- Salary statistics
- Parish director, free church parish
Parish director, free church parish
35 179 - 34 807 kr / month
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Salary progression Parish director, free church parish
What does a parish leader in free church do? – Tasks and work environment
A parish leader in a free church leads and coordinates activities within a free church congregation. The role often involves responsibility for both administrative and spiritual matters, such as planning and leading worship services, guiding staff and volunteers, and developing the congregation’s social and diaconal work. The parish leader functions as a supervisor, contact person, and inspirer, often working closely with the board, members, and other communities. The work environment varies from office tasks to meetings with people in different life situations, and responsibilities can be practical or strategic depending on the size and focus of the congregation.
Salary development over time
The salary for parish leaders in free churches has shown a slight upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,382 SEK, increasing the following year to 34 662 SEK, representing an increase of about 0.8%. Between 2023 and 2024, the average salary rose further to 34 807 SEK, corresponding to a growth of 0.4%. Overall, the salary has increased by just over 1.2% over three years. This stable salary development can be linked to continued demand for the profession and a generally stable job market, where wages follow collective agreements and the sector’s slow but positive development. The lack of larger pay increases can be explained by many congregations having limited financial resources, while the need for educated staff remains.
Parish leaders in free churches salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 34 807 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
- Hourly wage: 209 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
- Gender differences: Data not available
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
To work as a parish leader in a free church, a university-level theological education of 3–5 years is usually required, often with a focus on free church traditions. Many congregations also value experience from parish work and leadership. Internships and mentorship during studies are common, and some congregations require membership in the community to be eligible for employment.
- Theological university education: 3–5 years depending on specialization
- Internship or trainee position: Often part of the education
- Courses in leadership and organizational development: Meritorious
- Prerequisites: Gymnasium diploma and sometimes congregation involvement
- Membership in the community: Often a requirement for employment
Many parish leaders in free church contexts combine their leadership with active social engagement and serve as an important link between the congregation and the surrounding society. The role can involve initiating projects for integration, youth activities, or support for vulnerable groups, making the profession often highly impactful at the local level.
Common benefits and compensations
Parish leaders are often offered occupational pension, wellness allowances, and opportunities for professional development through courses and conferences. Other common benefits include flexible working hours, extra vacation days, and sometimes access to staff housing or a company car, depending on the congregation’s resources.
Competition and challenges
Competition for positions as parish leaders in free churches is relatively low compared to many other professions, but the challenges can be significant. Congregations often seek individuals with both theological competence and well-developed leadership skills, narrowing the recruitment pool. Additionally, the ability to handle complex social situations and work with people of all ages and backgrounds is essential. Financial constraints in many congregations mean that workloads can be high, and the role broad, requiring flexibility and resilience. Another challenge is staying relevant in a changing society and meeting new needs among members.
Tips for aspiring parish leaders in free church
To succeed as a parish leader in a free church, it’s good to combine a genuine interest in people with strategic thinking skills. Developing strong leadership qualities is crucial, as the role involves inspiring and coordinating staff and volunteers. Good communication skills facilitate relationship-building with both the congregation and the surrounding community, and openness to change and new ways of working makes it easier to meet future challenges. Empathy and attentiveness are important for addressing members’ needs and supporting them through different life situations. Gaining experience from various types of parish work, such as internships or volunteer roles, provides a broader understanding of the profession. Continuous education and a willingness to develop personally are key factors for thriving and growing in the role.
Key facts about parish leaders in free church
- Educational level: Theological university education (3–5 years)
- Work environment: Varied, both administrative and social
- Typical employment: Permanent, sometimes project-based or part-time
- Demand: 237 available jobs within the profession in Sweden
- Special skills: Leadership, pastoral care, and organizational development
Career paths and future prospects
After several years as a parish leader in a free church, there are opportunities to develop within leadership, such as district leader, trainer, or operations manager within the community. Some advance to roles with national responsibility or engage in ecumenical cooperation at regional or national levels. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, future prospects remain stable, with continued demand for educated leaders in free churches. The number of available positions is influenced by the financial situation of congregations and generational change, but the need for committed and qualified leaders is expected to remain both in the short and long term.
Frequently asked questions about parish leaders in free church
- What does a parish leader in free church earn?
- The average salary is 34 807 SEK/month according to current statistics. - What education is required to become a parish leader?
- Typically, a university-level theological education of 3–5 years, often supplemented with practical experience. - Are there good future prospects in the profession?
- Yes, there is continued demand, with 237 available jobs within the profession. - What personal qualities are important?
- Leadership, empathy, communication skills, and flexibility are key qualities. - What is the work environment like?
- The work environment is varied, involving administrative tasks and meetings with people in different situations. - What benefits are common?
- Common benefits include occupational pension, wellness allowances, and opportunities for professional development. - Is membership in the community required?
- Often, membership in the relevant community is required to be considered for the position.
Salary distributed by age and sector
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 Parish director, free church parish has the SSYK code 3412, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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