How much does a Subtitles make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Subtitles
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Subtitles

38 300 kr

Translators, interpreters and linguists etc.

31 500 - 48 100 kr / month

Women earn 102% of what men do.

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Subtitles

Average salary 38 300 kr
Males 37 700 kr
Females 38 500 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 28 Vacant jobs ->

What does a subtitler do? – Tasks and work environment

A subtitler works with translating and adapting spoken dialogue into written text for films, TV, streaming services, and other visual media. The work involves listening carefully, understanding and interpreting content, and formulating easy-to-read and accurate texts that follow both linguistic and technical guidelines. Often, it requires editing and shortening dialogue to fit into the screen while maintaining the core message. Subtitlers typically work digitally, often remotely or from offices, and have daily contact with clients, editors, and sometimes directors to ensure quality and delivery times.

Salary development over time

Subtitlers have experienced clear salary growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,700 SEK, which was relatively stable compared to the previous year. In 2023, the average salary slightly decreased to 33 500 SEK, but then saw a significant increase to 38 300 SEK in 2024. This rise represents an increase of just over 14 percent between 2023 and 2024, reflecting increased demand for language specialists and tailored digital services in the media industry. The trend can also be explained by a growing need for high-quality translations and increased production pace within streaming and TV sectors. It is worth noting that the profession has historically been somewhat lower paid than other language specialist roles, but recent developments indicate positive salary growth for subtitlers.

Subtitler salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 38 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,500 SEK/month (female, public sector, 3-year high school education)
  • Highest salary: 48,100 SEK/month (male, private sector, research education)
  • Hourly wage: 230 SEK (based on 166 hours/month)
  • Gender differences: Women earn 38 500 SEK (102 % of men's salary), men earn 37 700 SEK
  • Regional differences: Varies depending on labor market and employer, but detailed figures are unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as a subtitler, a post-secondary education in language, translation, or linguistics is usually required. Many employers prefer candidates with translation experience, excellent language skills in both Swedish and at least one source language, and technical understanding of subtitling tools. Practical experience or internships can be advantageous, as well as specialized courses in subtitling or audiovisual translation.

  • Bachelor’s degree in translation, language, or linguistics (3 years)
  • Specialized courses in subtitling or audiovisual translation
  • Internships or trainee programs with translation agencies
  • Very good knowledge of Swedish and at least one source language
  • Experience with CAT tools and subtitling software
  • Ability for self-study and online training

Many subtitlers work as freelancers managing projects for multiple clients simultaneously. This requires not only linguistic skill but also good self-discipline and the ability to meet tight deadlines.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Subtitlers are often offered flexible working hours, opportunities for remote work, and sometimes wellness allowances. Other common benefits include access to training, technical equipment, and sometimes compensation for irregular working hours. For freelancers, compensation can vary depending on the project, but stable assignments and long-term collaborations are common in the industry.

Competition and challenges

The profession of a subtitler is characterized by tough competition, especially due to increased automation and access to machine translation. Quality assurance and linguistic finesse are therefore increasingly important to stand out in the job market. Technical requirements change rapidly, and continuous updating of skills in new software and platforms is necessary. The workload can be high, especially during the launch of major film or TV productions, and many subtitlers work under time pressure. Additionally, high demands are placed on language sensitivity and cultural understanding to deliver subtitles that are both accurate and engaging for viewers.

Tips for aspiring subtitlers

To succeed as a subtitler, it’s important to have a strong language sense and the ability to express oneself precisely. Attention to detail and meticulousness are crucial, as small errors can have large consequences in the final product. Developing technical skills, especially in subtitling programs and CAT tools, provides a clear advantage in the job market. Flexibility and the ability to work independently are essential, especially for freelancers managing multiple projects. Resilience helps when deadlines are tight, and initiative facilitates finding new assignments and collaborations. A genuine interest in film, TV, and other visual media makes the work more stimulating and of higher quality.

Key facts about Subtitlers

  • Average salary: 38 300 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 31,500–48,100 SEK/month
  • Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree in language/translation recommended
  • Work environment: Often remote and project-based
  • Demand: 620 job openings in 2024

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years, a subtitler can advance to roles such as senior subtitler, project manager in translation, or language reviewer. Developing specialized expertise in audiovisual translation or technical text processing is also common. The Swedish Public Employment Service does not provide specific forecasts for subtitlers due to limited data, but within the broader category of translators, interpreters, and linguists, there are currently 620 job openings. The industry is influenced by digitalization and automation, making skills in new technical tools and languages highly valued. The future outlook is considered stable for those with the right specialization and language combinations.

Frequently asked questions about Subtitlers

  • What is the average salary of a subtitler?
    - The average salary for a subtitler is 38 300 SEK/month.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for a subtitler?
    - The lowest salary is 31,500 SEK/month and the highest 48,100 SEK/month.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn an average of 38 500 SEK/month and men 37 700 SEK/month.
  • Is education required to become a subtitler?
    - A bachelor's degree in language/translation is strongly recommended.
  • What is the job market like for subtitlers?
    - Currently, there are 620 job openings in the profession.
  • Do subtitlers often work remotely?
    - Yes, remote work is common in the profession.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Attention to detail, language sense, and self-discipline are important qualities for subtitlers.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-06 23:02:25

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Subtitles is 48100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 47100 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Subtitles is 31500 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 34200 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's 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
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
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 Subtitles has the SSYK code 2643, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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