- Salary statistics
- Head of Expedition, Department salary
Head of Expedition, Department salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
54 100 - 168 000 SEK / month
Women earn 101% of what men do.
Chefer & ledare
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Salary progression 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 72 900 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has been adjusted slightly downward to 74 600 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: 74 600 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: 74 200 SEK, women: 75 200 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
Many Department Heads have backgrounds from the Government Offices, which gives them a unique insight into the political decision-making process and good networking opportunities within the public administration. It is not uncommon for individuals in this role to later advance to other senior positions within the state or international organizations.
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 74 600 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 74 600 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.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 46200 kr | 50900 kr |
| 35-44 | 105% | 63000 kr | 66000 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 76700 kr | 78500 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 81300 kr | 83100 kr |
| 65-68 | 82900 kr | 84100 kr | |
| Snitt | 101% | 72300 kr | 74600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 87% | 35600 kr | 46500 kr |
| 25-34 | 101% | 42900 kr | 49600 kr |
| 35-44 | 106% | 60600 kr | 62700 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 73400 kr | 74300 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 79800 kr | 80700 kr |
| 65-68 | 84% | 84900 kr | 85400 kr |
| Snitt | 105% | 70100 kr | 71900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 87% | 35600 kr | 46500 kr |
| 25-34 | 102% | 42700 kr | 49500 kr |
| 35-44 | 104% | 57600 kr | 60000 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 68200 kr | 69200 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 71900 kr | 72800 kr |
| 65-68 | 86% | 71200 kr | 71300 kr |
| Snitt | 104% | 63900 kr | 65800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 59800 kr | 60900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 97% | 83700 kr | 84400 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 88100 kr | 88700 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 90700 kr | 91400 kr |
| 65-68 | 91% | 89800 kr | 90400 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 88600 kr | 89300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 102% | 95900 kr | 97200 kr |
| 45-54 | 93% | 113200 kr | 115200 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 123100 kr | 125300 kr |
| 65-68 | 68% | 139700 kr | 141800 kr |
| Snitt | 92% | 119300 kr | 121400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 93% | 50800 kr | 52700 kr |
| 35-44 | 108% | 66300 kr | 70600 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 83100 kr | 86500 kr |
| 55-64 | 108% | 83900 kr | 87100 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 75900 kr | 79300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 93% | 50800 kr | 52700 kr |
| 35-44 | 108% | 66300 kr | 70600 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 83100 kr | 86500 kr |
| 55-64 | 108% | 83900 kr | 87100 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 75900 kr | 79300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 45600 kr | 51200 kr |
| 35-44 | 105% | 61300 kr | 64700 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 77500 kr | 80200 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 80200 kr | 82600 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 71100 kr | 74200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 87% | 35700 kr | 48700 kr |
| 25-34 | 101% | 41900 kr | 49400 kr |
| 35-44 | 106% | 57900 kr | 61100 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 72600 kr | 74200 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 78800 kr | 80300 kr |
| 65-68 | 84% | 94200 kr | 94800 kr |
| Snitt | 105% | 67400 kr | 70200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 87% | 35700 kr | 48700 kr |
| 25-34 | 102% | 41700 kr | 49300 kr |
| 35-44 | 104% | 55400 kr | 58900 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 67600 kr | 69300 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 71400 kr | 72900 kr |
| 65-68 | 86% | 77900 kr | 78100 kr |
| Snitt | 104% | 61500 kr | 64600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 63200 kr | 63200 kr | |
| 35-44 | 97% | 85400 kr | 86000 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 87600 kr | 88400 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 90700 kr | 91800 kr |
| 65-68 | 91% | 94300 kr | 94800 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 88700 kr | 89600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 102% | 94800 kr | 96300 kr |
| 45-54 | 93% | 117000 kr | 119400 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 127900 kr | 131000 kr |
| 65-68 | 68% | 175400 kr | 178100 kr |
| Snitt | 92% | 124200 kr | 126900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 93% | 51400 kr | 54000 kr |
| 35-44 | 108% | 65200 kr | 68800 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 83400 kr | 87300 kr |
| 55-64 | 108% | 81800 kr | 85300 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 75700 kr | 79200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 93% | 51400 kr | 54000 kr |
| 35-44 | 108% | 65200 kr | 68800 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 83400 kr | 87300 kr |
| 55-64 | 108% | 81800 kr | 85300 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 75700 kr | 79200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 47700 kr | 50200 kr |
| 35-44 | 105% | 65500 kr | 68000 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 75700 kr | 76600 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 82900 kr | 83700 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 73900 kr | 75200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 87% | 35300 kr | 42200 kr |
| 25-34 | 101% | 45900 kr | 50100 kr |
| 35-44 | 106% | 63900 kr | 64800 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 74000 kr | 74400 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 80800 kr | 81200 kr |
| 65-68 | 84% | 78800 kr | 79200 kr |
| Snitt | 105% | 73000 kr | 73600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 87% | 35300 kr | 42200 kr |
| 25-34 | 102% | 45800 kr | 50000 kr |
| 35-44 | 104% | 60600 kr | 61400 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 68800 kr | 69100 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 72500 kr | 72700 kr |
| 65-68 | 86% | 67600 kr | 67600 kr |
| Snitt | 104% | 66500 kr | 67200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 97% | 82700 kr | 83300 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 88400 kr | 88900 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 90800 kr | 91200 kr |
| 65-68 | 91% | 85800 kr | 86500 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 88500 kr | 89100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 102% | 96900 kr | 98100 kr |
| 45-54 | 93% | 109800 kr | 111400 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 119100 kr | 120700 kr |
| 65-68 | 68% | 119300 kr | 121000 kr |
| Snitt | 92% | 115100 kr | 116700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 93% | 49600 kr | 50300 kr |
| 35-44 | 108% | 68600 kr | 74500 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 82200 kr | 84600 kr |
| 55-64 | 108% | 89900 kr | 92300 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 76500 kr | 79700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 93% | 49600 kr | 50300 kr |
| 35-44 | 108% | 68600 kr | 74500 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 82200 kr | 84600 kr |
| 55-64 | 108% | 89900 kr | 92300 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 76500 kr | 79700 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 Head of Expedition, Department has the SSYK code 1230, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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