- Salary statistics
- Deaconess
Deaconess
42 000 - 42 900 kr / month
Socialt arbete
Salary progression Deaconess
What does a Diakonissa do? – Tasks and work environment
A Diakonissa works within church and social activities to support people in vulnerable life situations. Tasks include counseling, crisis management, social work, and often collaboration with authorities and other societal actors. Diakonissor meet people of all ages with diverse needs, which can involve practical assistance or existential conversations. The work environment is varied and may include both office work and fieldwork in congregations, hospitals, or other institutions. The profession demands high empathy, attentiveness, and the ability to handle complex social situations.
Salary development over time
The salary development for Diakonissor has been stable but positive 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 % during this period. This rise is partly explained by increased demand for social and church work, as well as general wage growth within the welfare sector. Salary levels are also influenced by education, work experience, and any specializations within the diaconal field. Despite a relatively steady salary increase, there are signs that the labor market highly values experience and further education within the profession.
Many Diakonissor become key figures in their local communities through their broad networks and ability to coordinate aid efforts. The role often involves both practical support and being a trusted conversation partner for people in crisis. The social aspect makes the profession particularly meaningful for those who want to work closely with people.
Diakonissa salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 42 900 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data varies, but generally ranges between 37,000–47,000 SEK/month
- Hourly wage: 258 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 43 000 SEK, specific data on men is unavailable
- Regional differences: Salaries may vary slightly depending on city/region and employer, but differences are generally small within the profession
Education and qualifications
To work as a Diakonissa, a specialized diaconal education is required, often with a theological focus and social work as key components. The educational path includes both theoretical studies and practical training within a congregation or social organization. The Church of Sweden has specific requirements for eligibility and admission, where previous work experience in care, social services, or social work can be advantageous.
- Formal education: Diaconal program at university/higher education, often 3–4 years
- Specialization: Theology, social work, or a combination of both
- Practical training: Mandatory internship in a congregation or social organization
- Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies
- Certification: Approval of the education from the Church of Sweden or equivalent denomination
Common benefits and compensations
Employment conditions for Diakonissor often include benefits such as wellness allowances, professional development, extra vacation days, and sometimes occupational pension. Some employers also offer supervision, opportunities for further training, and flexible working hours to facilitate work-life balance.
Competition and challenges
Although the opportunities for employment as a Diakonissa are assessed as large nationally, the industry faces a paradoxical recruitment situation. It can be difficult to find the right skills, while some of the trained leave the profession or work part-time. Challenges include requirements for broad competence, the ability to handle complex social situations, and sometimes high workload during crises or organizational changes. Meanwhile, unemployment within the profession is relatively low, indicating ongoing demand for qualified personnel.
Tips for those who want to become a Diakonissa
To succeed as a Diakonissa, it’s good to have a genuine desire to help others and a strong empathetic ability, as the role often involves meeting people in difficult life situations. Being attentive and flexible facilitates collaboration with colleagues and societal actors. It’s also valuable to handle stress and be solution-oriented, especially when unexpected challenges arise. Good communication skills make it easier to build trust and establish long-term relationships. Finally, it’s important to be self-reliant but also open to supervision and further education, as the profession constantly evolves and requires updated knowledge.
Key facts about Diakonissa
- Education level: Higher education (3–4 years) with a diaconal focus
- Work environment: Varied, including both office-based and fieldwork in congregations
- Employment type: Full-time and part-time positions available
- Demand: Great opportunities for employment nationwide
- Special skills: Combination of theology and social work
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a Diakonissa can move into more specialized roles, such as coordinator for diaconal projects, supervisor, or leader within the congregation’s social activities. Continuing education in areas like counseling or leadership opens further career opportunities. According to the Employment Service’s forecasts, job prospects remain strong, and demand is expected to stay steady over five years. There are also good opportunities to work in larger cities, where the need for diaconal efforts is particularly high. The profession reports 237 available jobs, indicating a stable job market.
Common questions about Diakonissa
- What does a Diakonissa earn?
- The average salary is 42 900 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and region. - What education is required to become a Diakonissa?
- Higher education with a diaconal focus, often 3–4 years, along with practical training and approval from the Church of Sweden. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Data on men is unavailable, but women earn on average 43 000 SEK. - What is the job market like for Diakonissor?
- Great opportunities for employment and low unemployment, especially in larger congregations. - What personal qualities are important in the profession?
- Empathy, attentiveness, stress resilience, and good teamwork skills are central qualities. - Do Diakonissor always work within the church?
- Most are affiliated with the Church of Sweden, but there are also positions within other denominations and organizations. - What are the future prospects?
- Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years according to the Employment Service.
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 Deaconess has the SSYK code 2672, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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