Top Job Opportunities and In-Demand Professions in Sweden for 2024

The current job market in Sweden is experiencing a significant demand for foreign workers, mainly due to widespread labor shortages. In the second quarter of 2023 alone, a staggering 106,565 job openings were reported, indicating the urgency for skilled professionals.

Labor Shortages in Key Sectors

Several sectors in Sweden are grappling with substantial labor shortages, making it challenging for both private and public employers to fill positions. Let’s have a look at the sectors that are facing labor shortages: 

• Education: In 2023, the education sector in Sweden faced notable labor shortages and it continues to see the same. There are increasing opportunities for educators, especially in primary and special needs education, as the demand for qualified teaching professionals continues to grow.

• IT: The IT sector is experiencing a significant shortfall in skilled workers. Software developers and IT architects are in high demand, reflecting the increased reliance on technology and the digital transformation of various industries, offering substantial job opportunities in this field. More than 70% of IT professionals moved abroad with the help of Globalogy’s Job support Service in 2023.

• Healthcare: The healthcare sector is grappling with a shortage of professionals such as nursing assistants, midwives, and doctors. This presents abundant opportunities for individuals in the healthcare field to contribute to addressing the growing healthcare needs in Sweden.

• Construction: The construction industry is witnessing a substantial demand for skilled workers, including construction workers, carpenters, and plumbers. Sweden’s ongoing construction projects and infrastructure development are creating numerous job opportunities in this sector.

• Manufacturing: Labor shortages are prevalent in the manufacturing sector, particularly in roles such as manufacturing machine operators and welders. Skilled workers in manufacturing are in high demand, providing ample opportunities for individuals with expertise in these areas to contribute to the industrial landscape of Sweden.

According to EURES, the European Labor Authority’s report checked other studies to ensure the findings were similar. In Sweden, they identified 31 jobs in short supply. Although not as many as in some other countries, these shortages are still important. Occupations such as sheet metal workers, software developers, cooks, bus drivers, psychologists, roofers, and health care assistants are currently in demand. About half of these jobs are considered to have a high shortage, highlighting the ongoing need for skilled workers in Sweden in 2024.