Telegraphist

33 700 kr

Emergency operators etc.

32 900 - 34 600 kr / month

Women earn 96% of what men do.

Säkerhetsarbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Telegraphist

Average salary 33 700 kr
Males 34 600 kr
Females 33 300 kr

What does a telegraphist do? – Tasks and work environment

A telegraphist today primarily works within modern communication and surveillance, often in roles as an SOS operator or alarm operator. Tasks include receiving, forwarding, and managing critical messages, as well as communicating quickly and accurately with various societal agencies during emergencies. The work is usually performed in dedicated emergency centers or readiness environments where accuracy, stress resistance, and multitasking are key. Technology has transformed the profession, but the demand for fast and secure information handling remains.

Salary development over time

The salary for telegraphists has shown a steady upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,000 SEK per month, which increased to 32 800 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 33 700 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 8.7% over three years. This positive development can be explained by increased demand for qualified personnel in critical societal functions, as well as overall wage pressures within the security and surveillance industry. However, wage increases have been somewhat more subdued compared to some other professions in the security sector, reflecting a balanced labor market with relatively equal supply and demand.

Telegraphist salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 33 700 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 32,900 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 34,600 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 203 SEK
  • Women's average salary: 33 300 SEK (96% of men's salary)
  • Men's average salary: 34,600 SEK
  • Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on the geographical location and size of the station.

Education and qualifications

To work as a telegraphist today, a high school diploma is usually required, supplemented with specialized training in alarm or communication services. Many employers offer internal training and introductory programs, sometimes combined with internships and mentoring. Personal qualities such as stress resilience, good multitasking ability, and strong communication skills are important selection criteria.

  • High school diploma: Often with focus on social studies, technology, or IT
  • Internal training: Specialized courses with the employer (usually 3–6 months)
  • Internship/trainee: Common during the introductory period
  • Certifications: Some employers require security clearance and specific certifications
  • Prerequisites: Good Swedish language skills, computer literacy, and stress resilience
  • Tips for choosing: Experience in security, service, or other alarm-related work is advantageous

Many telegraphists develop impressive multitasking skills, as they often handle multiple calls and information flows simultaneously – a skill valuable in many other professions and life situations.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Telegraphists are often covered by collective agreements that grant overtime pay, extra compensation for night and weekend work, and occupational pension. Other common benefits include wellness contributions, personnel support, and opportunities for further training or skill development within employment.

Competition and challenges

The job market for telegraphists is balanced, with the supply of qualified workers roughly matching demand. Challenges in the profession include high workload, shift work, and the need for constant readiness, which can impact both work environment and private life. Technological changes and digitalization increase the requirements for ongoing skills development. Meanwhile, competition for jobs is moderate, with about 191 available positions in the field during the past year. For those aiming for this career, flexibility and openness to new working methods are important.

Tips for aspiring telegraphists

To succeed as a telegraphist, it is good to combine stress resilience with a genuine interest in helping others. Training your multitasking ability and being able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously is a big advantage, as is meticulousness under pressure. Good communication skills and the ability to express yourself clearly, both verbally and in writing, are crucial. Being adaptable and quickly learning new technical systems can give an edge in recruitment. Social competence and the ability to collaborate with colleagues and other societal actors are also vital, as the work is often team-based and time-sensitive. Finally, demonstrating responsibility and reliability is a strength, since the profession involves a high level of trust from both employers and the public.

Key facts about the telegraphist

  • Average salary: 33 700 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 32,900–34,600 SEK/month
  • Gender pay gap: Women earn 96% of men's salary
  • Typical work environment: Emergency center and readiness environment, often shift work
  • Job market: Moderate opportunities, approximately 191 available jobs

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a telegraphist, there are good opportunities to develop into more specialized roles, such as supervisor, trainer, or system manager within the emergency center. Some choose to further their education in IT security, crisis communication, or leadership to broaden their career options. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that the job market is expected to remain balanced, with moderate opportunities and demand expected to stay unchanged over five years. Digitalization and increased automation may influence the tasks over time, but the need for qualified personnel in critical societal functions is expected to persist.

Frequently asked questions about telegraphists

  • What does a telegraphist earn?
    - A telegraphist has an average salary of 33 700 SEK per month.
  • How has the salary development looked for telegraphists?
    - Salaries have increased by about 8.7% over the past three years, from 31,000 SEK (2022) to 33 700 SEK (2024).
  • What education is required to become a telegraphist?
    - A high school diploma and internal training with the employer are most common, sometimes also requiring certification and practical experience.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn 96% of what men do in the profession.
  • What is the job market like for telegraphists?
    - There are moderate opportunities, with approximately 191 available jobs.
  • What qualities are important for a telegraphist?
    - Multitasking ability, stress resilience, and good communication skills are crucial for success.
  • What benefits are offered to telegraphists?
    - Common benefits include overtime pay, occupational pension, wellness contributions, and opportunities for skill development.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Telegraphist is 34600 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a unspecified education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 33500 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Telegraphist is 32900 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 34300 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 27500 kr 32000 kr
25-34 95% 29300 kr 33300 kr
35-44 30500 kr 34600 kr
45-54 30600 kr 34900 kr
Snitt 96% 29500 kr 33700 kr
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 Telegraphist has the SSYK code 5414, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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