- Salary statistics
- Deacon
Deacon
42 000 - 42 900 kr / month
Socialt arbete
Salary progression Deacon
What does a deacon do? – Tasks and work environment
A deacon primarily works within the Church of Sweden and other denominations to support people in various life situations. Tasks include conversations, pastoral care, social work, and support for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, unaccompanied minors, and those in crisis. Deacons are often responsible for organizing and leading groups, coordinating assistance efforts, and collaborating with authorities and volunteer organizations. The work environment is often varied and can involve both office work and meetings out in the community, sometimes under stressful and emotionally demanding conditions.
Salary development over time
The salary development for deacons has been stable and upward over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,400 SEK per month, increasing to 41 500 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary is 42 900 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 6.2% over three years. This trend reflects a continued demand for deacons within the Church of Sweden and other denominations, while salaries follow general trends within social professions. The increase can also be related to skill requirements and the importance placed on relevant education and experience for the role.
Deacon salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 42 900 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data unavailable
- Hourly wage: 258 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 43 000 SEK, data on men is unavailable
- Regional differences: Data unavailable
Education and qualifications
To work as a deacon, a university degree in social work, behavioral sciences, or equivalent is required, supplemented with deacon training provided by the Church of Sweden. The educational path combines theoretical studies with practical training and specialized courses in ethics, theology, and leadership. Personal qualities and experience working with people are highly valued.
- Formal degree: Bachelor's degree in social work, behavioral sciences, or similar (3 years)
- Deacon training: Additional training via the Church of Sweden (1 year)
- Internship: Mandatory practical period included
- Prerequisites: Relevant university education and membership in the Church of Sweden
- Tips for selection: Experience in volunteer work and good references are advantageous
Many deacons testify that the variety in meeting people makes the profession both challenging and meaningful. Being able to switch between practical help, conversations, and administrative tasks is an important part of everyday life—and creates development opportunities for those who enjoy change.
Common benefits and compensations
Common benefits for deacons include occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexible working hours, and opportunities for further training. Many employers also offer supervision, skills development, and support for managing emotionally demanding tasks.
Competition and challenges
The competition for deacon positions varies by region, but nationally, job opportunities are considered good. A paradoxical recruitment situation exists: there are both recruitment difficulties and a certain proportion of part-time workers or individuals leaving the profession. Challenges include high workload, the need for continuous further education, and managing heavy social situations. Despite this, a stable demand and good prospects are reported for the coming five years.
Tips for aspiring deacons
To succeed as a deacon, it’s beneficial to combine an empathetic approach with strong listening skills and the ability to meet people in different life situations. Flexibility and solution-oriented thinking make it easier when tasks quickly shift between conversations, practical interventions, and administration. Initiative is valuable for starting and leading projects that strengthen the church’s social work. Patience and perseverance help in meetings with people in difficult life situations, while teamwork skills are necessary to build networks with other professionals and authorities. Finally, confidence in your role is essential, as deacons often serve as support for colleagues and community members.
Key facts about Deacons
- Education level: University degree + deacon training
- Work environment: Church, parish, social work
- Common employment type: Permanent, full-time
- Demand: Large job opportunities, 237 available positions
- Future outlook: Unchanged demand over five years
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a deacon can take on greater responsibilities within the parish, such as leading social projects, mentoring new colleagues, or coordinating deacon work. Some choose to further specialize in psychotherapy, leadership, or work with specific groups such as youth or the elderly. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate ample job opportunities and unchanged demand over the next five years. However, the recruitment situation is characterized by some shortages, which can benefit those with the right education and experience. Overall, the deacon profession is a stable option for those seeking a long-term career in social and church work.
Common questions about Deacons
- What does a deacon earn?
- The average salary for a deacon is 42 900 SEK per month. - How do you become a deacon?
- By obtaining a university degree in a relevant subject and completing deacon training through the Church of Sweden. - Are there many job vacancies for deacons?
- Yes, there are 237 available positions according to current statistics. - What are the job responsibilities of a deacon?
- Deacons work with conversations, support efforts, social work, and coordination. - Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
- Women earn an average of 43 000 SEK, data on men is unavailable. - What does the future look like for the deacon profession?
- Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. - What personal qualities are important for a deacon?
- Empathy, responsiveness, flexibility, and teamwork skills are central qualities.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 42200 kr | 42900 kr | |
| Snitt | 42000 kr | 42900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 42200 kr | 42900 kr | |
| Snitt | 42000 kr | 42900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 42200 kr | 42900 kr | |
| Snitt | 42000 kr | 42900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 42300 kr | 43000 kr | |
| Snitt | 42200 kr | 43000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 42300 kr | 43000 kr | |
| Snitt | 42200 kr | 43000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 42300 kr | 43000 kr | |
| Snitt | 42200 kr | 43000 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 Deacon has the SSYK code 2672, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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