Education and qualifications

The educational path for editorial archivists often includes university degrees in archive science, library, or information science. Qualifications require understanding of archive management, documentation, and digital systems. Experience from internships or trainee programs within archives or media houses is advantageous.

• Formal degrees: University education in archive or library science, usually 3 years
• Certifications/courses: Courses in information management and digital archiving
• Internship/trainee: Internships within archives or media organizations are common
• Prerequisites: Basic IT skills and understanding of documentation
• Self-study/online: Continuing education in digital archive systems and legislation
• Tips for choosing: Select a program with a strong focus on digital information management and archive practices

Common benefits and compensations

Editorial archivists are often offered standard benefits such as occupational pension, wellness contributions, and flexible working hours. Many employers within the public sector also provide collective agreement benefits like holiday pay and sick pay. Compensation levels can vary depending on the sector and employment type.

Competition and challenges

The profession of editorial archivist is characterized by a paradox of recruitment difficulties and relatively high unemployment or part-time work within the profession. Competition can be fierce for attractive positions, especially in larger media companies and public institutions. Challenges include staying updated with digitalization demands and balancing accuracy with efficiency in archiving processes. The profession also requires the ability to manage complex information under time pressure.

Tips for aspiring editorial archivists

To succeed as an editorial archivist, it is beneficial to develop strong analytical skills and attention to detail, as precision in handling archive materials is essential. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration with different departments and understanding user needs. Flexibility and adaptability are also important to handle new digital tools and changing routines. Patience and perseverance help in the often detail-oriented work, while a structured work method contributes to efficient archiving. Continuously updating your knowledge in information management is crucial to stay relevant in the profession.

Key facts about editorial archivists

• Educational level: University degree in archive or library science
• Salary range: 31,100–42,500 SEK/month
• Work environment: Office-based, quiet and structured
• Hourly wage: Approximately 226 SEK
• Demand: Large job opportunities but paradoxical recruitment situation

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years in the profession, editorial archivists can advance to senior archive positions, specialists in digital archiving, or move into leadership roles within information management. Opportunities also exist to work as consultants or in education. The employment agency’s forecast indicates that job prospects for archivists are expected to remain unchanged nationally, with significant opportunities, but the recruitment situation is paradoxical, with both recruitment difficulties and high unemployment or part-time work in the group. The profession is part of the broader group of librarians and archivists, with approximately 620 job openings.

Frequently asked questions about editorial archivists

• What does an editorial archivist earn?
  - The average salary is approximately 37 600 SEK per month, with variations between 31,100 and 42,500 SEK depending on experience and sector.
• What education is required to become an editorial archivist?
  - Usually, a university degree in archive or library science, typically 3 years long.
• Are there gender differences in salary?
  - Yes, women earn on average 98 % of men's salaries within the profession.
• What is the work environment like for an editorial archivist?
  - The work environment is usually office-based, quiet and structured, with a focus on accuracy.
• What are the job prospects in the profession?
  - Job opportunities are considered large but remain unchanged in the coming years, with a paradoxical recruitment situation.
• Can one develop within the profession?
  - Yes, there are opportunities for specialization and leadership positions within information management.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Attention to detail, patience, flexibility, and good communication skills are central qualities.