- Salary statistics
- Interpreter, contact salary
Interpreter, contact 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 Interpreter, contact
What does a contact interpreter do? – Tasks and work environment
A contact interpreter works to facilitate communication between individuals speaking different languages, often in situations where accurate understanding is crucial. Tasks include real-time oral translation during meetings, government contacts, medical visits, and legal settings. The interpreter’s role requires high linguistic precision, neutrality, and quickness to convey messages without adding or removing information. The work environment varies depending on the client and situation – from public institutions and private companies to digital meetings and phone calls. Interpreters often work independently and collaboratively with other professionals, which demands high integrity and flexibility.
Salary development over time
The salary for a contact interpreter has shown a clear positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,700 SEK per month, decreasing the following year to 38 300, representing a reduction of about 3.5%. In 2024, the salary rose sharply to 40 600, an increase of over 14% compared to the previous year. This significant rise can be explained by increased demand for qualified interpreters, especially in the public sector and due to a growing need for intercultural communication. Changes in educational requirements and specialized skills have also contributed to higher wages in the profession.
Contact interpreter salary – full 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/hour (hourly worker, average 166 hours/month)
- Gender differences: Women: 40 800 SEK/month, men: 40 000 SEK/month (women earn 102% of men's salary)
- Regional differences: Data varies, but larger cities generally offer somewhat higher salaries than smaller towns.
Education and qualifications
To work as a contact interpreter, a post-secondary education in interpreting or languages is usually required, often supplemented with certifications or specialized courses. Many employers also seek documented experience from interpreting assignments or internships. Good proficiency in both Swedish and at least one other language is essential, along with the ability to handle ethical issues and work under pressure.
- Post-secondary education: Interpreter training, 1–2 years (YH or folk high school)
- Certifications: Kammarkollegiet’s authorization or equivalent industry certification
- Internship: Usually required during education, such as internships or trainee positions
- Prerequisites: Very good language skills in Swedish and the interpreted language
- Online/self-study courses: Available as supplements, but formal education is recommended
Many contact interpreters work as freelancers, giving them great freedom to choose assignments, which provides flexibility but also requires good planning and networking skills. Digital meetings have become increasingly common and have changed the daily work for many interpreters.
Common benefits and compensations
Benefits for a contact interpreter often include occupational pension, wellness allowances, and sometimes access to further training or language development courses. Freelancers may receive reimbursements for travel and unsociable hours, as well as bonuses for extensive assignments or specialized skills. Insurance and membership in industry organizations are also common.
Challenges and competition
The job market for contact interpreters is competitive, especially in languages where many are already established. At the same time, there is a high demand for qualified interpreters in certain niche language areas and societal sectors. Challenges include staying updated on language use and terminology, managing stressful or sensitive situations, and maintaining neutrality in complex conversations. Freelancers face the challenge of building a stable client network and securing regular assignments. Digitalization has also changed working conditions, with increased competition from international providers and new technical solutions.
Tips for those who want to become a contact interpreter
To succeed as a contact interpreter, it’s important to have a genuine interest in languages and culture, as well as high accuracy. Being stress-resistant in pressured situations is crucial, as assignments often occur in environments where quick decisions are needed. Good communication skills help you convey messages quickly and accurately between parties. Flexibility is key to adapting to different topics and work environments, while integrity is required to handle sensitive information professionally. It’s also advantageous to actively network and build relationships within the industry to find new assignments and develop in the profession.
Key facts about contact interpreters
- Average salary: 40 600 SEK/month
- Salary range: 31,500–48,100 SEK/month
- Education level: Post-secondary (1–2 years), often with certification
- Work form: Commonly freelance or project employment
- Available jobs in the profession: 620 (May 2024)
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a contact interpreter, there are opportunities to specialize further in areas such as legal interpreting, medical interpreting, or training new interpreters. Some choose to start their own business or work as coordinators for interpreting agencies. The Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts indicate that it is currently not possible to provide an exact assessment of the job market for contact interpreters due to limited data, but there are a total of 620 available jobs in the profession. Digitalization and increased globalization are expected to sustain the demand for qualified interpreters, especially in the public sector and for rare languages. The profession can also evolve into project management or consultancy roles within language and communication.
Frequently asked questions about contact interpreters
- What does a contact interpreter earn?
- The average salary is 40 600 SEK/month, with a range between 31,500 and 48,100 SEK/month. - How to become a contact interpreter?
- The common pathway is to complete a post-secondary interpreter education (1–2 years) and often obtain certification through the Kammarkollegiet. - Are there salary differences between women and men?
- Yes, women earn on average 102% of what men do in the profession. - What does the job market look like?
- There are 620 available jobs in the profession, but the Swedish Public Employment Service does not make an exact forecast for the occupation. - What personal qualities are important?
- Accuracy, stress resilience, integrity, and good communication skills are central qualities. - Do contact interpreters usually work as employees or freelancers?
- It is common to work both as freelancers and in project employment within the public and private sectors. - Are there regional salary differences?
- Yes, salaries are generally somewhat higher in metropolitan areas compared to smaller towns.
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 Interpreter, contact has the SSYK code 2643, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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