Lågbetaliga

Lågbetaliga is a Swedish term used to describe wages or jobs that pay relatively little compared with typical earnings in the economy. It is most often used as an attributive adjective, as in lågbetaliga jobb or lågbetaliga arbeten, to indicate that compensation is low relative to skill requirements or sector norms.

The concept is relative and appears in academic, policy, and media discussions about wage distribution and living standards. It is contrasted with högavlönade (high-paid) occupations. Analysts may identify lågbetaliga positions as those paying below the median wage or below a defined living wage, depending on the context and methodology used for measurement.

In Sweden, there is no statutory minimum wage; wages are largely determined through collective bargaining in many sectors. Consequently, lågbetaliga positions are more common in industries with weaker union coverage or lower productivity growth, such as hospitality, retail, cleaning, and certain care services. The term is also used in international contexts where wage structures differ, and the threshold for what counts as low pay can vary across countries and time.

Implications of lågbetaliga earnings include increased risk of poverty, limited social mobility, and potential effects on gender equity, as many low-paid workers are women. Policy discussions around addressing low pay often focus on strengthening collective agreements, expanding access to training and education, and considering wage-supportive measures, though effectiveness can vary by sector and national context.

See also: low-wage, living wage, wage dispersion, minimum wage.