How much does a Fire officer make

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Fire officer

37 400 kr

Firefighters

29 800 - 41 300 kr / month

Women earn 93% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Fire officer

Average salary 37 400 kr
Males 37 600 kr
Females 34 900 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 15 Vacant jobs ->

What does a Fire Chief do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Fire Chief leads and coordinates rescue efforts during accidents and fires. The duties include making quick decisions in emergency situations, assigning tasks to teams on-site, and ensuring effective and safe operations for both personnel and the public. Fire Chiefs are responsible for reporting, evaluating operations, and training and practicing firefighters. The work environment is often challenging, with work under pressure, irregular hours, and exposure to hazardous environments, but also includes various administrative tasks at the station.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, Fire Chiefs have experienced steady salary increases. In 2022, the average salary was 34 900 SEK per month, rising to 36 200 SEK in 2023, and further to 37 400 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 7% during the period. The salary development has been consistent and reflects an increased demand for qualified leaders in emergency services, while employers strive to retain experienced staff. Education level and leadership responsibilities also contribute to positive salary development within the profession. Gender differences still persist, affecting individual advancement.

Fire Chief Salary – Complete Overview

  • Average salary: 37 400 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 29,800 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 41,300 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 225 SEK
  • Men's average salary: 37 600 SEK/month
  • Women's average salary: 34 900 SEK/month
  • Women earn: 93% of what men do

Education and Qualifications

To work as a Fire Chief, additional training beyond basic firefighter education is usually required. Many pursue specialized leadership training within the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB), which includes both theoretical and practical components. Experience as a firefighter is often a prerequisite, and leadership skills are highly prioritized.

  • Formal education: Protection against accidents (SMO), 2 years + leadership training (6–12 months)
  • Certifications: MSB leadership courses
  • Practical experience: Working as a firefighter for at least a few years
  • Prerequisites: Completed SMO, driver’s license, good physical condition
  • Tips for choosing: Seek internships and engage in volunteer fire corps

Many Fire Chiefs also engage in preventive work, such as conducting training for companies and schools in fire safety and knowledge. This part of the profession offers the opportunity to influence societal preparedness and create a safer everyday life for many.

– statsskuld.se

Common Benefits and Compensation

Fire Chiefs often receive benefits such as overtime pay for evening and weekend work, occupational pension, wellness allowances, and opportunities for further education. Some employers also offer extra vacation days, insurance, and support during rehabilitation. Compensation may also include on-call allowances and bonuses for special efforts.

Competition and Challenges

Competition for positions as a Fire Chief can be intense, especially in larger cities where many seek leadership roles within emergency services. Challenges include high demands for decision-making under stress, continuous training, and staying updated on new guidelines and technology. Physical and mental strains are common, and the work environment can be both risky and emotionally demanding. Gender pay gaps remain, and promotion opportunities can vary depending on region and employer.

Tips for aspiring Fire Chiefs

To succeed as a Fire Chief, it is important to combine decisiveness and strong leadership with good communication skills. Building experience as a firefighter and taking initiatives for further training demonstrate engagement and responsibility—key qualities for the role. Analytical thinking aids in risk assessment and incident planning, while the ability to collaborate and motivate others is crucial for effective team leadership. Resilience under stress is important when quick decisions are needed. Finally, humility regarding the risks of the profession and a willingness to learn continuously are vital for long-term success.

Key Facts about Fire Chiefs

  • Education level: SMO diploma + leadership training
  • Work environment: Shift work, often in stressful situations
  • Employment type: Full-time or part-time, often in the public sector
  • Demand: 191 job openings in spring 2024
  • Special skills: Leadership, risk management, communication

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After three to five years as a Fire Chief, there are opportunities to take on greater responsibilities, such as Fire Rescue Director, training leader, or strategic coordinator within emergency services. Some choose to specialize in areas like risk analysis, training, or prevention work. According to the Swedish Employment Agency’s forecasts, no specific assessment is made for Fire Chiefs due to limited data, but the overall demand for leadership roles in security and surveillance remains stable. With increasing safety and preparedness requirements in society, the need for qualified Fire Chiefs is expected to persist, although competition for positions can be high, especially in metropolitan areas.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fire Chiefs

  • What does a Fire Chief earn?
    - A Fire Chief has an average salary of 37 400 SEK per month.
  • How does the salary difference between men and women look?
    - Men earn on average 37 600 SEK and women 34 900 SEK, which means women earn 93 % of men's salaries.
  • What education is required to become a Fire Chief?
    - Usually, SMO diploma and further leadership training via MSB, along with several years of experience as a firefighter.
  • Are there regional salary differences for Fire Chiefs?
    - Yes, salary levels can vary depending on region and employer, with higher salaries in larger cities.
  • What is the job market like for Fire Chiefs?
    - Currently, there are 191 job openings in the profession, but competition for leadership roles can be high.
  • What are the most common benefits?
    - Common benefits include overtime pay, occupational pension, wellness allowances, and further training.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for a Fire Chief?
    - The highest salary is 41,300 SEK and the lowest is 29,800 SEK per month.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 12:10:44

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Fire officer is 41300 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers with a data missing. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 37000 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Fire officer is 29800 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Public sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 32100 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 30500 kr 32400 kr
25-34 97% 33800 kr 34700 kr
35-44 97% 36200 kr 37100 kr
45-54 37900 kr 39100 kr
55-64 39200 kr 40800 kr
Snitt 93% 36300 kr 37400 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
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 Fire officer has the SSYK code 5411, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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