Census Officer

What does a Folkbokföringshandläggare do? – Tasks and work environment

A Folkbokföringshandläggare primarily handles and administers cases within the population registration, which involves registering and updating information about individuals residing in Sweden. Tasks include assessing immigration and emigration, name changes, marital status, and address updates. The work is often within the public sector, mainly at the Swedish Tax Agency, and involves daily contact with both private individuals and other authorities. The work environment is office-based with computer-supported systems and requires good administrative skills and high accuracy, as decisions affect individuals' rights and obligations.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, Folkbokföringshandläggare have experienced steady salary growth. In 2022, the average salary was 33,000 SEK per month, increasing to 34 300 SEK in 2023. The latest statistics for 2024 show a further increase to 35 600 SEK. This corresponds to a total salary increase of approximately 7.9% over three years, which is slightly above the average for similar administrative professions. The positive salary trend can be linked to increased complexity in tasks and higher demands for education and digital skills. Meanwhile, demand for case officers in population registration has remained relatively stable, but is expected to decline somewhat in the longer term according to the Swedish Employment Agency's forecasts.

Folkbokföringshandläggare salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 35 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 27,100 SEK/month (male, government sector, no education details)
• Highest salary: 54,200 SEK/month (female, public sector, research education)
• Hourly wage: 214 SEK
• Women’s share of men's salary: 99%
• Average male salary: 35 900 SEK
• Average female salary: 35 500 SEK

Education and qualifications

To work as a Folkbokföringshandläggare, a high school diploma with a focus on administration, social sciences, or economics is usually required. Many employers also prefer postgraduate studies or vocational training within a relevant field. Experience in case handling, law, or public administration is particularly advantageous. Besides formal education, good communication skills and meticulous work style are important.

• High school diploma: Social sciences, economics, or administration (3 years)
• Post-secondary education: Vocational college (1–2 years) or university studies in law/public administration
• Courses: Public law, administrative law, or IT administration
• Internship: Meritorious within government or public sector
• Prerequisites: Good Swedish language skills in speech and writing, experience with administrative systems

Common benefits and compensations

Folkbokföringshandläggare often have access to collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, and subsidized lunch. Flexible working hours, remote work options, and professional development through internal courses are also common. Sick pay and holiday pay according to agreements are standard within the public sector.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a Folkbokföringshandläggare is currently moderate, according to the Swedish Employment Agency’s assessment for administrative assistants and secretaries. The number of vacancies is relatively high, but demand is expected to decrease somewhat over the next five years. Digitalization and automation are affecting the profession, leading to changes in tasks and increased requirements for IT competence. At the same time, the role remains important for government operations, especially in cases requiring manual review and personal assessment. Flexibility and willingness to develop are therefore crucial for meeting future challenges.

Tips for those who want to become a Folkbokföringshandläggare

To succeed as a Folkbokföringshandläggare, it is good to combine meticulousness with strong service skills, as the profession involves both administrative tasks and contact with the public. A structured work approach facilitates case handling, while analytical skills help interpret regulations and make legally sound decisions. Being communicative is an advantage, as many situations require clear information and explanations to people from diverse backgrounds. Flexibility and openness to new digital tools are important when implementing new systems. Engagement with social issues and respect for confidentiality strengthen trust in the role. Continuous further education in public administration and IT systems provides a competitive edge.

Key facts about Folkbokföringshandläggare

• Educational level: High school diploma and sometimes post-secondary education
• Work environment: Office-based within the public sector
• Job openings: 758 listings in spring 2024
• Gender equality: Women earn 99% of men's salaries
• Future outlook: Moderate opportunities, but declining demand in the long term

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Folkbokföringshandläggare, there are good opportunities to advance to more qualified roles, such as senior case handler, team leader, or specialist in population registration and administrative law. Many also choose to further their education in public administration or law to broaden career options. The Swedish Employment Agency’s forecast for administrative assistants and secretaries indicates moderate job prospects, with some decline expected. Digitalization and increased automation may impact the number of positions, but there is also a growing need for specialized and service-oriented case officers. Those wishing to diversify their careers can also explore roles within other government agencies or administrative positions in the public sector.

Frequently asked questions about Folkbokföringshandläggare

• What does a Folkbokföringshandläggare earn?
  - The average salary is 35 600 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a Folkbokföringshandläggare?
  - Typically, a high school diploma and postgraduate studies within administration, law, or public administration are required.
• Are there differences between men's and women's salaries in the profession?
  - Yes, women earn on average 99% of men's salaries.
• What are the future prospects for Folkbokföringshandläggare?
  - Opportunities are moderate, but demand is expected to decrease slightly over the next five years.
• What personal qualities are important for a Folkbokföringshandläggare?
  - Attention to detail, service-mindedness, communication skills, and integrity are especially important.
• How many job openings are there in the profession?
  - Approximately 758 listings in spring 2024.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a Folkbokföringshandläggare?
  - The highest salary is 54,200 SEK (female, public sector, research education) and the lowest is 27,100 SEK (male, government sector, no education details).