- Salary statistics
- Linguists salary
Linguists salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
33 000 - 50 300 SEK / month
Women earn 102% of what men do.
Kultur, media, design
Related tools
Salary progression Linguists
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 38 300 SEK. In 2024, the salary has increased to 40 600 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: 40 600 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: 40 800 SEK, men: 40 000 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.
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: 40 600 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 40 600 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.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 34300 kr | 35900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 38100 kr | 40500 kr | |
| 45-54 | 39900 kr | 41800 kr | |
| 55-64 | 40800 kr | 41800 kr | |
| Snitt | 102% | 38900 kr | 40600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 26900 kr | 28300 kr | |
| 25-34 | 96% | 34800 kr | 35700 kr |
| 35-44 | 85% | 39100 kr | 39500 kr |
| 45-54 | 89% | 40300 kr | 40800 kr |
| 55-64 | 93% | 41200 kr | 41900 kr |
| 65-68 | 88% | 44600 kr | 44800 kr |
| Snitt | 89% | 39800 kr | 40400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 101% | 42300 kr | 42300 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 45500 kr | 45500 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 46700 kr | 46700 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 46800 kr | 46900 kr |
| 65-68 | 100% | 48800 kr | 48900 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 46200 kr | 46200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 94% | 35500 kr | 35500 kr |
| 45-54 | 37100 kr | 37100 kr | |
| 55-64 | 39100 kr | 39100 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 36500 kr | 36600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 104% | 30200 kr | 31700 kr |
| 35-44 | 92% | 33000 kr | 34000 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 35900 kr | 36700 kr |
| 55-64 | 103% | 36200 kr | 37700 kr |
| 65-68 | 37600 kr | 38000 kr | |
| Snitt | 102% | 34800 kr | 35800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 37600 kr | 41100 kr | |
| 45-54 | 39700 kr | 42300 kr | |
| Snitt | 109% | 38400 kr | 40700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 37600 kr | 41100 kr | |
| 45-54 | 39700 kr | 42300 kr | |
| Snitt | 109% | 38400 kr | 40700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 102% | 39500 kr | 40000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 96% | 36700 kr | 37000 kr |
| 35-44 | 85% | 43800 kr | 44100 kr |
| 45-54 | 89% | 44800 kr | 45000 kr |
| 55-64 | 93% | 43700 kr | 44200 kr |
| 65-68 | 88% | 47700 kr | 47800 kr |
| Snitt | 89% | 43600 kr | 43900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 101% | 42000 kr | 42000 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 46200 kr | 46300 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 48000 kr | 48100 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 47000 kr | 47100 kr |
| 65-68 | 100% | 48800 kr | 48900 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 46900 kr | 46900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 94% | 37000 kr | 37000 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 37200 kr | 37200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 104% | 30200 kr | 30700 kr |
| 35-44 | 92% | 35100 kr | 36600 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 35500 kr | 36200 kr |
| 55-64 | 103% | 34900 kr | 36700 kr |
| Snitt | 102% | 34200 kr | 35300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 109% | 37800 kr | 38300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 109% | 37800 kr | 38300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 37400 kr | 40400 kr | |
| 45-54 | 40600 kr | 43000 kr | |
| 55-64 | 39800 kr | 41000 kr | |
| Snitt | 102% | 38700 kr | 40800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 96% | 34300 kr | 35300 kr |
| 35-44 | 85% | 37000 kr | 37500 kr |
| 45-54 | 89% | 39300 kr | 39900 kr |
| 55-64 | 93% | 40500 kr | 41300 kr |
| 65-68 | 88% | 41800 kr | 42200 kr |
| Snitt | 89% | 38700 kr | 39300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 101% | 42400 kr | 42400 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 44800 kr | 44800 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 46100 kr | 46100 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 46700 kr | 46700 kr |
| 65-68 | 100% | 48600 kr | 48800 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 45700 kr | 45800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 94% | 35000 kr | 35000 kr |
| 45-54 | 36900 kr | 36900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 39100 kr | 39100 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 36300 kr | 36500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 104% | 30300 kr | 31900 kr |
| 35-44 | 92% | 32800 kr | 33700 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 35900 kr | 36700 kr |
| 55-64 | 103% | 36400 kr | 37800 kr |
| 65-68 | 37200 kr | 37600 kr | |
| Snitt | 102% | 34800 kr | 35900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 109% | 38700 kr | 41700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 109% | 38700 kr | 41700 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 Linguists has the SSYK code 2643, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
-
Polish Language Support – Remote Part-Time Position
Translators, interpreters and linguists etc.
Mon, 22 Jun 2026 - 21:30 -
Sign Language Interpreter for Upper Secondary School in Sunne Municipality
Translators, interpreters and linguists etc.
Thu, 18 Jun 2026 - 23:37 -
Sign Language Interpreter Wanted at Elmera Tolkservice in Örebro
Translators, interpreters and linguists etc.
Thu, 18 Jun 2026 - 07:45 -
Experienced Proofreader Needed for Gelato Cookbook
Translators, interpreters and linguists etc.
Thu, 11 Jun 2026 - 00:29 -
Language Promoter in Meänkieli with Focus on Children and Young People
Translators, interpreters and linguists etc.
Wed, 10 Jun 2026 - 21:14
Compare salary, work tasks and job outlook in adjacent occupations to find roles with similar skills or pay levels.
-
Average salary: 41 986 SEK/month • Kultur, media, design
Visual artists etc.
Compare with Linguists
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 05:46 -
Average salary: 51 700 SEK/month • Kultur, media, design
Other designers and creators
Compare with Linguists
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 01:58 -
Average salary: 35 600 SEK/month • Kultur, media, design
Other professions in culture and entertainment
Compare with Linguists
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 04:47 -
Proofreader, book publisher salary
Average salary: 42 800 SEK/month • Kultur, media, design
Authors etc.
Compare with Linguists
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 08:13 -
Average salary: 36 700 SEK/month • Kultur, media, design
Stage managers and script supervisors etc.
Compare with Linguists
Mon, 22 Jun 2026 - 23:14 -
Average salary: 35 600 SEK/month • Kultur, media, design
Other professions in culture and entertainment
Compare with Linguists
Mon, 22 Jun 2026 - 21:30