Parish deacon

What does a parish diakon do? – Tasks and work environment

A parish diakon works with social and diaconal work within the Church of Sweden or other congregations. The main duties revolve around supporting people in vulnerable life situations, providing counseling and guidance, and coordinating assistance efforts with other actors. The work environment is often varied, including office work and meetings in the field, at people's homes, or in congregation facilities. It is common for parish diakons to handle issues related to finances, family relationships, and mental health, involving both individual conversations and group activities. The work requires great sensitivity, empathy, and the ability to meet people from diverse backgrounds and life situations.

Salary development over time

The salary for parish diakons has shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,400 SEK per month, increasing to 41 500 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average monthly salary reached 42 900 SEK. The total increase over the period amounts to just over 6%, which is slightly higher than the average salary development for similar professions within the social sector. The main reasons for this positive trend include continued high demand for diakons, increased educational and competency requirements, and the evolving complexity of the role. Especially, the need for specialized skills in counseling and integration work has contributed to raising salary levels.

Parish diakon salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 42 900 SEK/month
• Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
• Hourly wage: 258 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 43 000 SEK, no data on men's salaries
• Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a parish diakon, a special diakon training within the Church of Sweden or equivalent education from another congregation is required. The education combines theoretical studies in theology and social work with practical training, with a strong emphasis on personal suitability and the ability to handle complex social situations. Formal requirements and selection processes may vary slightly between different congregations and employers, but the common denominator is that the education is at university level and often preceded by selection procedures.

• Formal education: Diakon training at university level (often 3–4 years)
• Practical training: Mandatory internship in a congregation
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies
• Certification: Approval from the relevant congregation (e.g., Church of Sweden)
• Tips for choosing: Early contact with employers and guidance counselors is recommended

Common benefits and compensations

Parish diakons are often covered by collective agreements that include occupational pension, wellness allowances, and insurance. Access to supervision, skills development, and flexible working hours are common. Many employers also offer extra vacation days and support for further training.

Competition and challenges

The job market for parish diakons is characterized by high demand, but there is a paradox where many employers experience recruitment difficulties despite some regions having higher unemployment among educated diakons. Challenges often include meeting increased requirements for specialization, handling heavy social cases, and working with limited resources. The role demands personal maturity, boundary-setting skills, and the ability to manage emotionally demanding situations. Additionally, the work may involve irregular hours and the need for flexibility, especially in smaller congregations where the diakon has broad responsibilities.

Tips for those wishing to become a parish diakon

To succeed as a parish diakon, it is beneficial to have a strong empathetic ability and a genuine interest in helping others. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration and trust-building with people in crisis. Organizational skills help manage varied tasks and prioritize effectively under pressure. Flexibility and stress resilience are important, as the workday can change rapidly depending on urgent needs. Actively seeking supervision and continuing education provides security and development in the role. Self-reflection and boundary-setting help prevent burnout and create a sustainable work situation. Finally, having an ethical awareness and understanding of the values underlying the congregation's work is valuable.

Key facts about parish diakon

• Educational level: University education (3–4 years) + practical training
• Work environment: Varied – office, fieldwork, meetings
• Competence requirements: Social work, theology, personal suitability
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment nationwide
• Job openings: 237 advertised positions within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a parish diakon, there are good opportunities to take on more specialized or leadership roles, such as coordinator for diaconal work or responsible for specific projects within the congregation. Some choose to further their education in counseling or social work to broaden their competencies. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, the demand for diakons remains high and is expected to stay unchanged over the next five years. The recruitment situation is characterized by both available positions and some turnover within the profession, providing room for new entrants. The development of new work methods and increased collaboration with other social work professionals further open career opportunities.

Frequently asked questions about parish diakon

• What is the average salary of a parish diakon?
  - The average salary is 42 900 SEK per month according to the latest statistics.
• What does the job market look like for parish diakons?
  - There are great opportunities for employment, with 237 job openings advertised within the profession.
• What education is required to become a parish diakon?
  - Higher education with diakon training and practical experience is mandatory, often 3–4 years.
• Are there salary differences between women and men?
  - Women earn an average of 43 000 SEK, no data on men's salaries.
• What are the job responsibilities of a parish diakon?
  - Supportive conversations, social work, assistance measures, and coordination within the congregation.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Empathy, stress resistance, flexibility, and organizational skills are central qualities.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - The forecast indicates demand will remain unchanged, and job opportunities are still plentiful nationwide.