Editorial Secretary

What does an editorial secretary do? – Tasks and work environment

An editorial secretary is responsible for planning, coordinating, and editing content in newspapers, magazines, or digital media. Tasks often include preparing material for publication, ensuring correct language use, and meeting deadlines. The environment is typically office-based with a fast pace and close collaboration between journalists, photographers, and managers. The role requires good communication skills and meticulousness to ensure high-quality, publish-ready content.

Salary development over time

The salary for editorial secretaries has shown a stable but somewhat fluctuating trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,000 SEK, followed by a slight decrease to 42 500 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the salary has risen again to 44 800 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 5.4 percent compared to the previous year. This positive trend is linked to increased demand for qualified editorial skills and general salary adjustments within the media sector. Education level and experience also influence salary growth, with more experienced editors tending to earn higher compensation. Despite some fluctuations, the trend indicates that the profession remains attractive and relevant in a changing media landscape.

Editorial secretary salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 44 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 43,900 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 51,000 SEK/month
• Hourly wage: 269 SEK (calculated on 166 hours/month)
• Gender differences: Women earn on average 44 400 SEK, men 45 200 SEK, which means women earn about 98% of men's salaries.
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on region and sector, but specific regional data are lacking for the profession.

Education and qualifications

To become an editorial secretary, a degree in journalism, communication, or similar fields is often required. Formal education is often complemented by practical experience in the media industry, and good language skills are fundamental. The profession also requires familiarity with digital tools and publishing systems.

• Formal degrees: University education in journalism, communication, or media (1–3 years)
• Certifications/courses: Courses in editing, language, and publishing tools can be advantageous
• Internship/trainee: Practical experience from editorial offices is often crucial
• Prerequisites: Good language skills and basic IT knowledge
• Tips for choosing: Opt for education focusing on digital publishing and editorial work

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for editorial secretaries include occupational pension, wellness allowance, and flexible working hours. Many employers also offer options for remote work and further training. Compensation may vary depending on sector and employment type, but collective agreements within the media industry often regulate basic conditions.

Competition and challenges

The profession as an editorial secretary is competitive as many seek employment in the media industry. Digitalization and automation affect job tasks, requiring adaptability. The fast pace of the industry also demands efficiency and accuracy. The challenge also lies in staying updated with new publishing platforms and media landscape changes. Despite this, opportunities exist for those who are flexible and possess good communication skills.

Tips for aspiring editorial secretaries

To succeed as an editorial secretary, it is beneficial to develop a strong eye for detail and good organizational skills. Effective communication skills are essential for collaborating with various professionals within the editorial team. Being stress-resistant is crucial to handle tight deadlines and sudden changes. Technical curiosity and willingness to learn new digital tools used in publishing processes are valuable. Finally, a problem-solving attitude helps quickly handle unexpected situations and ensure smooth workflow.

Key facts about editorial secretaries

• Education level: University degree in journalism or communication (1–3 years)
• Salary range: 43,900–51,000 SEK/month
• Work environment: Office-based with high pace and deadlines
• Gender differences: Women earn about 98% of men's salaries
• Work form: Full-time and part-time, often with flexible hours

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years as an editorial secretary, opportunities exist to advance to roles such as editor, project manager within media, or communications officer. The profession belongs to the group "Journalists etc.," which has a relatively stable demand with about 620 job openings according to current statistics. Forecasts for the profession lack a clear assessment due to limited data, but the development of the media industry indicates ongoing need for qualified editorial competence. Digitalization and changing media habits may influence the role, requiring continuous skill development.

Frequently asked questions about editorial secretaries

• What does an editorial secretary earn?
  - The average salary is approximately 44 800 SEK/month with an hourly wage of 269 SEK.
• What education is required to become an editorial secretary?
  - Usually, a university degree in journalism or communication is necessary.
• Are there gender differences in salary?
  - Yes, women earn on average 98% of men's salaries.
• What are the job responsibilities of an editorial secretary?
  - Planning, editing, and coordinating editorial content.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - Forecasts are limited due to scarce data, but demand remains stable within the media industry.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Attention to detail, stress resilience, and good communication skills are central.
• Can one work flexibly as an editorial secretary?
  - Yes, many workplaces offer flexible working hours and remote work options.