Understanding the minimum salary in Sweden is crucial whether you’re an expat planning to move, a job seeker, or a company hiring foreign talent. While Sweden does not legally enforce a nationwide minimum wage, the concept exists through sector-specific agreements and collective bargaining contracts. This guide breaks down everything you need to know.
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Overview of Sweden’s Salary System
Unlike many countries, Sweden doesn’t have a national statutory minimum wage. Instead, wages are largely regulated by collective bargaining between trade unions and employer associations. These agreements cover nearly 90% of the labor force.
Does Sweden Have a Legal Minimum Wage?
In simple terms: no, Sweden does not enforce a legal minimum salary on a national level. Instead, the minimum salary in Sweden is determined by industry-specific contracts known as collective agreements or “kollektivavtal”.
These agreements specify the lowest wages that can be paid for different roles, skill levels, and experience — offering a flexible but effective approach to wage control.
How Collective Agreements Define Minimum Salary
Collective agreements are negotiated every few years and apply to both union and non-union workers if the employer is bound by such an agreement.
For example:
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Hotel and restaurant industry: SEK 21,000–23,000/month
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Retail sector: SEK 22,000–24,500/month
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Cleaning industry: SEK 20,000–22,000/month
These agreements reflect the minimum salary in Sweden for various jobs and include conditions like working hours, holiday pay, and overtime compensation.
Industry-Specific Minimum Wages in Sweden
Here’s a snapshot of minimum salaries by industry (as per 2024 agreements):
| Industry | Minimum Monthly Salary (SEK) |
|---|---|
| Hospitality | 21,000 – 23,000 |
| Construction | 26,000 – 28,500 |
| Retail & Sales | 22,000 – 24,500 |
| Cleaning Services | 20,000 – 22,000 |
| Transportation | 23,000 – 25,000 |
| IT & Tech Support | 27,000 – 30,000 |
Salaries are reviewed periodically and may increase with inflation or union negotiations.
Average and Median Salaries vs. Minimum Salary
As of 2025:
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Average salary in Sweden: SEK 38,000/month
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Median salary: SEK 34,000/month
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The minimum salary in Sweden usually falls between SEK 20,000 to SEK 25,000, depending on the industry
Understanding this spread helps job seekers gauge where their offer stands in the bigger picture.
Minimum Salary for Expats and Foreign Workers
Foreign workers should be aware of special considerations:
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Work permit holders must earn a minimum of SEK 14,000/month (as per the Swedish Migration Agency).
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For skilled professionals, the expected minimum salary in Sweden ranges from SEK 27,000 to SEK 30,000/month.
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Many expats negotiate above the minimum due to relocation costs and language barriers.
Always ensure your offer aligns with your industry’s collective agreement and your skill level.
How to Know If You’re Being Paid Fairly
Here are ways to verify:
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Ask your employer if your workplace follows a collective agreement.
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Use salary benchmarking tools like SCB (Statistics Sweden).
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Join a union to access salary guidelines and legal support.
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Speak to colleagues or use job forums like Glassdoor Sweden.
Fair pay isn’t just about meeting the minimum salary in Sweden — it includes work-life balance, job security, and benefits.
Living Costs vs. Minimum Salary in Sweden
The cost of living varies by region:
| City | Average Rent (1-bedroom) | Monthly Expenses |
|---|---|---|
| Stockholm | SEK 12,000 | SEK 9,000 |
| Gothenburg | SEK 10,000 | SEK 8,000 |
| Malmö | SEK 9,000 | SEK 7,500 |
While living on the minimum salary in Sweden is possible, budgeting is key — especially in urban areas where housing costs are high.
Government and Union Roles in Wage Regulation
Sweden’s model relies heavily on union participation. Unlike many EU countries, the government doesn’t set minimum wage laws. Instead:
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Trade unions negotiate on behalf of workers
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Employer associations represent businesses
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The government ensures compliance through labor laws and migration policies
This decentralized model has led to fewer wage disputes and a high level of worker satisfaction.
Tips for Negotiating Your Salary in Sweden
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Do your research: Know the average and minimum salary for your job.
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Ask about collective agreements: It shows you’re informed.
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Highlight unique skills: Bilingualism or certifications can help you earn a salary above the minimum.
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Be transparent but firm: Swedes value openness and fairness in negotiations.
Negotiating above the minimum salary in Sweden is common, especially in highly skilled sectors such as IT, engineering, and finance.
Conclusion
Sweden may not have a legal national minimum wage, but its system of collective bargaining ensures that workers across industries earn a fair living. Understanding the minimum salary in Sweden helps workers, expats, and employers create a balanced, transparent work environment. From industry-specific benchmarks to cost-of-living comparisons, Sweden’s flexible yet protective wage model remains one of the most progressive in Europe.
FAQs
1. Is there a legal minimum salary in Sweden?
No, Sweden does not have a government-mandated national minimum wage. Instead, wages are defined by industry-specific collective agreements.
2. What is the average minimum salary in Sweden?
It varies by sector but generally ranges between SEK 20,000 to SEK 25,000 per month in 2025.
3. Can employers pay less than the minimum wage?
If they are part of a collective agreement, they must follow it. Otherwise, there is technically no legal minimum unless bound by a work permit condition.
4. What is the minimum salary requirement for a work permit?
Foreign workers must earn at least SEK 14,000/month, though higher thresholds apply for skilled positions.
5. How often do salary agreements change in Sweden?
Typically every 2–3 years, following negotiations between unions and employer associations.
