How much does a Fire Chief make

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  2. Fire Chief
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Fire Chief

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 Chief

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 has overall responsibility for leading and coordinating rescue efforts during accidents and fires. The role involves planning, leading, and following up on operations, as well as ensuring staff work according to safety regulations. The Fire Chief participates in drills, trains personnel, and is responsible for the work environment at the station. The work environment is often physically demanding and may involve working under difficult and risky conditions, but also includes administrative and strategic tasks.

Salary development over time

The salary for a Fire Chief has shown a steady upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34 900 SEK per month, which increased to 36 200 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the salary continued to rise to 37 400 SEK, corresponding to an increase of approximately 7% over the three-year period. This salary development can be linked to increased demands for leadership and specialized skills within rescue services, as well as a greater focus on work environment and safety. The demand for experienced leaders in fire protection has also contributed to raising salary levels, while the profession requires both extensive training and practical experience.

Fire Chief salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 37 400 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 29,800 SEK/month (female, public sector, high school education)
  • Highest salary: 41,300 SEK/month (male, private sector)
  • Hourly wage: 225 SEK
  • Men's average salary: 37 600 SEK
  • Women's average salary: 34 900 SEK (93% of men's salary)
  • Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on location and sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a Fire Chief, a combination of formal education, work experience, and leadership skills is usually required. The career typically begins with basic training as a firefighter, followed by further education and internal promotion programs. Practical experience in rescue services is crucial, as well as the ability to lead and make decisions under pressure.

  • Formal education: Firefighter training (SMO, 2 years) followed by leadership training
  • Leadership training: Specialized courses for managerial roles
  • Certifications: Internal and external courses in rescue services and work environment
  • Practical experience: Several years as a firefighter are required
  • Prerequisites: Good physical ability, stress resilience, and teamwork skills

Many Fire Chiefs also engage in preventive work and community education, which involves training school classes, companies, and the public about fire safety and security. This part of the profession offers an opportunity to influence safety culture in society and prevent accidents before they happen.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Fire Chiefs are often offered benefits such as extra vacation days, wellness allowances, and favorable pension terms. Shift work can entitle to overtime pay, and some employers also provide training support and opportunities for skill development. Accident insurance and access to special health services are common within the profession.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a Fire Chief is relatively high, as it is a leading role with requirements for both experience and education. Many firefighters see the role as a natural next step in their careers, which increases pressure on available positions. Challenges in the profession include managing urgent and sometimes life-threatening situations, making quick decisions, and leading personnel under pressured conditions. Additionally, there are high demands to stay updated on new safety regulations and technological developments within rescue services. Another aspect is the responsibility that comes with being a supervisor and role model for other staff.

Tips for aspiring Fire Chiefs

To succeed as a Fire Chief, it is beneficial to develop strong leadership skills and be prepared to take responsibility in stressful situations. Good communication skills are essential for instructing and motivating staff, especially during operations where clear directives save lives. A structured work approach facilitates planning drills and following up on work environment issues. Being decisive and stress-resistant makes it easier to act quickly and correctly when it really matters. Engagement in safety and interest in further training help to stay updated on new methods and risks. The ability to collaborate and build trust within the team is also important. A genuine desire to make a difference in society provides extra motivation in daily work.

Key facts about Fire Chiefs

  • Education level: SMO (Protection against accidents) + further training for managerial roles
  • Work environment: Shift work, both physically and administratively demanding
  • Work role: Leading position within rescue services
  • Demand: 191 available jobs within the profession (2024)
  • Gender distribution: Women earn 93% of what men do in the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the role, a Fire Chief can advance to higher positions such as incident commander, fire director, or specialized training roles within rescue services. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate a steady need for competent leaders, although there is limited detailed assessment for this specific role due to limited data. Within the firefighter group, 191 job openings are reported for 2024, indicating continued demand for experienced and educated personnel. Opportunities for further education and specialization in areas such as work environment, training, and prevention are good for those wishing to develop further.

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, with variations depending on experience, gender, and sector.
  • How does one become a Fire Chief?
    - The path involves SMO training, experience as a firefighter, and further education in leadership and rescue services.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn 93% of what men do in the profession.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Leadership, stress resilience, decisiveness, and good communication skills are central qualities.
  • What is the work environment like?
    - The work environment is varied, involving both physically demanding efforts and administrative tasks.
  • What career opportunities are available?
    - Opportunities include advancing to incident commander, fire director, or training specialist.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 16:09:56

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Fire Chief 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 Chief 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 Chief has the SSYK code 5411, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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