SALARY IN SWEDEN

High social standards, quality of life and a stable, technology-driven economy make Sweden one of the most prosperous countries in the European Union. The local government regularly implements effective reforms aimed at improving the productivity of the local labour market and increasing the incomes of Swedish citizens. Not only qualified specialists, but also workers without special qualifications can count on decent salaries in Sweden.

Sweden's open market economy and transparent laws are conducive to business development and job creation, including for migrant workers. The most promising areas to find a job in Sweden are healthcare, information technology and construction. Unemployment in the country does not exceed 7-8%, and the employment rate is 70%. The population is about 10.6 million people. Over 5 million Swedes are officially employed and 360 thousand are unemployed. Next, let's find out what salary in Sweden in 2024.

Minimum wage in Sweden

Sweden is one of the six EU countries that do not have a statutory minimum wage. Local residents are not worried about this and even support such an initiative of the authorities. In most cases, the amount of minimum income in Sweden depends on the profession, age and experience of a specialist. In certain sectors of the economy the rates are regulated by collective agreements between trade unions and employers.

There are currently about 600 collective agreements in Sweden, covering up to 90% of the local workforce. Wage negotiations are ongoing, the documents are amended and it is difficult to determine specific rates. But there is no doubt that the minimum wage in Sweden in 2024 will not be less than 2,000 euros per month. It is quite rare that salaries are set below this level. Even in the field of unskilled labour.

Average salary in Sweden

By the level of average salaries, Sweden is a leader in Europe. At the same time, the tax burden on local workers is also very high. For example, the total income tax rate exceeds 52%. According to the Swedish Statistical Office, the average salary in Sweden in 2024 is 34,800 kronor per month, which is equivalent to 3,060 euros. After all mandatory deductions, the employee is left with about 27,770 kronor (2,440 euros)

For comparison, the average (gross) salary in Germany is 4,105 euros, in neighbouring Finland 4,018 euros and in France 3,085 euros. Only a few European countries earn more than Sweden. For example, in Switzerland, Denmark and Norway. The average hourly wage in Sweden is 196 kronor (17 euros). The salary largely depends on the experience and level of qualification of the employee. By the way, higher education in Sweden is of high quality.

The income of Swedes is also influenced by the city in which professional activity is carried out. For example, the highest salary provides work in Stockholm. The level of average pay in the capital of Sweden is about 38,000 kronor per month (3,340 euros). In other regions, there is little difference in income. The highest earnings are in Southern and Western Sweden and the lowest in Northern Sweden. Women in Sweden earn 34,700 kronor per month and men 35,200 kronor.

Nominally, Swedes work about 38 to 40 hours a week (225 working days a year). Paid annual leave is five to six weeks. Temporary sick leave is partly paid at up to 80% of salary. Let us highlight the average salaries in Sweden by occupation and sector according to the official data of the local statistical office.

SALARY IN SWEDEN BY OCCUPATION

Occupation	Kronor per month	Euro per month
Company director and manager	78,000	7,415
Aircraft pilot	65,000	6,180
Professor	67,500	6,415
Engineer	43,700	4,155
Dentist	42,300	4,020
Teacher	41,700	3,905
Agricultural specialist	39,800	3,785
Architect	38,900	3,700
Nurse	37,400	3,555
Journalist	36,300	3,450
Designer	35,700	3,395
Social worker	34,900	3,320
Teacher	32,900	3,130
Photographer	32,500	3,090
Secretary	29,400	2,795
Cook	26,500	2,520
Guide	22,500	2,140

AVERAGE SALARY IN SWEDEN BY SECTOR OF ECONOMY

Sector of economy	Kronor per month	Euro per month
Finance and insurance	51,700	4,915
Information and communication	45,100	4,290
Professional and scientific-technical activities	42,800	4,070
Supply of electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning	42,600	4,050
Mining and quarrying	39,900	3,795
Real estate operations	37,200	3,535
Public administration and defense	37,000	3,520
Manufacture	36,600	3,480
Construction	35,500	3,375
Wholesale and retail trade	34,100	3,240
Water, sewerage and waste management	33,800	3,215
Health care and social work	31,800	3,025
Education	31,800	3,025
Transportation and storage	31,800	2,975
Administrative and support services	30,100	2,860
Arts, entertainment and recreation	29,800	2,835
Agriculture	28,200	2,680
Accommodation and food	26,100	2,480
Other services	32,200	3,060

Taxes on salaries in Sweden

Despite the extremely high rates of payroll taxes in Sweden, the majority of local employees are quite favourable to the country's tax system and strictly fulfil their obligations. Due to this, the level of social protection, public services and income distribution in Sweden is considered to be benchmark.

Income tax is levied at two levels – national and municipal. In the latter case, the rate varies from region to region and averages 32.12%. Calculate the net salary after taxes in each city in Sweden using an online calculator here.

INCOME TAX IN SWEDEN

Annual income (SEK)		National rate (%)	Municipal rate (%)
From 0 to 614,000		0	32.12
More than 614,000		20	32.12

Non-residents who have obtained a residence permit in Sweden for the purpose of employment for a maximum of 183 days per year pay tax on their wages at a flat rate of 20% regardless of the amount of annual income.

SALARIES IN SWEDEN BY REGION/CITY

MUNICIPALITIES WITH THE HIGHEST SALARIES

Municipality/city	Kronor per month	Euro per month
Danderyd	44,235	3,890
Lomma	42,160	3,705
Teby	40,415	3,550
Vaxholm	39,365	3,460
Lidingö	39,215	3,445

MUNICIPALITIES WITH THE LOWEST SALARIES

Municipality/city	Kronor per month	Euro per month
Perstorp	26,060	2,290
Ljusnarsberg	26,700	2,345
Høgsby	26,840	2,360
Filipstad	27,235	2,395
Hellefors	27,415	2,410

HIGHEST AND LOWEST SALARIES BY OCCUPATION IN SWEDEN

OCCUPATIONS IN SWEDEN WITH THE HIGHEST SALARIES

Occupation	Kronor per month	Euro per month
Finance and insurance managers	155,800	13,695
Senior government officials	109,000	9,580
Finance dealers and brokers	100,800	8,860
Specialist physicians	92,200	8,105
Research and development managers	89,000	7,800

OCCUPATIONS IN SWEDEN WITH THE LOWEST SALARIES

Occupation	Kronor per month	Euro per month
Maids, nannies and related workers	23,400	2,050
Survey and market research interviewers	25,700	2,260
Berry pickers and planters	26,400	2,320
Machine operators, bleaching, dyeing and cleaning	26,500	2,330
Restaurang and kitchen helpers	26,600	2,340

Cost of living in Sweden

One of the main disadvantages of living in Sweden is the high prices. First of all, this applies to the major population centres – Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö.

The main costs in Sweden are:

• Rent: 900-1,000 euros per month for a one-bedroom flat in the centre.

• Utility bills: 90-100 euros per month.

• Food: 200-300 euros per month per person.

• Transport: 70-100 euros per month by public transport or 150-250 euros per month by car.

• Internet/mobile phone: 50-60 euros per month.

• Clothing and leisure activities: 400-500 euros per month.

In Sweden, professionals with 2 to 5 years of experience usually earn 32% higher salaries than less experienced colleagues. Work experience of more than 5 years allows you to earn 36 % more, more than ten years by 21% and 15 years by 14%.

Frequently asked questions about salaries in Sweden:

1. What is the average salary in Sweden?

• Before taxes, the average salary in Sweden in 2024 is 34,800 kronor per month.

2. What is the minimum wage in Sweden?

• There is no official minimum wage in Sweden.

3. What is the highest earning job in Sweden?

• The highest paying jobs in Sweden are finance and insurance managers, senior civil servants and financial dealers and brokers.

4. What is the lowest earning job in Sweden?

• Representatives of unskilled labour – cleaners, waiters, cook's assistants, loaders, salesmen, maids and so on – earn the least in Sweden.

5. What is the average salary of programmers in Sweden?

• The average income of programmers in Sweden is estimated at 40,000-50,000 kronor per year.

6. What is the payroll tax in Sweden?

• The income tax rate in Sweden depends on annual income and ranges from 32.12% (income up to 614,000 kronor) to 52.12% (income over 614,000 kronor), plus a basic rate of 22%.

7. What is the average salary in Stockholm?

• The average salary in Stockholm in 2024 is around €3,300-3,400 in euros per month.

RELATED ARTICLES:

• Salary in Switzerland
• Salary in Poland
• Salary in Ireland
• Salary in Norway
• Salary in France

Add comment