Head of Expedition, Department

What does a Department Head in a government department do? – Tasks and work environment

A Department Head in a government department is responsible for leading and coordinating administrative work within a government office or equivalent public authority. The role involves ensuring that processes, routines, and case handling operate efficiently and comply with applicable laws and regulations. The Department Head often acts as a central link between political leadership and civil service, with overarching responsibility for staff, budget, and quality assurance of the authority’s operations. The work environment is characterized by a fast pace, high demands for integrity and accuracy, and close collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders.

Salary development over time

The salary for a Department Head in a government department has shown stable growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 70,200 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 73 700 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has been adjusted slightly downward to 72 900 SEK. The total salary increase between 2022 and 2023 is approximately 5%, while the change from 2023 to 2024 involves a decrease of just over 1%. This variation can partly be explained by changes in demand for experienced managers within the public administration, as well as adjustments in collective agreements and budget conditions. Overall, the salary level is high, reflecting the extensive responsibility and skill requirements of the role.

Department Head in a government department salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 72 900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 50,000 SEK/month (men), 53,900 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 156,100 SEK/month (men), 131,700 SEK/month (women)
• Hourly wage: 439 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 101% of what men do (men: 72 700 SEK, women: 73 200 SEK)
• Regional differences: Data on regional differences is not available

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a Department Head in a government department requires a solid academic background, often at an advanced level, combined with several years of experience in public administration or related fields. Law, political science, or economics are common educational backgrounds. Besides formal education, leadership skills, experience in strategic work, and a very good understanding of government processes and regulations are emphasized.

• Formal degree: Law degree, political science, or economics (at least 4.5 years)
• Certifications/courses: Leadership training and administrative courses
• Internship/trainee: Internship within a government department or other public authority is recommended
• Prerequisites: Experience in qualified administrative work and personnel management
• Tips for choosing: Engagement in public sector activities and interest in societal issues facilitate career progression

Common benefits and compensations

Department Heads in government departments often enjoy favorable conditions such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexible working hours, and opportunities for remote work. Other common compensations include extra vacation days, skills development, and access to health-promoting activities. Salary exchange and advantageous insurance policies are also common among many state employers.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as Department Head in a government department is high, as the number of available positions is limited and requirements for competence and experience are extensive. Expectations for strategic leadership, legal knowledge, and the ability to handle complex issues are high. Challenges in the profession often include rapid changes in political priorities, high workload, and the need to make well-founded decisions quickly. The role also requires a high degree of integrity and good communication skills to successfully collaborate with politicians and civil servants.

Tips for aspiring Department Heads in a government department

To succeed as a Department Head, it is beneficial to combine analytical skills with a strong commitment to societal issues. Good leadership, with a focus on both structure and responsiveness, facilitates cooperation with many different stakeholders. Building solid knowledge of public administration and regulations is important, as is actively seeking experience in qualified administrative work. Personal integrity and the ability to handle pressured situations are crucial, while strategic thinking helps navigate a complex environment. Networking within the public sector and participating in relevant training or trainee programs provide good opportunities for future career advancement.

Key facts about Department Head in a government department

• Educational level: At least 4.5 years of university education (law, political science, or economics)
• Work environment: Office-based, often with a high pace and great responsibility
• Typical working arrangement: Full-time, often with flexible working hours
• Demand: 175 job openings within the profession according to latest survey
• Gender distribution: Small differences, women earn slightly more than men

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Department Head in a government department, opportunities open up to advance to even higher managerial positions within the public administration, such as Director General, Head of Secretariat, or manager of larger agencies. It is also common for individuals in this role to move on to strategic positions within international organizations or cross-departmental coordination functions. Forecasts from the Employment Service show that the need for experienced management and planning managers remains stable, although competition for the most attractive positions is high. The broad competence and strategic network built in the role provide good opportunities for continued career development both within and outside the public sector.

Frequently asked questions about Department Head in a government department

• What does a Department Head, in a government department, earn?
  - The average salary is 72 900 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and sector.
• What education is required to become a Department Head?
  - Usually, an academic degree in law, political science, or economics is required, along with several years of experience in qualified administrative work.
• Are there large salary differences between men and women?
  - Women earn approximately 101% of men's salaries in the profession, meaning that salary differences are small or favor women.
• What is the job market like for Department Heads?
  - The profession is competitive but demand remains stable, with about 175 job openings within the profession according to recent statistics.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Integrity, analytical ability, and leadership skills are highly valued in the role.
• How has salary development looked over time?
  - Salaries have increased from 70,200 SEK (2022) to 72 900 SEK (2024), with a slight decrease in the past year.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for the profession?
  - The highest salary is 156,100 SEK and the lowest is 50,000 SEK, depending on sector, education, and experience.