- Salary statistics
- Chief of Civil Defense salary
Chief of Civil Defense salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
96 100 - 168 300 SEK / month
Women earn 99% of what men do.
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Salary progression Chief of Civil Defense
What does a Civil Defence Chief do? – Tasks and Work Environment
A Civil Defence Chief is responsible for leading and coordinating the municipality’s or region’s civil defense activities. Tasks include developing strategies for preparedness, crisis management, and protecting critical societal functions during serious events and crises. The role involves close collaboration with authorities, emergency services, healthcare, and other societal actors. The work is often strategic, involving decision-making at a high level, but also requires operational responsibility during urgent situations. The work environment is mainly office-based but can quickly change during crises, demanding availability outside regular working hours.
Salary Development Over Time
The salary for Civil Defence Chiefs has shown a clear positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 102,400 SEK per month, rising to 115 200 SEK in 2023 and further to 119 600 SEK in 2024. This represents an increase of approximately 12.5% over three years. This strong growth can be linked to increased societal focus on preparedness, higher demand for leadership skills within civil defense, and increased requirements for experience and education levels. Salary increases also reflect the competition for qualified managers in the public sector and the importance of attracting and retaining individuals with strategic security responsibilities.
Civil Defence Chief Salary – Complete Overview
- Average salary: 119 600 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 94,800 SEK/month (men), 108,400 SEK/month (women)
- Highest salary: 175,300 SEK/month (men), 166,900 SEK/month (women)
- Hourly wage: 693 SEK/hour
- Gender pay gap: Women earn 99% of what men do (men: 120 500 SEK, women: 118 800 SEK)
- Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on employer and region
Education and Qualifications
To work as a Civil Defence Chief, a post-secondary education of at least three years is usually required, often in social sciences, law, or engineering. Many employers also seek experience from public sector or security-related roles. Practical leadership and crisis preparedness experience are advantageous and sometimes mandatory.
- Formal degree: Post-secondary education (3 years or more), often in social sciences, law, or engineering
- Certifications: Courses in crisis management, total defense, and leadership
- Previous experience: Leadership roles within the public sector or emergency services
- Internship/Trainee: Meritorious but not always mandatory
- Prerequisites: High school diploma, often supplemented with higher education
Civil Defence Chiefs often play a key role during major societal crises and may need to make critical decisions quickly that affect thousands of people. The role requires both analytical ability and the capacity to handle pressurized situations – and entails significant societal responsibility.
Common Benefits and Compensation
Common benefits for Civil Defence Chiefs include occupational pension, wellness allowances, leave benefits, and sometimes car allowances or extra vacation weeks. Flexitime and access to professional development are also common, especially in the public sector.
Competition and Challenges
The competition for positions as Civil Defence Chief is relatively high, as the number of qualified candidates is limited. The requirements for education, experience, and leadership are extensive, leading many employers to seek individuals with documented crisis management and strategic work experience. Challenges in the profession often involve balancing long-term development with urgent actions, as well as coordinating among various societal actors. Changing threat landscapes and increased preparedness requirements make the role complex and constantly evolving.
Tips for Aspiring Civil Defence Chiefs
To succeed as a Civil Defence Chief, it is beneficial to combine analytical skills with a structured working style and strong leadership. Gaining experience in crisis management and public administration provides an advantage, as does ongoing education in security and preparedness. Being communicative and able to collaborate with diverse actors is crucial, as is integrity and a strong societal engagement, which often distinguish the most successful. It is also important to have the courage to make difficult decisions under pressure and to prioritize correctly even in uncertain situations. Networking within the industry and attending relevant conferences can open new opportunities. Finally, the ability to inspire and motivate others, especially during demanding crises, is highly valued.
Key Facts About Civil Defence Chiefs
- Education level: Post-secondary education, at least 3 years
- Work environment: Office-based, but often involved in crisis response
- Typical employment type: Permanent position in the public sector
- Demand: 175 current job openings in Sweden according to latest matching data
- Special skills: Crisis management, leadership, and collaboration
Career Paths and Future Outlook
After 3–5 years as a Civil Defence Chief, career progression can lead to higher managerial roles, such as Security Director, Operations Manager in crisis preparedness, or strategic roles within national agencies. Opportunities also exist to work as a consultant in preparedness and security or to move into international organizations focused on civil crisis management. The future outlook is considered favorable, driven by increased focus on societal protection and heightened preparedness. According to the Employment Service and occupational statistics, there is a steady demand for this expertise in both municipal and government sectors.
Common Questions About Civil Defence Chiefs
- What does a Civil Defence Chief earn?
- The average salary is 119 600 SEK per month, but it can vary between 94,800 SEK and 175,300 SEK depending on experience and employer. - How does one become a Civil Defence Chief?
- A post-secondary education, often in social sciences or crisis management, and experience in leadership and the public sector are required. - Are there gender pay differences?
- Yes, women earn on average 99% of what men do in this profession. - What are the responsibilities of a Civil Defence Chief?
- Responsibilities include leading preparedness efforts, developing crisis plans, and coordinating with other authorities. - What is the demand like on the job market?
- There is a stable need for Civil Defence Chiefs, with 175 current job openings according to recent statistics. - What is the most common educational background?
- Post-secondary education of at least three years in social sciences, law, or engineering is most common.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 102% | 113100 kr | 114500 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 120700 kr | 122300 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 117900 kr | 119600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 89% | 105200 kr | 108200 kr |
| 45-54 | 102% | 113200 kr | 114500 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 121800 kr | 123500 kr |
| 65-68 | 100% | 123100 kr | 127400 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 118500 kr | 120300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 96% | 114100 kr | 115600 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 124000 kr | 126300 kr |
| 65-68 | 103% | 120500 kr | 124900 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 120800 kr | 123200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 90% | 104400 kr | 107400 kr |
| 45-54 | 103% | 109700 kr | 110700 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 115200 kr | 116000 kr |
| 65-68 | 105% | 121600 kr | 125400 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 112500 kr | 113600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 158500 kr | 161100 kr | |
| 55-64 | 97% | 159000 kr | 160400 kr |
| 65-68 | 170100 kr | 174100 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 160000 kr | 162100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 102% | 111700 kr | 113300 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 122000 kr | 123700 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 118500 kr | 120500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 89% | 108500 kr | 113800 kr |
| 45-54 | 102% | 111700 kr | 113100 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 122200 kr | 123900 kr |
| 65-68 | 100% | 123900 kr | 127500 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 118600 kr | 120600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 96% | 116500 kr | 117700 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 124400 kr | 126600 kr |
| 65-68 | 103% | 120500 kr | 123500 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 121700 kr | 123800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 90% | 107300 kr | 113200 kr |
| 45-54 | 103% | 107300 kr | 108800 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 114500 kr | 115500 kr |
| 65-68 | 105% | 118600 kr | 123800 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 111500 kr | 113400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 97% | 160600 kr | 162400 kr |
| 65-68 | 170100 kr | 174100 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 161700 kr | 163800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 102% | 114400 kr | 115600 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 119500 kr | 120900 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 117200 kr | 118800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 89% | 101200 kr | 101300 kr |
| 45-54 | 102% | 114700 kr | 115800 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 121500 kr | 123000 kr |
| 65-68 | 100% | 121700 kr | 127400 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 118400 kr | 120000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 96% | 111700 kr | 113500 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 123700 kr | 126000 kr |
| 65-68 | 103% | 120500 kr | 127000 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 120000 kr | 122600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 90% | 101200 kr | 101300 kr |
| 45-54 | 103% | 112000 kr | 112500 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 116000 kr | 116500 kr |
| 65-68 | 105% | 129600 kr | 129600 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 113400 kr | 113900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 160000 kr | 162900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 97% | 156000 kr | 156900 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 158200 kr | 160200 kr |
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 Chief of Civil Defense has the SSYK code 1112, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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