What does a sports journalist do? – Tasks and work environment
Sports journalists cover and report on sporting events, athletes, and matches at local, national, and international levels. Their tasks include writing articles, conducting interviews, analyzing matches, and producing material for both print and digital media. The job often involves irregular hours, evening and weekend work, and travel to stadiums or training facilities. It is common to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment where deadlines and live broadcasts demand flexibility and stress resilience.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, salaries for sports journalists have developed steadily, with a clear trend change in the most recent year. In 2022, the average salary was 43,000 SEK per month, which decreased slightly to 42 500 SEK in 2023. Between 2023 and 2024, there was an increase to 44 800 SEK, corresponding to a salary increase of about 5.4%. The salary trend can largely be explained by increased demand for digital sports coverage and specialized skills within new media formats. The slight decline between 2022 and 2023 relates to industry restructuring and efficiency measures, while the recent increase reflects recovery and a greater need for qualified sports journalists.
Sports journalist 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
- Gender differences: Men 45 200 SEK, women 44 400 SEK (women earn 98% of men's salary)
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
To work as a sports journalist, a post-secondary education in journalism is usually required, often supplemented with specialized courses in sports and media. Practical experience from editorial work or internships is highly valuable. Many employers also value broad knowledge of sports and strong language skills. Self-study and continuous skills development are important to stay updated in the rapidly changing media landscape.
- Journalism education: 2–3 years at university or college
- Specialized courses: Focus on sports journalism, digital media
- Internships: Editorial internships or trainee positions recommended
- Prerequisites: High school diploma, good language skills
- Self-study: Online courses in sports, media, and digital publishing
Building a strong network within the sports world often opens doors to exclusive interviews and unique news opportunities. Many sports journalists specialize in a particular sport or league to become experts in their field, increasing visibility and access to sought-after assignments.
Common benefits and compensation
Sports journalists are often offered benefits such as flexible working hours, remote work options, and access to press passes for major events. Travel and per diems for sports competitions are common, along with skills development through courses and seminars. Some employers also offer wellness allowances and extra vacation days.
Competition and challenges
The competition for sports journalist positions is high, especially at larger editorial offices and within popular sports. Digitalization has created new opportunities but also increased demands for technical skills, speed, and multimedia content production. The work environment is characterized by a fast pace and tight deadlines, which can be challenging for those seeking more predictable working days. Establishing oneself often requires perseverance, creativity, and a genuine interest in sports.
Tips for aspiring sports journalists
To succeed as a sports journalist, it is good to combine strong drive with curiosity and analytical skills. Building a broad network and actively seeking internships provide valuable industry experience and increase employment chances. Precision and language proficiency are crucial for delivering quality work, as is the ability to work under pressure and adapt quickly to changing conditions. Following developments in digital journalism and learning new publishing tools gives an advantage in the job market. At the same time, patience and resilience are important, as the path to permanent positions can be long. A passion for sports and storytelling is a great asset and helps create engaging reports.
Key facts about sports journalists
- Educational level: Post-secondary education 2–3 years is most common
- Work environment: Fast-paced, often evening and weekend work
- Employment type: Permanent or freelance, often project-based
- Demand: 620 available jobs within the profession (May 2024)
- Gender distribution: Even, but some salary differences remain
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a sports journalist can advance to roles such as sports editor, presenter, or columnist with their own area of responsibility. Opportunities also exist to work as a news editor or special reporter within larger media organizations. According to employment forecasts, the future outlook for journalists in general is difficult to assess, as the profession depends on changes within media and technology. For sports journalists, specialization and digital skills can improve career opportunities. Despite uncertainty about the number of permanent positions, there is a continuous demand for qualified sports journalists, especially within digital and social channels.
Frequently asked questions about sports journalists
- What is the average salary of a sports journalist?
- The average salary is 44 800 SEK per month.
- How much does a sports journalist earn per hour?
- An average hourly wage of 269 SEK.
- Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, men earn on average 45 200 SEK and women 44 400 SEK (women earn approximately 98% of men's salaries).
- What education is required to become a sports journalist?
- Post-secondary education in journalism, often 2–3 years, plus internships or specialized courses in sports media.
- What is the job market like for sports journalists?
- There are 620 available jobs, but competition is high.
- What are the highest and lowest salaries for sports journalists?
- The highest salary is 51,000 SEK (male, public sector), and the lowest is 43,900 SEK.
- What benefits are common for sports journalists?
- Flexible working hours, press passes, travel opportunities, skills development, and sometimes wellness allowances.
