- Salary statistics
- Skald salary
Skald salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
40 100 - 45 400 SEK / month
Women earn 91% of what men do.
Kultur, media, design
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Salary progression Skald
What does a Skald do? – Tasks and work environment
A Skald works with creating and performing poetry, stories, and songs, often rooted in Nordic tradition and history. Tasks can range from writing epics and poems to performing before audiences at cultural events, schools, or festivals. Many Skalds combine their creative work with teaching, lectures, or author assignments. The work environment varies greatly – some work from home or in their own studio, while others are employed by cultural institutions, theaters, or museums. The profession is characterized by a high degree of independence and often requires the ability to work on projects and handle irregular hours.
Salary development over time
The salary for Skalds has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,000 SEK per month, rising in 2023 to 44 500 SEK, and further up to 44,500 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 11.3% over three years, which is slightly higher than the general salary growth for similar cultural professions. Behind this positive trend are, among other factors, a growing demand for cultural workers capable of bringing historical stories to life and an increased appreciation for oral storytelling in education and public activities. The digitalization of new audience formats has also contributed to broadening the job market for Skalds, positively impacting salaries.
Skald salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 44,500 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 44,200 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 45,200 SEK/month
- Hourly wage: 268 SEK
- Women: 44,200 SEK/month
- Men: 45 400 SEK/month
- Women’s share of men’s salary: 91%
Education and qualifications
To work as a Skald, a background in literature, language, or cultural history is usually required, along with strong creative and oral storytelling skills. Many have a university degree in humanities, but self-study and practical experience are also highly valued in employment or assignments. It is common to combine artistic education with courses in rhetoric or pedagogy to meet job market demands.
- Formal degree: Bachelor's degree in literary studies, Nordic languages, or cultural history (3 years)
- Courses/certifications: Rhetoric, oral storytelling, writing
- Internships/assignments: Experience in stage performances, authorship, or adult education
- Prerequisites: Good language skills, interest in Nordic mythology and cultural heritage
- Self-studies: Personal writing, workshops, and participation in storytelling networks
Many Skalds also work on recreating historical environments and traditions at museums or Viking festivals, making the profession a living link between past and present. The oral tradition still plays a central role, especially in educational contexts and cultural heritage events.
Common benefits and compensations
Benefits within the Skald profession can include free cultural trips, appearance fees, residencies or writing grants, and opportunities for skill development through courses and workshops. Flexibility in working hours and the ability to combine different assignments are often appreciated within the profession.
Challenges and competition
The competition for permanent positions as a Skald is high, as the number of advertised jobs is limited and many work as freelancers or project-based employees. A growing interest in cultural heritage and storytelling has opened new opportunities in schools, museums, and events. Challenges include irregular income, the pressure to constantly innovate, and the need to market oneself to secure assignments. Regional differences in job availability exist, with greater opportunities in areas with a strong cultural sector or tourism industry.
Tips for aspiring Skalds
To succeed as a Skald, it is good to be both creative and persistent, with a strong passion for storytelling. Building a network of cultural actors and actively participating in storytelling workshops or literary events can help gain visibility. Good communication skills and the ability to adapt stories to different audiences are crucial, as is the courage to perform publicly and try new formats. Flexibility and the ability to combine tasks, such as teaching and authorship, increase chances of getting assignments. Self-discipline and independence are important, as many Skalds run their own projects. An interest in Nordic history and cultural heritage also helps create credible and engaging stories.
Key facts about Skald
- Salary range: 44,200–45,200 SEK/month
- Education level: Bachelor's degree in humanities is common
- Typical employment: Freelance or project-based
- Gender distribution: Women earn 91% of men's salary
- Available jobs: 620 positions within the profession
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a Skald can have built a personal audience and established collaborations with cultural institutions, schools, or event organizers. Many move on to work as authors, lecturers, or educators in oral storytelling. Some choose to specialize in cultural heritage or museum education, while others take leadership roles in storytelling networks or projects. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, demand for cultural workers remains stable, especially in areas combining storytelling and education. With 620 available jobs, there are good opportunities for those who are flexible and willing to work in various project-based forms.
Common questions about Skald
- What does a Skald earn?
- A Skald has an average salary of 44,500 SEK per month, with a range between 44,200 and 45,200 SEK. - How do gender differences look for Skald salaries?
- Women earn 44,200 SEK on average, which corresponds to 91% of men's salary at 45 400 SEK. - What education is required to become a Skald?
- Most commonly, a bachelor's degree in humanities, with courses in storytelling and practical experience also important. - What does the job market look like for Skalds?
- There are 620 available jobs in the profession, with good opportunities for those who are flexible. - What tasks does a Skald perform?
- Tasks include writing, performances, teaching, and bringing cultural heritage to life. - Are there regional salary differences for Skalds?
- Regional differences may occur, especially where the cultural sector is stronger. - What personal qualities are important for Skalds?
- Creativity, communication skills, self-discipline, and an interest in cultural heritage are key qualities.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 37500 kr | 37600 kr | |
| 35-44 | 43000 kr | 43200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 49700 kr | 49900 kr | |
| Snitt | 91% | 42600 kr | 42800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 37500 kr | 37600 kr | |
| 35-44 | 43000 kr | 43200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 49700 kr | 49900 kr | |
| Snitt | 91% | 42600 kr | 42800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 37500 kr | 37600 kr | |
| 35-44 | 43000 kr | 43200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 49700 kr | 49900 kr | |
| Snitt | 91% | 42600 kr | 42800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 91% | 45100 kr | 45400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 91% | 45100 kr | 45400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 91% | 45100 kr | 45400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 91% | 41300 kr | 41400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 91% | 41300 kr | 41400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 91% | 41300 kr | 41400 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 Skald has the SSYK code 2641, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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