Newspaper readers

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 Newspaper readers

Average salary 35 200 kr
Males 35 200 kr
Females 35 300 kr

What does a newspaper reader do? – Tasks and work environment

A newspaper reader's primary task is to read newspapers, magazines, and journals to make them available in audio format. The work is often performed in a studio environment where clear diction, good language skills, and the ability to interpret texts are central qualities. The role involves working against deadlines and delivering material with high technical and linguistic quality. Newspaper readers typically collaborate with technicians, editors, and sometimes journalists, and the work environment is generally calm but requires concentration and the ability to work independently under time pressure.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for newspaper readers has shown a slight downward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 36,200 SEK per month, which decreased slightly to 36 000 in 2023 and further to 35,200 SEK in 2024. The total decline over the period is approximately 2.8%. This decrease can partly be explained by changing procurement conditions in the industry and increased competition from digital tools and automated solutions. The demand for professional voice actors remains, especially for specialized and complex texts, but price pressure has negatively impacted salary levels. Nevertheless, gender pay gaps are non-existent, which is uncommon in the culture and entertainment sector.

Newspaper reader 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 (based on 166 hours/month)
  • Gender differences: Women and men earn approximately the same
  • Regional differences: No clear differences reported

Education and qualifications

No formal education is required to work as a newspaper reader, but many employers value language skills, experience with voice and speech techniques, and the ability to interpret and convey texts engagingly. Practical experience from radio, theater, or other reading activities is advantageous and can sometimes weigh more than formal studies. Industry-specific courses and self-study are common, especially in voice care and audio engineering.

  • Formal education: Not required, but relevant university degrees in language, media, or theater are advantageous
  • Certifications/courses: Courses in voice techniques, speech therapy, and audio recording are recommended
  • Internships/experience: Internships in radio, theater, or sound production are valuable
  • Prerequisites: Very good Swedish language skills in speech and writing
  • Self-study/online: Digital courses and exercises in pronunciation, intonation, and recording techniques

Many newspaper readers develop a personal style and voice signature that makes them especially sought after for certain assignments. There are also opportunities to work with different dialects and genres, which can broaden the professional role and create more job opportunities.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensation

The most common benefits for newspaper readers include flexible working hours, the possibility of remote work, and sometimes access to professional sound studios. Some employers also offer wellness allowances, training support in voice care, and technical equipment for home recording. Compensation is usually monthly salary, but hourly employment also occurs, especially for freelance assignments.

Competition and challenges

Competition in the profession of newspaper reader is intense, especially as the industry attracts many with good language skills and media interest. A challenge is maintaining high and consistent quality despite often tight deadlines and varying text material. Technical skills in audio recording and editing are becoming increasingly important, and automated speech synthesis presents a growing competitive factor. Building a network and creating a niche are crucial for long-term success in the field.

Tips for aspiring newspaper readers

To succeed as a newspaper reader, it is good to have a clear and pleasant voice, and to regularly practice pronunciation and intonation to create a professional impression. Precision is essential, so it is recommended to always prepare by reading texts in advance and marking difficult words or names. Flexibility and adaptability are important, as assignments can vary from daily newspapers to trade magazines and require different styles. Being self-sufficient facilitates, especially for recordings on your own or freelance work. Finally, building a portfolio with audio samples that demonstrate breadth and quality increases chances for new assignments and collaborations.

Key facts about Newspaper Readers

  • Average salary: 35,200 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 35,200–35,300 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 212 SEK
  • Education requirements: No formal education, but language skills are required
  • Number of available jobs: 620 within the profession (latest data)

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a newspaper reader, opportunities for further specialization in audio production, editing, or training new readers open up. Some move on to voice acting for audiobooks, e-learning, or advertising. The future outlook is considered relatively stable according to the Employment Service, although technological development and automation may influence demand in the longer term. With 620 available jobs in the profession, there is still a need for qualified newspaper readers, especially for more advanced and content-demanding texts.

Frequently asked questions about Newspaper Readers

  • What does a newspaper reader earn?
    - The average salary is 35,200 SEK per month, with minor variations between genders.
  • Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
    - No, women and men have virtually the same salary within this profession.
  • Is a special education required to become a newspaper reader?
    - No, but good language skills and experience with voice techniques are highly meritorious.
  • What does the job market look like for newspaper readers?
    - There are 620 available jobs, but competition is high.
  • What tasks are involved besides reading aloud?
    - Preparation of texts, basic audio editing, and collaboration with editors are common.
  • Can one work remotely as a newspaper reader?
    - Yes, remote work and home recording are common.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Clear voice, accuracy, and independence are especially valued.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Newspaper readers 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 Newspaper readers 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
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 Newspaper readers has the SSYK code 3439, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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