The labour market in Stockholm

Stockholm's job market

The Nordic countries have a high percentage of skilled workers; finding a job as an expat isn't always easy. Aside from a highly competitive job market, many employers in Stockholm require some knowledge of the local language and most prefer fluency in both English and Swedish.

Employers in Stockholm prefer candidates with local references or work experience from other companies in Sweden. Although there is a shortage of skills in some sectors that can only be filled by expat workers, many employers prefer to hire locally as there are often extra requirements in terms of insurance, residence permits, and so on when workers are brought in from abroad.

Sweden's socialist system ensures that wages are relatively fair across the board. Average salaries for skilled workers range from SEK 30,000-40,000 a month depending on seniority and occupation type. Unskilled workers can expect to earn an average of between SEK 22,000-30,000 per month.

High in-demand jobs in Stockholm

Skilled jobs requiring higher education

There are only a few sectors where language requirements are not as strict. Jobs within the tech industry such as software engineering, mobile developers, full-stack developers, etc. are high in demand. With relevant qualifications and documented work experience, software developers and programmers should have no trouble finding a well-paid job in Stockholm.

Similarly, creative and media technology jobs are also high paying careers in Stockholm. Graphic designers, UX/UI designers, sales and PR specialists, and social media managers might have some luck applying to one of Stockholm's many trend start-ups.

As a city focused on developing green technologies for a sustainable future, people working in environmental engineering fields have a good variety of exciting vacancies for which they can apply.

Another area where expats might be able to find a job is fashion and design. Skilled workers with qualifications in retail design and merchandising can turn to Swedish furniture giant IKEA and clothing empires like H&M and Zara.

Education is also high in demand, although speaking Swedish is a requirement for most teaching positions in local schools and kindergartens. Teachers with tertiary education and preferably a master's degree can apply for English-speaking vacancies at international schools in Stockholm and surrounding areas.

Unskilled jobs

Although skilled workers will find it easier to obtain the necessary residence and work permits, unskilled workers in fields with shortages are able to enjoy life as an expat in Stockholm.

Some in-demand jobs that don't require higher education include construction workers and trade specialists. Stockholm is an ever-growing city with a lucrative property market; those with solid work experience and special trade certifications might find it easier to enter Stockholm's labour market.

Here are some of the trade specialist areas where unskilled workers might find a job:

• Plumbing and electrician jobs
• Carpentry and bricklaying
• Painting and decorating
• Concrete finishing

Bartenders and chefs with trade certificates might find exciting opportunities in Stockholm's buzzing foodie scene, while other unskilled professions such as bus and truck drivers are in demand ' but remember that a special driver's license obtained in Sweden may be required for these positions.

Multinational companies in Stockholm

If you want to apply for jobs in Stockholm without having to learn Swedish first, turning to the many multinational companies in the city is a good idea. Swedish industry giants with a multinational presence like IKEA, Volvo, and Sony Ericsson often employ English-speaking workers.

NGOs in Stockholm

Another option for people with degrees in humanity or law is applying to NGOs such as Amnesty International, Doctors Without Borders and the Red Cross. Unskilled workers might be able to work for NGOs as part of an internship.