Image that illustrates Ministry Council

Ministry Council

115 200 kr

General, county and municipal directors etc.

94 800 - 175 300 kr / month

Women earn 99% of what men do.

Chefer & ledare

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Ministry Council

Average salary 115 200 kr
Males 115 800 kr
Females 114 700 kr

What does a departementsråd do? – Tasks and work environment

A departementsråd holds a central role within Swedish public administration and often functions as the highest official under the political leadership of a department. Tasks include strategic leadership, policy development, coordination of major projects, and advising ministers and state secretaries. The role requires extensive knowledge of administrative law, state finance, and political processes. The work environment is characterized by a high pace, complexity, and demanding integrity, while maintaining close collaboration with other agencies, stakeholders, and political decision-makers.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for departementsråd has developed significantly. In 2022, the average salary was 102,400 SEK per month, increasing to 109 000 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the salary reached 115 200 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 12.5% over the period. This positive trend reflects an increasing demand for experienced leaders in public administration and generally higher salary levels for qualified civil servants. The salary increase can also be linked to changing requirements for leadership and competence in the public sector, as well as an increased focus on attracting and retaining highly skilled personnel in competition with the private sector.

Departementsråd salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 115 200 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
  • Gender pay gap: Women earn 99% of what men do (men: 115 800 SEK, women: 114 700 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a departementsråd is long and requires both deep academic education and extensive experience in public administration. Usually, a degree at an advanced level, often in law, political science, or economics, along with several years of relevant work experience from authorities, departments, or larger organizations, is necessary. The ability to lead, coordinate, and analyze complex issues is essential.

  • Formal degree: Law degree, political science, or economics (at least 4–5 years of higher education)
  • Practical experience: Several years of work in the public sector, preferably in leadership roles
  • Leadership training: Courses or certifications in leadership and management
  • Prerequisites: Good understanding of Swedish administration and legislation
  • Additional education: Participation in trainee programs or internal development programs can be advantageous

Many departementsråd have backgrounds in both academia and practical politics, providing them with unique insights into how legislation and societal processes interact. This combination of experiences is often crucial for navigating complex negotiations and ensuring that decisions have the desired practical effect.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to the base salary, departementsråd are often offered comprehensive pension schemes, extra vacation days, wellness allowances, and access to professional development. Flexibility in working hours and remote work options may also be available, depending on employer policies and current tasks.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as departementsråd is very high, as it is one of the most prestigious roles within public administration. Challenges include balancing political demands with long-term administrative stability and continuously developing the organization in line with societal changes. The role also requires managing complex stakeholder networks and quickly adapting to new political directives. The ability to drive change and handle high-pressure situations is essential for success in the profession.

Tips for those who want to become a departementsråd

To succeed as a departementsråd, it is good to combine analytical skills with strategic thinking and strong communication abilities. Building broad experience within the public sector and actively seeking leadership roles early on provides good prerequisites. It is important to demonstrate integrity while also being able to collaborate with various actors, as the profession requires diplomacy and trust-building skills. Staying updated on societal developments and being curious about new ways of working is also advantageous. A willingness to take responsibility and drive processes forward is valued in this role. Participating in mentorships, networks, and further training can also create valuable contacts and insights. Finally, the ability to quickly understand complex issues combined with a structured working method is crucial to meet the high demands placed on the role.

Key facts about Departementsråd

  • Educational level: Advanced university degree (law, political science, or economics)
  • Work environment: Office-based, often at the Government Offices with a fast pace
  • Work form: Full-time, often requiring availability outside regular hours
  • Demand: 175 available positions within the profession in Sweden

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience as a departementsråd, it is common to move on to even higher positions within the public administration, such as director-general, state secretary, or head of larger agencies. Some choose to transition to international organizations or the private sector, where experience from the public sector is highly valued. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate continued high demand for qualified leaders in the public sector, especially for individuals with broad experience and high education levels. Competition for these positions remains intense, but career development opportunities are good for those with the right profile and drive.

Frequently asked questions about Departementsråd

  • What does a Departementsråd earn?
    - The average salary for a departementsråd is 115 200 SEK per month.
  • How do you become a departementsråd?
    - An advanced university degree and several years of experience in public administration are required, often combined with leadership training.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn approximately 99% of what men do within this profession.
  • What are the biggest challenges of the profession?
    - Balancing political demands with administrative responsibilities and managing complex stakeholder networks.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - Demand for departementsråd remains high, with many available positions within the profession.
  • What education is required?
    - Law, political science, or economics at an advanced level, often supplemented with leadership training.
  • Are there opportunities for career development?
    - Yes, many advance to roles such as director-general or state secretary after a few years.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Ministry Council is 175300 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Municipal sector with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 166900 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Ministry Council is 94800 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 108400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
45-54 99% 107900 kr 109000 kr
55-64 100% 116900 kr 118300 kr
Snitt 99% 113800 kr 115200 kr
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 Ministry Council has the SSYK code 1112, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

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* Updated with 2025 taxes