How much does a Stand-up comedian make

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  2. Stand-up comedian
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Stand-up comedian

35 200 kr

Other professions in culture and entertainment

35 200 - 35 300 kr / month

Women earn 100% of what men do.

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Stand-up comedian

Average salary 35 200 kr
Males 35 200 kr
Females 35 300 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 9 Vacant jobs ->

What does a Stand-up comedian do? – Tasks and work environment

Stand-up comedians entertain audiences by delivering humorous monologues, sketches, and improvisations on stages, clubs, festivals, or other events. Their tasks include writing original material, rehearsing, analyzing audience reactions, and adapting performances for different audiences. The environment is often dynamic and can range from small bars to larger concert halls or TV productions. The profession also involves travel, irregular hours, and sometimes long working days, especially during tours or festival seasons.

Salary development over time

The salary for Stand-up comedians has shown a slight downward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,200 SEK per month, while in 2023 it decreased to 36 000 SEK, and in 2024 it is 35,200 SEK. This represents a total decrease of approximately 5.5 percent over the period. This decline can partly be explained by increased competition, more actors in the market, and changing audience habits related to digitalization and pandemic effects. Meanwhile, interest in stand-up has increased, but the financial compensation has not kept pace, negatively impacting the average salaries.

Stand-up comedian salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 35,200 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 35,200 SEK/month (men), 35,300 SEK/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 35,200 SEK/month (men), 35,300 SEK/month (women)
  • Hourly wage: 212 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn as much as men in this profession
  • Regional differences: No clear differences reported

Education and qualifications

There is no formal educational path required to work as a Stand-up comedian, but many develop their skills through practice, courses, or self-study. The ability to write humorous material, perform in front of an audience, and handle audience responses is crucial. Many start their careers on open stages or by participating in courses and workshops.

  • Courses in stand-up and stage performance: 1–2 semesters
  • Practical experience: Regular performances at clubs and events
  • Self-study: Writing own material, studying other comedians
  • Prerequisites: No formal requirements, but stage experience and creativity are important
  • Tips for choosing: Combine courses with active networking in the industry

Many of Sweden’s most famous comedians started their careers on small stages where they tested jokes in front of a small audience. This path has become an important part of the industry’s culture and often serves as a training ground for new talents. Being willing to fail and learn from immediate audience reactions is a central experience for Stand-up comedians.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensation

Stand-up comedians are often paid per gig or performance and sometimes have opportunities for bonuses at larger events. Free travel, accommodation, and meals are common during tours, and some receive compensation for rehearsals or workshops. Marketing, agent support, and media exposure may also be included as part of the compensation package.

Competition and challenges

The profession is characterized by fierce competition, as many aspiring comedians compete for limited stages and audience spaces. Establishing oneself requires perseverance, innovation, and the ability to handle both success and setbacks publicly. Uncertain income, irregular hours, and the need for constant material renewal are additional challenges. Audience contact can also be demanding, especially during less successful performances. Digitalization and changing audience behaviors have also affected revenue opportunities and visibility.

Tips for those who want to become a Stand-up comedian

To succeed as a Stand-up comedian, it is good to be persistent and willing to fail in front of an audience, as experience and self-awareness are often keys to development. Creativity is needed to write original material and improvise on the spot. Social skills help build relationships with organizers and colleagues and read audience reactions. Regular performances at open stages increase stage experience and provide opportunities to test new material. Courage and self-confidence are important to perform even when the response is challenging. Following and studying established comedians can provide valuable insights, but it is equally important to find your own style. Finally, patience and determination are required, as the path to becoming established is often long and filled with ups and downs.

Key facts about Stand-up comedians

  • Education level: No formal requirements, but courses and experience are common
  • Work environment: Stage performances, tours, and events
  • Typical employment: Freelance or self-employed
  • Demand: 620 job openings within the profession (2024)
  • Special skills: Writing humorous material, improvisation

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Stand-up comedian, many have built a loyal audience and established themselves on larger stages, festivals, or in media. Some move on to roles as scriptwriters, hosts, or humor producers for radio and TV. Others combine stand-up with lectures, training, or work within the entertainment industry. Forecasts from the Employment Service show that demand within culture and entertainment remains stable, but competition for the most attractive assignments remains fierce. Digital platforms have opened new opportunities for exposure and income, making the future outlook favorable for those who are flexible and innovative.

Frequently asked questions about Stand-up comedians

  • What is the average salary of a Stand-up comedian?
    - The average salary is 35,200 SEK per month.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - No, women and men earn approximately the same within this profession.
  • How has the salary development been for Stand-up comedians?
    - Salaries have decreased from 36,200 SEK (2022) to 35,200 SEK (2024).
  • Is education required to become a Stand-up comedian?
    - There are no formal requirements, but courses and stage experience are advantageous.
  • What is the demand for Stand-up comedians?
    - There are 620 job openings in Sweden in 2024.
  • What is the work environment like for Stand-up comedians?
    - The work environment is varied with lots of stage work, travel, and irregular hours.
  • What is the highest salary for a Stand-up comedian?
    - The highest salary is 35,300 SEK per month and belongs to a woman who is a privately employed official.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-08-08 23:43:07

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Stand-up comedian is 35300 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Privately employed officials with a unspecified education. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 35200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Stand-up comedian is 35200 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 35300 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 32600 kr 32700 kr
Snitt 100% 34900 kr 35200 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 Stand-up comedian has the SSYK code 3439, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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