What does an arkivråd do? – Tasks and work environment
An arkivråd has overall responsibility for developing and managing archive activities within a government agency or larger organization. Tasks include designing guidelines for document management, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations on transparency and confidentiality, and leading and supporting archivists and other staff. The role often involves advising management and operational managers on information handling and digitization. The work environment is mainly office-based, with meetings, strategic work, and sometimes external contacts with researchers, journalists, or other authorities. As digitalization increases, high demands are placed on technical understanding and an analytical approach.
Salary development over time
The profession of arkivråd has experienced clear positive salary growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 35,200 SEK per month, increasing to 36 100 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has continued to rise and now stands at 37 600 SEK per month. This represents an increase of just over 6.8% during 2022–2024. The salary increase is linked to a greater focus on information security and digital archiving, as well as difficulties in recruiting qualified personnel, which drives up salaries. At the same time, public sector employers have shown an increased willingness to offer competitive salaries to retain specialist skills in the field.
Arkivråd salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 37 600 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 31,100 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 42,500 SEK/month
- Hourly wage: 226 SEK
- Women earn: 37 400 SEK (98% of men's salary)
- Men earn: 38 200 SEK
- Regional differences: Slight differences, but higher salaries in metropolitan areas
Education and qualifications
To work as an arkivråd, a university degree in archival science, information management, or related fields is usually required. Many have a bachelor's or master's degree, and experience as an archivist is often a requirement. In addition to formal education, further training in digital information management and leadership is valued.
- Formal degree: Bachelor's (3 years) or master's (1–2 years) in archival science or information management
- Certifications: Courses in digital archiving or information security
- Internship/trainee: Often a requirement for experience as an archivist
- Prerequisites: University eligibility, sometimes specific requirements in social sciences
- Tips for choosing: Combine archival science with IT skills to strengthen your profile
Many arkivråd work on leading digitization projects and developing new solutions for long-term preservation of information. The role therefore requires both strategic thinking and the ability to navigate rapidly changing technological environments.
Common benefits and compensations
Most arkivråd are covered by collective agreements that provide benefits such as occupational pension, extra vacation days, wellness allowances, and options for flexible hours or remote work. Public sector employers often offer professional development and secure employment conditions.
Competition and challenges
The job market for arkivråd is characterized by a paradoxical situation where there are recruitment difficulties alongside a relatively high proportion of part-time positions or individuals leaving the profession. Despite good national employment prospects, the most attractive positions often require broad competence and experience. Digitalization imposes new demands and causes the role to change quickly. Increased requirements for information security mean employers seek specialists with advanced skills in digital archiving and law. Competition is therefore greatest for the most qualified and strategic roles.
Tips for those who want to become an arkivråd
To succeed as an arkivråd, it is good to combine analytical skills with a structured work approach and good communication skills. Curiosity about both technology and legislation is important, as digital tools and legal issues are central to the profession. Building networks, participating in industry forums, and being open to further education can open doors to more qualified assignments. Leadership skills are often crucial since the role involves responsibility for both strategy and personnel. Flexibility and the ability to handle change are highly valued, especially as tasks can quickly shift focus. Finally, integrity and accuracy are necessary to make legally sound decisions regarding document management and confidentiality.
Key facts about Arkivråd
- Educational level: Bachelor's degree or higher in archival science
- Work environment: Office-based with a focus on strategy and leadership
- Job market: 620 job openings within the profession in 2024
- Future prospects: Great opportunities, unchanged demand over 5 years
- Special skills: Digital archiving, information security, and law
Career paths and future outlook
After three to five years as an arkivråd, career development can lead to managerial roles in information management or strategic specialist positions, such as information manager, digitization officer, or consultant in archive and document management. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, job opportunities remain good, with stable demand in the short and long term. The recruitment situation is difficult due to a shortage of the right skills, making further education and specialization in digitization or law advantageous. There are also opportunities within the profession to work internationally or in the private sector for those seeking broader experience.
Frequently asked questions about Arkivråd
- What does an arkivråd earn?
- The average salary for an arkivråd is 37 600 SEK per month.
- What education is required to become an arkivråd?
- A bachelor's or master's degree in archival science or information management is most common.
- Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
- Yes, women earn 98% of what men do within the profession.
- What are the future prospects for an arkivråd?
- Demand is expected to remain unchanged, and job opportunities are significant over the next five years.
- What are the job responsibilities of an arkivråd?
- Responsibilities include managing archive operations, strategic work, and advising on information handling.
- What is the highest and lowest salary for an arkivråd?
- The highest salary is 42,500 SEK and the lowest 31,100 SEK per month.
- What benefits are common for an arkivråd?
- Common benefits include occupational pension, extra vacation days, wellness allowances, and options for remote work.
