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Embassy Council

72 900 kr

Administrative and planning managers

50 000 - 156 100 kr / month

Women earn 101% of what men do.

Chefer & ledare

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Embassy Council

Average salary 72 900 kr
Males 72 700 kr
Females 73 200 kr

What does an ambassador counselor do? – Tasks and work environment

An ambassador counselor works as a senior diplomatic officer at Sweden's embassies or within the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The role involves analyzing, evaluating, and reporting on political, economic, and social issues in the country where the embassy is located. The ambassador counselor often acts as an advisor to the ambassador and leads or coordinates various projects, negotiations, and delegations. The work environment is characterized by a fast pace, international contacts, and often complex tasks where discretion and strategic thinking are crucial. Many ambassador counselors work abroad for periods, but the position can also involve work at home with international responsibilities.

Salary development over time

The salary for an ambassador counselor has been high over the past three years, with some variation. In 2022, the average salary was 70,200 SEK per month, which increased to 73 700 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has stabilized at 72 900 SEK, representing a slight decrease of less than one percent compared to the previous year, but still an overall increase of approximately 3.8% over the three-year period. Changes are partly explained by market demand for diplomatic specialists and adjustments in government salary structures. The high salary level also reflects the profession's requirements for extensive education and solid experience in international relations, law, and administration.

Ambassador counselor salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 72 900 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 50,000 SEK/month (men), 53,900 SEK/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 156,100 SEK/month (men), 131,700 SEK/month (women)
  • Hourly wage (average): 439 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 101% of what men do

Education and qualifications

To become an ambassador counselor, an advanced academic degree is required, often in law, political science, economics, or international relations. The position is usually reached after several years of experience in diplomatic or government work, and it is common to have worked as a case officer or secretary at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The selection process is highly selective and demands strong language skills, analytical ability, and international experience.

  • Academic degree: Master's or magister level in a relevant field (4–5 years)
  • Diplomatic program: Recommended educational path via the Ministry for Foreign Affairs (2 years)
  • Language skills: Documented proficiency in English and at least one additional language
  • Work experience: Several years of experience from MFA or another international environment
  • Internship: Relevant experience from internships or trainee positions at an embassy or international organization

Many ambassador counselors develop expert competence in specific regions or issues over time, making them particularly sought-after for international negotiations or special assignments. This specialized expertise can open doors to top positions within Swedish and international diplomacy.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to the base salary, the position often includes benefits such as overseas allowances, housing allowances, travel home, and extra compensation for postings in countries with particular risks or high living costs. Occupational pension, health insurance, and opportunities for further education are also common benefits for ambassador counselors.

Competition and challenges

Competition for ambassador counselor positions is very fierce, as the number of available roles is limited and the selection process involves highly qualified applicants. Expectations for diplomatic professionalism, resilience under stress, and integrity are high. The career also involves challenges such as regular international postings, which can impact private life and require great adaptability. At the same time, there are demands to quickly familiarize oneself with new work environments and handle sensitive issues in an international context.

Tips for aspiring ambassador counselors

To succeed as an ambassador counselor, it is helpful to be analytical and capable of managing complex information, which is facilitated by deepening knowledge of social issues and international politics during studies. Active networking and internships within international organizations provide valuable experience and contacts. Good communication skills are essential, so it pays to continuously improve language skills and practice clear written and oral expression. Demonstrating initiative and leadership in previous roles is often appreciated in the selection process. Finally, personal integrity and the ability to work under pressure are important qualities for thriving and succeeding in the profession.

Key facts about ambassador counselors

  • Average salary: 72 900 SEK/month
  • Education level: Master's or magister degree (4–5 years) + diplomatic program
  • Work environment: International, often abroad
  • Available jobs: 175 advertised positions within the profession
  • Gender difference: Women earn 101% of men's salaries

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an ambassador counselor, there are opportunities to advance to minister counselor, ambassador, or take leading positions within the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Specialization in areas such as trade, security policy, or development cooperation can also lead to international assignments within the EU, UN, or other multilateral organizations. The outlook remains stable, with high demand for experienced diplomats and an annual number of available positions reflecting retirements and Sweden's international engagement (source: Arbetsförmedlingen).

Frequently asked questions about ambassador counselors

  • What does an ambassador counselor earn?
    - An ambassador counselor has an average salary of 72 900 SEK per month, but the salary can vary between 50,000 and 156,100 SEK depending on experience and placement.
  • Are there gender differences in salary?
    - Yes, women earn on average 101% of what men do, with an average salary of 73 200 SEK compared to men's 72 700 SEK.
  • What education is required to become an ambassador counselor?
    - A master's or magister degree in fields such as law, political science, or economics, along with completed diploma training, is recommended.
  • What is the job market like for ambassador counselors?
    - There are approximately 175 available jobs within the profession, but competition is very fierce.
  • What are the most common benefits?
    - Common benefits include overseas allowances, housing allowances, travel home, occupational pension, and health insurance.
  • How wide is the salary spread?
    - The salary spread is large, with the lowest at 50,000 SEK and the highest at 156,100 SEK, depending on experience, sector, and education.
  • What is the hourly wage for an ambassador counselor?
    - The average hourly wage is 439 SEK, based on 166 working hours per month.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Embassy Council is 156100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Municipal sector with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 131700 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Embassy Council is 50000 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 53900 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 111% 45100 kr 46900 kr
35-44 98% 62500 kr 64400 kr
45-54 97% 76000 kr 77600 kr
55-64 100% 78500 kr 79900 kr
65-68 87100 kr 88600 kr
Snitt 101% 71300 kr 72900 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Embassy Council has the SSYK code 1230, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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