How much does a Linguists make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Linguists
Image that illustrates Linguists

Linguists

38 300 kr

Translators, interpreters and linguists etc.

31 500 - 48 100 kr / month

Women earn 102% of what men do.

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Linguists

Average salary 38 300 kr
Males 37 700 kr
Females 38 500 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 28 Vacant jobs ->

What does a linguist do? – Tasks and work environment

A linguist works with analyzing, interpreting, and conveying knowledge about language structure, function, and usage. Tasks may include research on grammar and phonetics, development of language technology tools, teaching, translation, and production of linguistic materials for various organizations. The work is often conducted in academic settings, government agencies, the cultural sector, or private companies that require advanced language analysis. The work environment is generally office-based and characterized by independent work, but can also involve collaboration with colleagues from related fields such as IT, education, or communication.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, linguists have experienced positive salary growth. In 2022, the average salary was 34,700 SEK per month, while in 2023 it was at 33 500 SEK. In 2024, the salary has increased to 38 300 SEK, representing approximately a 14% increase compared to the previous year. This salary change can partly be explained by increased demand for linguistic skills due to digitalization and globalization across various industries. Additionally, higher education levels and specialization among linguists may have contributed to rising salaries. The salary development also reflects a broader sector trend where qualified language services are increasingly valued.

Linguist salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 38 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,500 SEK/month (female, public sector, secondary education)
  • Highest salary: 48,100 SEK/month (male, private sector, doctoral degree)
  • Hourly wage: 230 SEK
  • Women earn: 102 % of men's salary (women: 38 500 SEK, men: 37 700 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Data missing or varies depending on labor market demand

Education and qualifications

To work as a linguist, a university degree in language science, linguistics, or related fields is generally required. Many choose to deepen their expertise through master's or doctoral studies, especially if the tasks involve research or university-level teaching. Internships, field studies, or exchanges can also be valuable for gaining relevant experience and building contacts.

  • Bachelor's degree in language science or linguistics (3 years)
  • Master's degree in language science or related fields (2 years)
  • Doctoral studies (4 years or more) for an academic career
  • Courses in language technology, translation, or phonetics
  • Internships or traineeships in language and communication sectors
  • Strong analytical skills and interest in language structure and usage

Many linguists are in demand within language technology and AI, where their knowledge is used to develop smart language models and digital assistants. The profession offers opportunities to work interdisciplinary and contribute to innovative solutions in both industry and research.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Linguists are often offered benefits such as flexible working hours, remote work options, wellness allowances, and professional development. Many also include occupational pension schemes, generous vacation policies, and sometimes research or conference grants, especially in the academic sector.

Competition and challenges

The competition for linguist positions can be high, especially within academia where permanent positions are limited. Many linguists therefore need to be prepared to seek opportunities in related fields such as translation, language technology, or communication. A challenge is that language science skills can be difficult to showcase to employers outside academia, making it important to clearly communicate one's specialization and adapt it to different industry needs. Digitalization and automation also require continuous updating of skills, particularly in language technology.

Tips for aspiring linguists

To succeed as a linguist, it is beneficial to combine curiosity with analytical ability and perseverance. Broadening knowledge early on by studying different languages, participating in research projects, or taking practical courses can provide a competitive edge. Developing good communication skills is also important, as many tasks involve collaboration and presenting complex linguistic relationships. A willingness to learn continuously and stay updated on developments in language technology and digital tools is crucial, especially since the profession evolves rapidly. The ability to work independently and take initiative is highly valued, as is engagement with the role of language in society.

Key facts about linguists

  • Average salary: 38 300 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 31,500–48,100 SEK/month
  • Gender difference: Women earn 102 % of men's salary
  • Educational level: Bachelor's degree or higher in language science
  • Work environment: Office-based, often within academia, government, or private sector

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, linguists can advance to roles such as project managers in language-related projects, specialists in language technology, or researchers at universities and institutes. Other paths include working as translators, language consultants, or educators. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, there is no precise forecast for linguists, as the profession is part of a broader occupational group, but there are 620 available jobs in the "translators, interpreters, and linguists" group. Future prospects are influenced by digitalization and globalization, which increase demand for language skills in new contexts. Specialization in language technology and digital communication particularly offers good opportunities for career development.

Frequently asked questions about linguists

  • What is the average salary of a linguist?
    - The average salary for a linguist is 38 300 SEK per month.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 102 % of men's salaries within the profession.
  • What education is required to become a linguist?
    - A bachelor's degree or higher in language science or linguistics is usually required.
  • What does the job market look like for linguists?
    - There are approximately 620 available jobs according to current statistics.
  • Which workplaces employ linguists?
    - Universities, government agencies, companies in language technology, and translation or education sectors.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for linguists?
    - The highest salary is 48,100 SEK and the lowest 31,500 SEK per month.
  • Are there opportunities for further education?
    - Yes, further education through master's and doctoral programs is common and can improve career prospects.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-08 03:52:28

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Linguists is 48100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 47100 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Linguists is 31500 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 34200 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
35-44 36200 kr 36700 kr
45-54 37500 kr 38200 kr
55-64 41100 kr 41700 kr
Snitt 102% 37700 kr 38300 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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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 Linguists has the SSYK code 2643, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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