How much does a Prison priest make

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Prison priest

50 800 kr

Priests

50 400 - 51 300 kr / month

Women earn 98% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Prison priest

Average salary 50 800 kr
Males 51 300 kr
Females 50 400 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 6 Vacant jobs ->

What does a prison chaplain do? – Job tasks and work environment

A prison chaplain works to provide spiritual support, pastoral care, and conversations to inmates within correctional facilities. Tasks include individual counseling, services, crisis management, and support during life crises and grief. Prison chaplains often collaborate with correctional staff, psychologists, and other support professionals to contribute to inmate rehabilitation. The work environment is characterized by high demands for confidentiality, sensitivity, and the ability to handle complex human situations in a secure setting. Safety procedures and cooperation with other staff are a natural part of daily life.

Salary development over time

The profession of prison chaplain has shown a stable and positive salary development over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 46,400 SEK, which increased to 49 600 SEK in 2023, a rise of approximately 6.9%. Between 2023 and 2024, the salary continued to rise to 50,800 SEK, corresponding to an additional 2.4%. This positive trend reflects both increased demand for specialized pastoral care within the criminal justice system and a general appreciation of clergy work in society. Factors influencing salary levels include education, experience, and the nature of the workplace, as well as regional and gender differences within the profession.

Prison chaplains often meet people in the most vulnerable situations in life, which requires a unique combination of empathy, integrity, and the ability to build trust. Many clergy members testify that this is what makes the work both challenging and meaningful.

– statsskuld.se

Prison chaplain salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 50,800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 50,400 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 51,300 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 306 SEK
  • Women's salary as % of men's: 98%
  • Regional differences: Small, but some variation may occur depending on location and sector.

Education and qualifications

To work as a prison chaplain, a higher education degree in theology and ordination within the Church of Sweden or equivalent denomination are required. Additional training or experience in pastoral care, crisis management, or social work is often sought after. Internships within the correctional system or similar environments are advantageous and can facilitate entry into the profession.

  • Theology bachelor's or master's degree: 3–5 years
  • Ordination: After completing the degree
  • Courses in pastoral care and crisis management: Recommended
  • Internship in criminal justice or social work: Meritorious
  • Personal references and suitability assessment: Often mandatory

Common benefits and compensations

Prison chaplains are usually covered by collective agreements and offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, paid further training, and opportunities for supervision and skills development. Working hours can be flexible, but some standby duty and work outside regular hours may occur as needed.

Competition and challenges

The job market for prison chaplains can be limited, as the number of positions is relatively small and competition for available jobs can be high. Challenges include handling difficult conversations, working under security restrictions, and meeting individuals with complex needs. Building trust in a closed environment requires patience and perseverance. At the same time, the work offers great opportunities for personal development and making a difference for vulnerable individuals. The availability of positions varies geographically and is influenced by the correctional system's needs and retirement rates.

Tips for aspiring prison chaplains

To succeed as a prison chaplain, it is important to be attentive and have a strong empathetic ability, as the work revolves around meeting people in difficult life situations. It is also crucial to be resilient and stress-tolerant, as the profession involves managing both urgent crises and long-term conversations. Good teamwork skills facilitate contact with other staff within the correctional system. Flexibility is valuable, since tasks can vary daily and require quick adjustments. Finally, integrity and the ability to handle confidential information are fundamental for building trust with both inmates and employers.

Key facts about Prison Chaplain

  • Education level: Theology bachelor's or master's + ordination
  • Work environment: Closed environment within the correctional system
  • Typical employment form: Permanent employment, often full-time
  • Demand: 237 job openings according to current statistics
  • Special skills: Pastoral care, crisis management, and ethical guidance

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a prison chaplain can develop into more specialized roles such as coordinator for pastoral care, trainer within the correctional system, or responsible for ethical issues at the facility level. There are also opportunities to supervise new colleagues or participate in development projects within the correctional system. Employment forecasts indicate that demand for prison chaplains is expected to remain stable, with some increase due to retirements and expanded rehabilitation efforts. The profession is particularly suitable for those seeking a meaningful and long-term career within the church and society.

Frequently asked questions about Prison Chaplain

  • What does a prison chaplain earn?
    - A prison chaplain has an average salary of 50,800 SEK per month.
  • How to become a prison chaplain?
    - It requires theological education, ordination, and sometimes specific experience in pastoral care or criminal justice.
  • Are there salary differences between women and men?
    - Yes, women earn 98% of what men do within the profession.
  • What are the most common job duties?
    - Duties include pastoral care, conversations, services, crisis management, and collaboration with correctional authorities.
  • What is the job market outlook for prison chaplains?
    - Currently, there are 237 job openings, and the outlook is considered stable.
  • What personal qualities are needed?
    - Empathy, patience, integrity, and the ability to engage with people in vulnerable situations are important.
  • Can a prison chaplain work part-time or on an hourly basis?
    - Yes, but most are employed full-time; the hourly wage is 306 SEK.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 15:34:42

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Prison priest is 51300 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a unspecified education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 50800 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Prison priest is 50400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 51200 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
35-44 47500 kr 49600 kr
45-54 49800 kr 51600 kr
55-64 97% 49300 kr 51000 kr
Snitt 98% 49000 kr 50800 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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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 Prison priest has the SSYK code 2671, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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Salary, Taxes, and Fees
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