- Salary statistics
- Voicebook reader
Voicebook reader
35 200 - 35 300 kr / month
Women earn 100% of what men do.
Kultur, media, design
Salary progression Voicebook reader
What does a talking book narrator do? – Tasks and work environment
A talking book narrator works on recording and producing audiobooks, often for individuals with visual impairments or other disabilities that hinder traditional reading. The profession involves interpreting and delivering texts with clear articulation, correct emphasis, and an appropriate pace. The work mainly takes place in sound studios or quiet environments, where technical equipment is used for recording and post-production. The work environment emphasizes concentration and precision, as small mistakes may require re-recording and affect the quality of the final product. Assignments can range from fiction to non-fiction and educational materials, often in close collaboration with producers and technicians.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, salary development for talking book narrators has been relatively stable. In 2022, the average salary was 36,200 SEK per month, which decreased slightly to 36 000 in 2023. For 2024, the average salary continued to decline to 35,200 SEK, representing a total decrease of approximately 2.8% over the period. This trend can be explained by factors such as increased competition, efficiency improvements in production, and some stagnation in demand for new recordings. Despite high technical quality and specialized effort, salary levels have decreased, which may impact the profession’s attractiveness in the long term. No significant differences between genders have been observed during this period, indicating an equal pay structure within the profession.
Talking book narrator salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 35,200 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 35,200 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 35,300 SEK/month
- Hourly wage: 212 SEK
- Gender differences: Women and men earn the same (35,200–35,300 SEK/month)
- Regional differences: No significant differences reported
Education and qualifications
To work as a talking book narrator, no specific formal education is required, but a strong language sense, good voice technique, and the ability to convey emotion are crucial. Many in the profession have experience from theater, media, or language studies. Practical experience and voice recordings often weigh heavily in recruitment, and many employers offer internal training or introductions to the technical and artistic aspects of the profession.
- Relevant education: Language studies, theater, or media programs (2–3 years)
- Courses and certifications: Voice technique, pronunciation, and microphone familiarity
- Internship/trainee: Often voice recordings or internships before permanent employment
- Prerequisites: Good Swedish in speech and writing, clear diction
- Self-study/online: Practice and listening to professional recordings
Many talking book narrators develop their own storytelling style over time and become recognizable by listeners – some voices even gain cult status among audiobook users.
Common benefits and compensations
Talking book narrators often have access to wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and the possibility of remote work. Other common benefits include subsidized lunches, skills development, and compensation for unsocial hours during evening or weekend work. In some cases, technical equipment and workplace adjustments are included.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as a talking book narrator is intense, as the number of permanent jobs is limited while many seek entry from related industries. Technological developments, such as AI and automated recordings, also pose challenges for those establishing themselves. The ability to deliver high quality and create listener-friendly recordings remains essential for success. Workload can vary, and quick turnarounds under tight deadlines are sometimes required. Long-term workers need to continuously develop their skills and stay open to new technological solutions.
Tips for aspiring talking book narrators
To succeed, it’s important to be meticulous and have a strong sense of language nuances, as each text requires correct emphasis and interpretation. Good endurance is essential since longer recording sessions demand concentration and patience. Being attentive and open to feedback helps develop a personal narration style appreciated by listeners. Technical interest and willingness to learn about sound engineering and recording environments are advantageous. Practicing reading aloud and listening to professional narrators can provide new insights and inspiration. Flexibility and teamwork skills are necessary to adapt to various assignments and teams. Finally, a desire to improve continuously and stay updated on industry developments is key.
Key facts about talking book narrators
- Salary range: 35,200–35,300 SEK/month
- Education level: No formal requirements, but linguistic/technical background common
- Work environment: Studio or home work with high audio quality
- Hourly wage: 212 SEK
- Demand: 620 available jobs in the profession
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a talking book narrator can develop into a lead narrator, producer, or trainer for new colleagues. There are also opportunities to specialize in different genres, such as children’s books or non-fiction, or to work with audiobook recordings for commercial entities. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, demand remains stable, with 620 available jobs in the profession. The growth of digital libraries and increased accessibility drive the need for new recordings, although automated voices may influence the job market in the long term. The profession offers good opportunities for those interested in combining language skills with creative and technical work.
Common questions about talking book narrators
- What does a talking book narrator earn?
- The average salary is 35,200 SEK per month. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- No, women and men earn the same in this profession. - Is special education required to become a talking book narrator?
- No formal education is required, but linguistic background and voice training are advantageous. - What is the job market like for talking book narrators?
- There are 620 available jobs according to recent data. - What personal qualities are important?
- Precision, language sense, and endurance are key qualities. - What is the hourly wage for a talking book narrator?
- The hourly wage is 212 SEK according to current statistics. - Is remote work possible?
- Yes, many employers offer remote work or flexible hours.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 32600 kr | 32700 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 34900 kr | 35200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 32600 kr | 32700 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 34900 kr | 35200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 32600 kr | 32700 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 34900 kr | 35200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 100% | 34900 kr | 35200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 100% | 34900 kr | 35200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 100% | 34900 kr | 35200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 34400 kr | 34600 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 34900 kr | 35300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 34400 kr | 34600 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 34900 kr | 35300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 34400 kr | 34600 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 34900 kr | 35300 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 Voicebook reader has the SSYK code 3439, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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