- Salary statistics
- National Librarian salary
National Librarian salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
96 100 - 168 300 SEK / month
Women earn 99% of what men do.
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Salary progression National Librarian
What does a National Librarian do? – Tasks and Work Environment
A National Librarian is responsible for leading and developing Sweden's national library system, with a particular focus on the Royal Library. Tasks include strategic management, organizational development, coordination of national initiatives, and representing the library sector to authorities, politicians, and international partners. The role often involves significant responsibility for budgeting, staff, and overall operational governance. The work environment is primarily office-based but characterized by a fast pace, many external contacts, and a large component of public assignments.
Salary Development Over Time
The profession of National Librarian has shown a clear salary increase in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 102,400 SEK per month, which increased to 115 200 SEK in 2023, and now reaches 119 600 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total increase of about 12.5% over three years. Factors driving this development include increasing responsibility for digitalization and coordination within the cultural sector, as well as a greater focus on leadership and change management within library operations. The demand for qualified leaders in the public sector has also contributed to the positive salary trend, especially as libraries take on an increasingly important role in knowledge dissemination and information management at the national level.
National Librarian Salary – Complete Overview
- Average salary: 119 600 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 94,800 SEK/month (men), 108,400 SEK/month (women)
- Highest salary: 175,300 SEK/month (men), 166,900 SEK/month (women)
- Hourly wage: 693 SEK
- Gender pay gap: Women earn 99% of what men do (men: 120 500 SEK, women: 118 800 SEK)
Education and Qualifications
To work as a National Librarian, a university degree in library and information science is usually required, often supplemented with further studies in leadership or cultural management. Many in the role also have extensive experience in strategic work within the public sector or major cultural institutions. International experience and specialist skills in digitalization or information management are also often sought after.
- Master's or postgraduate degree in library and information science (4–5 years)
- Further education in leadership, management, or cultural policy
- Internships or trainee programs at major libraries or cultural institutions
- International experience or project management within the library sector
- Strong references and documented leadership experience
The role of National Librarian often involves being a visible voice in societal debates about democracy, freedom of information, and digital divides. Navigating both political and academic contexts is an important part of daily life.
Common Benefits and Compensation
For National Librarians, benefits often include additional vacation days, generous pension contributions, wellness allowances, and sometimes remote work options. Occupational pension schemes and comprehensive insurance coverage are common, along with access to further training and international conferences.
Challenges and Competition
The profession of National Librarian is highly competitive due to limited available positions and high qualification requirements. Challenges include managing rapid digital transformation, budget constraints, and balancing national strategies with local needs. The ability to lead through change, build consensus among stakeholders, and drive development forward are crucial. Additionally, staying updated on new technologies and societal trends is essential. The limited number of vacancies makes career progression narrow but prestigious.
Tips for Aspiring National Librarians
To succeed as a National Librarian, it is beneficial to have strong analytical skills and a genuine interest in societal development. Building a broad network within the library sector and related fields provides valuable insights and opportunities. Leadership skills are critical, so actively seeking responsibility early in your career is recommended. Clear and diplomatic communication skills are important when conveying complex issues to diverse audiences. Strategic thinking helps prioritize long-term goals against current challenges. Engagement in international projects or research collaborations can also enhance career prospects. Finally, resilience and integrity are necessary to handle politically and culturally sensitive issues.
Key Facts About the National Librarian
- Average salary: 119 600 SEK/month
- Educational level: Master's degree in library and information science
- Work environment: Office-based, often in leadership roles
- Available jobs in the profession: 175
- Gender pay gap: Women earn 99% of men’s salary
Career Paths and Future Outlook
After 3–5 years in the role of National Librarian, career opportunities can open within other leadership positions in the cultural sector, government agencies, or international organizations. It is common to advance to roles such as Director-General, Cultural Director, or government advisor. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, demand for qualified leaders in the public sector remains stable, though the number of positions is limited. Digitalization and changing information habits create new challenges but also opportunities for development in the profession. The prognosis indicates that experience in change management and international cooperation will become increasingly important in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions About the National Librarian
- What does a National Librarian earn?
- The average salary is 119 600 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, education, and sector. - What education is required to become a National Librarian?
- A master's degree in library and information science and leadership experience are usually necessary. - Are there gender differences in the salaries of National Librarians?
- Women earn 99% of what men do in the profession. - What is the job market like for National Librarians?
- Few positions are available, but demand for leadership skills remains high. - What do the duties of a National Librarian entail?
- The main tasks include strategic leadership, organizational development, and national coordination of libraries. - How has the salary developed?
- Salaries have increased by approximately 12.5% over the past three years, from 102,400 SEK to 119 600 SEK on average.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 102% | 113100 kr | 114500 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 120700 kr | 122300 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 117900 kr | 119600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 89% | 105200 kr | 108200 kr |
| 45-54 | 102% | 113200 kr | 114500 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 121800 kr | 123500 kr |
| 65-68 | 100% | 123100 kr | 127400 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 118500 kr | 120300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 96% | 114100 kr | 115600 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 124000 kr | 126300 kr |
| 65-68 | 103% | 120500 kr | 124900 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 120800 kr | 123200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 90% | 104400 kr | 107400 kr |
| 45-54 | 103% | 109700 kr | 110700 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 115200 kr | 116000 kr |
| 65-68 | 105% | 121600 kr | 125400 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 112500 kr | 113600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 158500 kr | 161100 kr | |
| 55-64 | 97% | 159000 kr | 160400 kr |
| 65-68 | 170100 kr | 174100 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 160000 kr | 162100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 102% | 111700 kr | 113300 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 122000 kr | 123700 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 118500 kr | 120500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 89% | 108500 kr | 113800 kr |
| 45-54 | 102% | 111700 kr | 113100 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 122200 kr | 123900 kr |
| 65-68 | 100% | 123900 kr | 127500 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 118600 kr | 120600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 96% | 116500 kr | 117700 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 124400 kr | 126600 kr |
| 65-68 | 103% | 120500 kr | 123500 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 121700 kr | 123800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 90% | 107300 kr | 113200 kr |
| 45-54 | 103% | 107300 kr | 108800 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 114500 kr | 115500 kr |
| 65-68 | 105% | 118600 kr | 123800 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 111500 kr | 113400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 97% | 160600 kr | 162400 kr |
| 65-68 | 170100 kr | 174100 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 161700 kr | 163800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 102% | 114400 kr | 115600 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 119500 kr | 120900 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 117200 kr | 118800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 89% | 101200 kr | 101300 kr |
| 45-54 | 102% | 114700 kr | 115800 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 121500 kr | 123000 kr |
| 65-68 | 100% | 121700 kr | 127400 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 118400 kr | 120000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 96% | 111700 kr | 113500 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 123700 kr | 126000 kr |
| 65-68 | 103% | 120500 kr | 127000 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 120000 kr | 122600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 90% | 101200 kr | 101300 kr |
| 45-54 | 103% | 112000 kr | 112500 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 116000 kr | 116500 kr |
| 65-68 | 105% | 129600 kr | 129600 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 113400 kr | 113900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 160000 kr | 162900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 97% | 156000 kr | 156900 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 158200 kr | 160200 kr |
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 National Librarian has the SSYK code 1112, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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