Admission administrator

What does an Admissions Officer do? – Tasks and work environment

Admissions Officers are responsible for the administration related to admissions to higher education institutions such as universities and colleges. The work includes reviewing applications, assessing qualifications, making admission decisions, handling appeals, and communicating with applicants. The role often also involves developing and improving routines, participating in information campaigns, and collaborating with other departments. The work environment is generally office-based and characterized by periods of high tempo, especially before semester starts and application deadlines.

Salary development over time

Admissions Officers have experienced stable salary development in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,200 SEK, followed by an increase to 44 700 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has continued to rise and is now 46 500 SEK. The total increase over the three-year period amounts to approximately 7.6%, indicating a positive trend. The salary increase can be explained by a combination of increased demand for qualified administrators in the education sector and overall salary pressure in the job market for administrative professionals. Additionally, skill requirements have become more stringent, which may have contributed to raising salary levels further.

Admissions Officer salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 46 500 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,200 SEK/month (female, public sector, pre-secondary education)
• Highest salary: 60,200 SEK/month (male, municipal sector, research degree)
• Hourly wage (average): 280 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Women earn 93% of what men do (men 48 800 SEK, women 45 300 SEK)
• Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on location and sector, but detailed regional data is lacking

Education and qualifications

To work as an Admissions Officer, a university degree is usually required, often in fields such as administration, social sciences, or education. Experience in qualified administrative work and good IT skills are highly valued. Many employers also view experience from the education sector and the ability to interpret regulations positively.

• Formal education: Bachelor's degree (3 years) in a relevant field
• Courses: Administration, education law, and IT support
• Internship: Meritorious from university or public sector experience
• Prerequisites: Very good Swedish skills in speaking and writing, analytical ability
• Tips: Experience in case handling and customer service is an advantage in recruitment

Common benefits and compensations

Admissions Officers are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowances, and flexible working hours. Other common benefits include subsidized lunches, professional development, and sometimes extra vacation days. Several employers also offer remote work options during parts of the year.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as an Admissions Officer is assessed as moderate. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, the job market for planners and investigators, including Admissions Officers, is in balance. Challenges in the profession can include managing complex regulations, large application volumes, and high demands for legal certainty. Digitalization also creates a need for ongoing skills development in IT and system support. Seasonal variations lead to periods of high workload, requiring stress resilience and good planning skills.

Tips for those who want to become an Admissions Officer

To succeed as an Admissions Officer, it is good to combine accuracy with analytical skills, as case handling often requires correct interpretation of regulations. Being communicative and service-minded facilitates contact with both applicants and colleagues. Flexibility and stress resilience are important qualities, especially during high workload periods in admission seasons. It is recommended to gain experience in administrative work and familiarize oneself with digital tools in the education system. Attending courses on education law and case handling processes can give an advantage. Finally, demonstrating teamwork skills and a willingness to take responsibility for quality development within the organization is valuable.

Key facts about Admissions Officers

• Education level: Bachelor's degree recommended
• Work environment: Office-based, often within the public sector
• Demand: Moderate, approximately 758 job openings within the profession
• Gender distribution: Women constitute the majority at many workplaces
• Common employment form: Full-time employment with remote work possibilities

Career paths and future outlook

After a few years of experience, opportunities exist to advance to roles such as coordinator, education administrator, or head of admissions and student services. Some choose to specialize in education law or IT support for admission systems. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast for the job group planners and investigators, the job market is expected to remain balanced with unchanged demand over the next five years. This indicates stable career opportunities for those who want to continue developing within education administration. Related professions include career guidance counselors, education coordinators, or case officers within public administration.

Frequently asked questions about Admissions Officers

• What does an Admissions Officer earn?
  - The average salary is 46 500 SEK per month.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 93% of what men do within the profession.
• What education is required to become an Admissions Officer?
  - Typically, a bachelor's degree in administration, social sciences, or similar is required.
• What are the future prospects?
  - The job market is considered balanced with moderate opportunities for employment in the coming years.
• What tasks are included?
  - Processing applications, assessing eligibility, and communicating with applicants.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for an Admissions Officer?
  - The highest known salary is 60,200 SEK, and the lowest is 30,200 SEK per month.