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What does an estate administrator do? – tasks and work environment

An estate administrator primarily works with managing estates after death and ensuring inheritance distributions follow legal and testamentary instructions. Tasks include inventorying assets and liabilities, contacting heirs and creditors, and preparing estate inventories and inheritance divisions. The work often involves close cooperation with courts, banks, insurance companies, and relatives, requiring good communication skills and a structured approach. The work environment is mainly office-based and can involve periods of high tempo, especially when handling complex cases and dealing with clients in sensitive situations.

Salary development over time

Estate administrators have experienced steady salary increases over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,200 SEK, which increased to 35 400 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 37 300 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 9% over the three-year period. The salary growth is driven by increased demand for qualified legal expertise in the area and a growing need for specialists capable of handling complex estates and inheritance issues. A shortage of experienced estate administrators and high workload in legal professions have also contributed to this positive salary trend. Differences between public and private sectors and education levels contribute to variations in salary within the profession.

Estate administrator salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 37 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 32,900 SEK (male, public sector, high school education, up to 2 years)
• Highest salary: 41,100 SEK (male, private sector, post-secondary education of at least 3 years)
• Lowest salary for women: 33,300 SEK
• Highest salary for women: 38,100 SEK
• Hourly wage: 224 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn on average 36 100 SEK/month
• Regional differences: No specific data available

Education and qualifications

To work as an estate administrator, a post-secondary education in law is usually required, often a law degree or equivalent. Many employers seek experience in case handling, administrative law, or work within the judiciary. Practical experience and good knowledge of family law and inheritance law are particularly advantageous. Some employers also offer internal training and introductory programs for new estate administrators.

• Formal degree: Post-secondary education in law (at least 3 years)
• Certifications/courses: Advanced courses in family law and inheritance law
• Internship/trainee: Internships within courts, law firms, or banks are recommended
• Prerequisites: High school diploma with social sciences or legal focus
• Tips for selection: Early specialization in inheritance law increases employment chances

Common benefits and compensations

Estate administrators are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, extra vacation days, occupational pension, and options for remote work. Further opportunities include professional development through internal courses and training, sometimes subsidized lunches, or collective insurance schemes. Flexible working hours and further education options are also common in the profession.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as an estate administrator varies depending on region and employer, but generally there is a shortage of experienced specialists in the field. Challenges include managing complex legal issues and working under time pressure, especially when multiple stakeholders are involved. High demands are placed on accuracy, integrity, and conflict resolution skills. Since the profession often involves contact with grieving individuals, emotional strength and professionalism are also required. The lack of detailed salary statistics for men and regional differences can make it harder to compare working conditions across workplaces.

Tips for aspiring estate administrators

To succeed as an estate administrator, it’s beneficial to combine analytical skills with a genuine interest in law and societal issues. Precision is crucial, as the work requires accuracy in documentation and legal processes. Empathy and sensitivity are key when engaging with relatives, especially in sensitive cases. Early specialization in family law or inheritance law increases chances of employment and career advancement. Building a network within the legal industry and taking advantage of internships during studies are also advantageous. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues and authorities, while stress resilience helps manage periods of high workload.

Key facts about estate administrators

• Educational level: Post-secondary education in law (at least 3 years)
• Work environment: Office-based with client contact
• Professional group: Court clerks and legal secretaries, etc.
• Number of job openings: 758 within the profession
• Typical employment: Full-time, often in the public sector

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an estate administrator, opportunities include advancing to more qualified roles such as chief estate administrator, inheritance law lawyer, or specializing further within family law and management. Some choose to work in banking or insurance sectors or start their own consulting firms. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, no precise assessment is made for estate administrators due to limited data, but demand for skills within court and legal secretary professions remains stable, with many available positions. Career development is supported by further education and experience with complex cases, and specialists in inheritance law are particularly sought after.

Common questions about estate administrators

• What does an estate administrator earn?
  - The average salary for an estate administrator is 37 300 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience, sector, and education level.
• What education is required to become an estate administrator?
  - A post-secondary education in law, often at least three years, is usually required to work as an estate administrator.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women in the profession earn on average 36 100 SEK per month. The highest salary for men is 41,100 SEK, for women 38,100 SEK.
• What are the job responsibilities of an estate administrator?
  - Estate administrators handle estates after death, prepare estate inventories, contact heirs and creditors, and ensure inheritance distributions are carried out correctly according to law.
• What are the future prospects for estate administrators?
  - The outlook is uncertain due to limited data, but the profession has a stable number of job openings and steady demand for skills.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Analytical ability, precision, empathy, and stress resilience are important qualities for success as an estate administrator.
• What is the work environment like for an estate administrator?
  - Estate administrators mostly work in offices but also have regular contact with clients and other authorities.