Academy Secretary

What does an academic secretary do? – tasks and work environment

An academic secretary mainly works with administration and coordination within universities, colleges, or research institutions. The role includes handling protocol documentation at meetings, preparing and following up on decisions, and ensuring that academic processes comply with both internal and external regulations. The work environment is typically office-based and characterized by a fast pace, where accuracy and integrity are crucial. The academic secretary acts as a central link between management, researchers, and administration, requiring good communication skills and the ability to handle complex tasks under time pressure.

Salary development over time

The salary for academic secretaries has shown stable and positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,200 SEK per month, increasing to 44 700 SEK in 2023 (+3.5%). By 2024, the average salary has risen further to 46 500 SEK, corresponding to an increase of about 4% from the previous year. This salary development reflects increased focus on qualified administration within academia and heightened competition for experienced staff. The salary increase can also be linked to higher educational requirements and specialized skills, as the role has become more complex and central to organizations. Despite these increases, salary levels remain comparable to similar positions in the public sector.

Academic Secretary salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 46 500 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,200 SEK/month (female, state sector, pre-secondary education)
• Highest salary: 60,200 SEK/month (male, municipal sector, research education)
• Hourly wage (average): 280 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 45 300 SEK, men 48 800 SEK (women 93% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Salary variations may occur depending on university and region, but larger differences are mainly seen between the state and municipal sectors and based on educational level.

Education and qualifications

To work as an academic secretary, a university degree is usually required, often in administration, social sciences, or law. Experience in academic activities, good organizational skills, and familiarity with regulations are advantageous. Many employers also value documented experience of qualified administrative work.

• Formal education: Bachelor's degree (3 years) in a relevant field, sometimes master's or higher
• Courses and certifications: Administration, project management, or law
• Internship: Practical experience in academic administration or similar roles
• Prerequisites: Very good proficiency in Swedish and English, experience in protocol writing
• Tips for choosing: Combine studies in administration with internships or summer jobs at universities

Common benefits and compensations

Academic secretaries are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, extra vacation days, wellness contributions, and flexible working hours. Other common compensations include subsidized lunches, professional development, and remote work options depending on the employer's policies.

Competition and challenges

The job market for academic secretaries is characterized by balance, with moderate employment opportunities and relatively stable demand. Challenges in the profession include managing complex regulations, rapid changes within academia, and maintaining high quality in administrative processes. Digital competence requirements have increased, as well as the importance of quickly adapting to new systems and workflows. Competition for positions can be fierce, especially at larger institutions or within attractive research environments. However, specialization and experience can quickly provide advantages in the job market.

Tips for aspiring academic secretaries

To succeed as an academic secretary, it is good to combine meticulousness with a strong interest in academic processes and organization. Developing good communication skills facilitates collaboration with colleagues and external partners, while analytical ability helps interpret regulations and make correct decisions. Flexibility is an important trait since tasks often change rapidly, and a structured approach makes managing multiple projects easier. Being service-minded and solution-oriented is appreciated by employers, and gaining experience through internships or part-time jobs within universities is recommended. Finally, staying updated on new digital tools and administrative routines is advantageous.

Key facts about Academic Secretaries

• Educational level: Bachelor's degree or higher, often in administration or law
• Work environment: Office-based, often within universities or colleges
• Work form: Full-time, remote work options available
• Demand: Moderate, approximately 758 job openings nationally
• Special skills: Protocol writing, regulations, digital administration

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an academic secretary, opportunities may exist to advance to senior administrative roles, such as head of office, administrative manager, or specialist in research administration. Some choose to deepen their expertise in project management or policy development, while others move into roles in personnel management or overall strategic administration. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast for planners and investigators, the job market is expected to be balanced, with moderate opportunities and unchanged demand over the next five years. The sector is influenced by developments in higher education and research, but the need for qualified administrative skills is expected to persist.

Frequently asked questions about Academic Secretaries

• What does an Academic Secretary earn?
  - An academic secretary has an average salary of 46 500 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience, education, and sector.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 45 300 SEK and men 48 800 SEK; women thus earn 93% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become an academic secretary?
  - Typically, a bachelor's degree or higher in administration, law, or social sciences, along with experience in academic administration.
• What is the job market like for academic secretaries?
  - The job market is balanced with moderate opportunities and approximately 758 job openings nationally.
• What are the duties of an academic secretary?
  - Duties include protocol documentation, case handling, meeting coordination, and ensuring compliance with academic processes.
• Can an academic secretary work remotely?
  - Yes, remote work options exist depending on the employer and tasks.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for an academic secretary?
  - The highest salary is 60,200 SEK (male, municipal sector, research education) and the lowest is 30,200 SEK (female, state sector, pre-secondary education).