- Salary statistics
- Interpreter, right
Interpreter, right
31 500 - 48 100 kr / month
Women earn 102% of what men do.
Kultur, media, design
Salary progression Interpreter, right
What does an interpreter in the justice system do? – Tasks and working environment
An interpreter in the justice system primarily facilitates accurate communication between individuals who do not speak the same language in legal contexts. This often involves interpreting orally during court proceedings, police interrogations, immigration cases, and other official contacts. The work environment is usually formal and can be mentally and cognitively demanding, as high demands are placed on accuracy, impartiality, and concentration. Many interpreters work as freelancers or on assignment, which can entail varying working hours and locations, from courts to detention centers and government agencies.
Salary development over time
The salary development for an interpreter in the justice system has been positive in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,700 SEK per month and increased slightly to 33 500 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary rose significantly to 38 300 SEK, corresponding to an increase of nearly 14% from 2022 to 2024. This salary trend reflects an increased demand for qualified interpreters in the justice sector, as well as a greater need for specialized language skills and legal expertise. The salary increase can also be linked to changing requirements for education and certification, along with increased competition for assignments in larger cities.
Interpreter, legal salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 38 300 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 31,500 SEK/month (female, government sector, secondary education)
- Highest salary: 48,100 SEK/month (male, private sector, doctoral education)
- Hourly rate: 230 SEK (based on 166 hours/month)
- Women/men: Women earn 38 500 SEK, men 37 700 SEK (women 102% of men's salary)
- Regional differences: Salary variations occur, often higher in metropolitan regions
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming an interpreter in the justice system usually involves specialized training in interpretation and language, often with a focus on social or legal interpretation. To work within the judiciary, certification via the Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency (Kammarkollegiet) is sometimes required, and high demands are placed on both linguistic and cultural competence. Practical experience in legal contexts is highly meritorious, and some employers also require relevant university education.
- Training: Basic interpreter training (1–2 years), often at folk high schools or YH programs
- Certification: Authorization as a legal interpreter via Kammarkollegiet
- Internship: Recommended within the justice sector or government agencies
- Prerequisites: Excellent knowledge of Swedish and the interpreted language
- Additional merits: Specialization in law or social sciences can be advantageous
Working as an interpreter in the justice system often involves handling stressful situations where every word can be decisive for the outcome of a case. The ability to remain calm and objective, even when emotions are intense, is an invaluable trait appreciated by judges and parties alike.
Common benefits and compensations
The most common benefits include compensation for unsocial hours, travel allowances, and sometimes additional pay for particularly demanding assignments. Some employers offer further training, supervision, and access to legal expertise. Interpreters employed in the public sector are often covered by collective agreements that include pension schemes and insurance.
Competition and challenges
Competition for assignments among interpreters in the justice system varies depending on language skills and geographic area. For some languages, there is a shortage of qualified interpreters, while competition is fiercer for more common languages. One of the biggest challenges is maintaining high quality and objectivity in stressful and sensitive situations. Technological tools and increased digitalization have also changed working conditions, requiring adaptability. Another challenge is staying updated on legislation and terminology within the legal field.
Tips for aspiring interpreters in the justice system
To succeed as an interpreter in the justice system, it is beneficial to combine linguistic proficiency with a high degree of integrity and accuracy. Investing time in studying both Swedish and the interpreted language at an advanced level increases chances of certification and attractive assignments. Flexibility is important, as working hours and locations often vary, and the ability to handle unexpected situations calmly and professionally is essential. A strong interest in social issues and law facilitates understanding of the contexts where interpretation occurs. Empathy is also valuable for interpreting neutrally even when emotions are intense. Building a network within the field and accepting feedback for continuous development is highly recommended.
Key facts about interpreters in the justice system
- Average salary: 38 300 SEK/month
- Salary range: 31,500–48,100 SEK/month
- Education requirements: Interpreter training with certification recommended
- Typical work form: Freelance or assignments via interpreter agencies
- Demand: 620 available jobs within the profession
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, an interpreter in the justice system can advance to more specialized roles, such as authorized legal interpreter or trainer for new interpreters. Some move into roles within education or recruitment, while others deepen their expertise in specific legal areas. The employment agency's forecast for the profession is uncertain due to limited data, but the large number of available jobs and increasing certification requirements indicate continued good opportunities for qualified interpreters. Digitalization and new technologies may also create additional career paths within remote interpreting and language technology.
Frequently asked questions about interpreters in the justice system
- What does an interpreter in the justice system earn?
- The average salary is 38 300 SEK/month, with a range from 31,500 to 48,100 SEK/month. - How to become an interpreter in the justice system?
- By completing an interpreter training, often focused on legal interpretation, and then applying for certification. - Is certification required to interpret in court?
- Yes, certification via Kammarkollegiet is often a prerequisite for court interpreting. - Are there salary differences between women and men?
- Yes, women earn on average 38 500 SEK and men 37 700 SEK, which is 102% of men's salaries. - What are the job prospects?
- There are 620 available jobs in the profession, with stable demand for qualified interpreters. - What personal qualities are important?
- Attention to detail, integrity, flexibility, and empathy are especially valuable.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 36200 kr | 36700 kr | |
| 45-54 | 37500 kr | 38200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 41100 kr | 41700 kr | |
| Snitt | 102% | 37700 kr | 38300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 96% | 32600 kr | 33500 kr |
| 35-44 | 86% | 38000 kr | 38500 kr |
| 45-54 | 91% | 39200 kr | 39700 kr |
| 55-64 | 89% | 39600 kr | 40400 kr |
| 65-68 | 88% | 43500 kr | 43500 kr |
| Snitt | 89% | 38400 kr | 38900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 40300 kr | 40300 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 43900 kr | 44300 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 45300 kr | 45400 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 45900 kr | 45900 kr |
| 65-68 | 102% | 47100 kr | 47100 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 44800 kr | 44900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 90% | 33900 kr | 33900 kr |
| 45-54 | 34300 kr | 34300 kr | |
| 55-64 | 36800 kr | 36800 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 34900 kr | 34900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 106% | 30000 kr | 31200 kr |
| 35-44 | 92% | 33000 kr | 33900 kr |
| 45-54 | 102% | 34600 kr | 35400 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 35200 kr | 36600 kr |
| 65-68 | 34000 kr | 34100 kr | |
| Snitt | 101% | 33700 kr | 34700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 37100 kr | 37600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 37100 kr | 37600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 102% | 37200 kr | 37700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 96% | 34400 kr | 34600 kr |
| 35-44 | 86% | 42400 kr | 42800 kr |
| 45-54 | 91% | 42900 kr | 43000 kr |
| 55-64 | 89% | 43500 kr | 44100 kr |
| 65-68 | 88% | 46700 kr | 46700 kr |
| Snitt | 89% | 42300 kr | 42700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 40700 kr | 40700 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 44300 kr | 44700 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 46500 kr | 46500 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 46800 kr | 46800 kr |
| 65-68 | 102% | 46700 kr | 46700 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 45500 kr | 45600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 90% | 36700 kr | 36700 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 36000 kr | 36000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 106% | 29500 kr | 29700 kr |
| 35-44 | 92% | 35100 kr | 36600 kr |
| 45-54 | 102% | 34000 kr | 34700 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 34600 kr | 36600 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 33300 kr | 34400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 35800 kr | 36300 kr | |
| 45-54 | 37800 kr | 38400 kr | |
| 55-64 | 41900 kr | 42500 kr | |
| Snitt | 102% | 37900 kr | 38500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 96% | 32300 kr | 33300 kr |
| 35-44 | 86% | 36400 kr | 36900 kr |
| 45-54 | 91% | 38500 kr | 39000 kr |
| 55-64 | 89% | 38500 kr | 39300 kr |
| 65-68 | 88% | 41200 kr | 41300 kr |
| Snitt | 89% | 37300 kr | 37900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 40100 kr | 40100 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 43600 kr | 43900 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 44900 kr | 44900 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 45300 kr | 45300 kr |
| 65-68 | 102% | 47800 kr | 47800 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 44400 kr | 44500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 90% | 32900 kr | 33000 kr |
| 45-54 | 34700 kr | 34700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 36800 kr | 36800 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 34700 kr | 34700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 106% | 30100 kr | 31400 kr |
| 35-44 | 92% | 32900 kr | 33700 kr |
| 45-54 | 102% | 34700 kr | 35500 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 35200 kr | 36600 kr |
| 65-68 | 34000 kr | 34100 kr | |
| Snitt | 101% | 33700 kr | 34700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 38600 kr | 39100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 38600 kr | 39100 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, right has the SSYK code 2643, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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