Department Secretary

What does a Departementssekreterare do? – Tasks and work environment

A Departementssekreterare works centrally within the Government Offices or other government agencies and plays a key role in shaping Swedish policy and legislation. Tasks often include investigation work, case preparation, providing basis for decisions, and writing official statements and consultation responses. Contacts with other agencies, interest organizations, and politically appointed officials are frequent, requiring strong communication and analytical skills. The work is primarily office-based, characterized by a fast pace, varied tasks, and high responsibility for socially important issues.

Salary development over time

The salary for Departementssekreterare has shown a steady upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,200 SEK per month, increasing to 44 700 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has continued to rise and now amounts to 46 500 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 7.6% over the three-year period. This salary development reflects ongoing demand for qualified social scientists and lawyers within the Government Offices, as well as increased requirements for specialist knowledge. The salary increase has been somewhat larger than the average wage growth in the public sector, which can be explained by competition for skills and a greater need for experienced investigators. Gender differences persist, with women still earning around 93% of men's salaries in the profession.

Departementssekreterare salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 46 500 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,200 SEK/month (female, public sector, lower education)
• Highest salary: 60,200 SEK/month (male, municipal sector, research degree)
• Hourly wage: 280 SEK/hour (average, hourly employed)
• Gender differences: Men 48 800 SEK, women 45 300 SEK (women earn 93% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Limited, but higher salaries in metropolitan areas

Education and qualifications

To work as a Departementssekreterare, a university degree at least at bachelor level is generally required, often in social sciences, law, or economics. Many employers prefer candidates with a master's or postgraduate degree and experience in qualified investigation work. Internships within agencies or trainee programs can be advantageous, and good knowledge of both Swedish and English is often necessary.

• Formal degree: Bachelor or master’s degree (3–5 years), often in law, political science, or economics
• Certifications/courses: Courses in public administration, EU law, or policy analysis can be advantageous
• Internship/trainee: Internship within a agency, department, or trainee program at the Government Offices
• Prerequisites: Excellent communication skills and analytical thinking
• Tips for choosing: Pursue exchanges or internships to build networks within the public sector

Common benefits and compensations

Departementssekreterare within the public sector often have access to benefits such as pension schemes, wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and remote work options. Additional compensations may include subsidized lunches, professional development, and longer vacations than average. In some cases, extra insurances and support for further education are also offered.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as Departementssekreterare is relatively high, especially at larger departments where tasks are more specialized and attractive. Since many applicants have similar educational backgrounds, relevant work experience or specialist competence are often required to stand out. Challenges include managing large information flows, working with complex issues under tight deadlines, and adapting to political changes. Changes in government priorities and periods of reorganization can also impact workload and work environment.

Tips for aspiring Departementssekreterare

To succeed as a Departementssekreterare, it is good to combine analytical skills with a structured approach and good collaboration abilities. Building a broad understanding of Swedish administration and staying updated on societal issues is important. Strong personal drive and the ability to quickly familiarize oneself with new subject areas are crucial for handling the variation and pace of the role. Networking within the public sector and seeking internships early in education increase chances of obtaining an attractive position. Precision and integrity are valuable qualities, especially when handling sensitive information. Finally, good communication skills provide great opportunities to influence both internally and externally, which is central to the role.

Key facts about Departementssekreterare

• Education level: University degree, often master's in law or social sciences
• Work environment: Office-based, often within the Government Offices or larger agencies
• Work form: Full-time, sometimes with remote work options
• Demand: Moderate, 758 job openings in the profession
• Special skills: Policy analysis, law, public administration

Career paths and future outlook

After 3–5 years as a Departementssekreterare, opportunities open to advance to roles such as kansliråd, subject expert, or investigation manager, often with increased responsibility for project management and strategic analysis. Some choose to specialize in a particular policy area or further educate themselves to take on leadership roles within departments or agencies. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the job market for planners and investigators—including Departementssekreterare—is balanced, with medium-sized opportunities and unchanged demand over five years. Overall, the profession is expected to offer stable prospects, especially for individuals with specialized skills or experience in public administration.

Common questions about Departementssekreterare

• What does a Departementssekreterare earn?
  - The average salary is 46 500 SEK/month, with variation depending on education, experience, and employer.
• What education is required to become a Departementssekreterare?
  - A university degree in law, social sciences, or economics is required, often at master's or postgraduate level.
• Are there gender differences in salary?
  - Yes, women earn on average 93% of what men do within the profession.
• What are the future prospects?
  - Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, with a balance between supply and demand.
• What are the most common career paths?
  - Common paths include kansliråd, subject expert, or investigation manager within the public sector.
• How wide is the salary range?
  - The lowest salary is 30,200 SEK/month and the highest is 60,200 SEK/month, depending on education, sector, and experience.
• What benefits are common?
  - Pension schemes, wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and remote work options are common benefits.