The typical average salary in Sweden is approximately 36,500 SEK to 41,500 SEK monthly. It is essential to recognise that this figure does not apply universally; individual earnings can vary significantly based on personal circumstances and the chosen profession.

In 2026, the average monthly salary in Stockholm is roughly SEK 40,000, slightly exceeding the national average. This corresponds to an annual income of approximately €41,900. The higher salary in the capital can be attributed to the presence of major industries such as technology, finance, and gaming, which provide numerous employment opportunities.

The Average Salary in Sweden varies by cities

For instance, Stockholm, as the capital, typically offers higher salaries due to its robust economy and active business environment. In contrast, Gothenburg, situated on the West Coast, presents a marginally lower average salary but is known for its vibrant job market and excellent work-life balance. Below is a brief overview:

City

Average Annual Salary (SEK)

Population

Stockholm

520,000

990,000

Gothenburg

450,000

600,000

Malmö

462,000

360,000

Linköping

440,000

170,000

Uppsala

427,000

180,000

Helsingborg

440,000

110,000

Örebro

460,000

160,000

Jönköping

432,000

150,000

Dalarna

500,000

94,000

The Average Salary in Sweden Categorised by Occupation

Presented below are the average monthly salaries across various occupational sectors:

Occupation

Average Monthly Salary (SEK)

Architectural and Engineering Managers, Level 2

53,200

Headmasters, Level 2

55,300

Pre-school Managers, Level 2

50,800

Unit Managers in Social and Curative Care, Level 2

51,100

Unit Managers in Elderly Care, Level 2

47,200

Architects, Town and Traffic Planners

43,800

Professional Nurses

40,600

Physiotherapists

36,700

Occupational Therapists

36,000

Secondary Education Teachers

40,900

Primary School Teachers

37,700

Preschool Teachers

33,800

Management and Organisation Analysts

45,000

Software and System Developers

42,800

Social Work Professionals

37,500

Construction and Manufacturing Engineering Technicians

44,200

ICT Operations Technicians

34,700

Payroll and Personnel Clerks

32,100

Child Care Workers

25,800

Personal Assistants

30,800

Firefighters

34,800

Rail and Road Construction Workers

31,900

Restaurant and Kitchen Helpers

25,400

What is the minimum wage in Sweden?

Sweden does not maintain a formal national minimum wage. Instead, wage levels are established through collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) negotiated between trade unions and employers. These agreements define minimum salary standards for various sectors and professions. The majority of workers in Sweden, including those in its renowned automotive industry, are encompassed by these agreements, which ensure equitable wages even in the absence of a government-mandated minimum wage. Elon Musk is well-acquainted with these terms and conditions.

What is a Good salary in Sweden?

To ascertain what qualifies as a good salary in Sweden, one can examine average monthly expenditures. For a single individual, the estimated monthly expenses, including rent for a one-bedroom apartment, amount to approximately SEK 21,000 (€1,850). Taking into account a tax rate of around 30%, a desirable net salary would be roughly SEK 30,000 (€2,640) per month. Conversely, in Stockholm, where total monthly expenses approximate SEK 28,600, a good net salary would be about SEK 41,000 (€3,600) per month.

Key Growing Industries in Sweden

Below is a compilation of some of the leading and expanding industries in Sweden:

  • Logistics & Transport

  • Media & Entertainment

  • Legal & Law

  • Hospitality & Tourism

  • Marketing & Advertising

  • Information Technology (IT) & Software Development

  • Manufacturing & Industry

  • Education

  • Retail & Sales

  • Construction & Real Estate

  • Finance & Banking

  • Healthcare & Medicine

  • Engineering

Average Salary in Sweden According to Experience Level

In Sweden, the average salary exhibits considerable variation based on factors such as industry, occupation, and level of experience. The following is a general overview categorised by experience level across different sectors:

Experience Level

Average Salary Per Year

Junior Level

SEK 310,000- SEK 465,000

Mid Level

SEK 465,000- SEK 675,000

Senior Level

SEK 675,000- SEK 935,000

Top Management Level

SEK 980,000- SEK 1,03,000


Taxes on Salary in Sweden

Sweden has a relatively high tax burden compared to many countries. Employees pay a municipal income tax that varies by location and can range roughly from about 29% to 35% of income, depending on the municipality’s tax rate. On top of that, high-income earners contribute an additional state tax once they exceed certain income levels, which can increase the effective tax rate further.

Minimum Wage in Sweden

Sweden does not have a single national minimum wage set by law. Instead, minimum wage levels are determined through collective bargaining agreements between trade unions and employers. These agreements cover the majority of the working population and specify wage floors for different professions and sectors.

Money Transfers from Sweden

Workers in Sweden, including migrants, often send money internationally. Many international money transfer services offer options to send funds from Sweden to 50+ countries, with competitive exchange rates and low fees for SEK transfers abroad. These services make it convenient to support family members or handle overseas financial obligations.

Migrant Salaries in Sweden

According to data on wages in Sweden:

  • Individuals born abroad generally earn less than native-born workers, with average annual earnings around 77% of national wages.

  • Migrants from Africa and Asia tend to earn lower percentages of national wages (around 63–68%).

  • Those from neighbouring Nordic countries often have earnings close to those of Swedish nationals.

  • The longer a migrant has lived in Sweden, the closer their earnings tend to move toward the national average. For example, migrants with 20+ years of residence earn about 93% of native wages.

This reflects how integration into the labour market and work experience in Sweden significantly influence income levels.

Benefits in Sweden

Sweden's distinctive social welfare system provides numerous advantages for its residents. Below are some key benefits and taxes applicable in Sweden:

  • Universal healthcare

  • Parental leave

  • Childcare

  • Education

  • Unemployment benefits

  • Sick leave

As of June 2025, the Swedish work permit threshold for most non-EU/EEA workers was SEK 29,680 per month (80% of the median salary). Starting June 2026, this threshold will increase to SEK 33,390 (90% of the median salary). Exemptions will continue to apply for certain shortage occupations, ensuring fairness across key sectors.