- Salary statistics
- Head of Administration, Municipality salary
Head of Administration, Municipality 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 Administration, Municipality
What does a municipal department head do – tasks and work environment
A municipal department head is responsible for leading and coordinating a municipality’s administrative or operational department. The role involves overall responsibility for finances, staff, service development, and strategic planning within their area, such as social services, education, or technical administration. Tasks include ensuring compliance with laws and political decisions, driving change initiatives, and acting as the link between politicians, managers, and external partners. The work is often office-based but can also involve participating in meetings at operational sites. The pace is high, requiring both strategic thinking and operational leadership.
Salary development over time
The salary for a municipal department head has shown a stable and positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 70,200 SEK per month. In 2023, the average increased to 72 900 SEK, corresponding to an approximate 5% increase. In 2024, the salary has stabilized at 74 600 SEK. The slight decrease between 2023 and 2024 can be explained by a saturated market and changed budget frameworks within the public sector, but the long-term trend remains upward. The demand for experienced managers is high, positively impacting salaries, while educational requirements and responsibilities are increasing. Salary levels reflect both the large responsibilities and the complexity of the role.
Municipal department head salary – complete 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/hour (average)
- Gender differences: Women earn on average 75 200 SEK, men 74 200 SEK (women 101% of men's salary)
- Regional differences: Specific regional salary differences are not reported, but variations occur depending on municipality size and budget.
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a municipal department head usually involves an academic degree, often in social sciences, law, economics, or public administration. Several years of experience in leadership roles within the public sector or related fields are generally required. Leadership training, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage complex organizations are key qualities and meritorious qualifications.
- Formal degree: Bachelor's (3 years) or master's (5 years) in a relevant field
- Leadership training: Courses or certifications in management and governance
- Practical experience: At least 5–10 years in a leadership role, preferably in the public sector
- Prerequisites: Documented experience in budget responsibility and personnel management
- Tips: Engagement in networks and continuous professional development are recommended
Many municipal department heads report that the role often involves navigating between political decisions and operational needs. The ability to build strong relationships and communicate effectively with politicians and staff is therefore a key success factor.
Common benefits and compensations
Municipal department heads are often offered generous benefits beyond base salary, such as pension schemes, wellness allowances, extra vacation days, flexitime, and remote work options. Company cars or car allowances may be provided at higher managerial levels, along with insurance packages and leadership support. Training and skills development are also common.
Competition and challenges
The competition for roles as a municipal department head is significant, especially in larger cities and attractive regions. The number of available positions is limited relative to qualified applicants, leading employers to seek candidates with broad experience and specialized skills. The role also involves major challenges in balancing political wishes with operational needs, while the pace of change in the public sector is high. The ability to handle stress, make decisions under pressure, and lead development projects is crucial for success.
Tips for aspiring municipal department heads
To succeed as a municipal department head, it is beneficial to develop strategic thinking and communication skills early in your career. Gaining broad experience from different parts of the public sector and actively seeking leadership roles provides valuable insight into organizational dynamics. Curiosity and openness to change are important traits, especially when implementing new working methods or digital solutions. Working goal-oriented while being attentive to the needs of staff and politicians builds trust and strong leadership. Self-leadership and integrity are also essential for managing the challenges of the role. Finally, active networking and continuous skills development can open doors to attractive positions.
Key facts about municipal department heads
- Education level: Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field
- Work environment: Office-based, often in close collaboration with politicians and managers
- Work form: Full-time, often with significant personal responsibility and flexible hours
- Demand: 175 available jobs in the profession in the past year
- Special skills: Leadership, budget management, public administration
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a municipal department head, career progression may lead to higher managerial roles such as municipal director, city manager, or specialist positions within regional or national administration. Opportunities also exist to advance to leadership roles within government agencies or larger organizations in the public sector. The employment agency’s forecast indicates continued high demand, although competition for the most attractive positions remains tough. The need for experienced leaders in the public sector is expected to persist due to retirements and increased demands for efficiency and change management. Specializations in digitalization or sustainable development can provide additional career advantages.
Common questions about municipal department heads
- What does a municipal department head earn?
- The average salary is 74 600 SEK per month, but it varies depending on experience and the size of the municipality. - What are the gender differences in salary for a municipal department head?
- Women earn on average 75 200 SEK, men 74 200 SEK. Women thus earn 101% of men's salaries. - What education is required to become a municipal department head?
- An academic degree in social sciences, economics, law, or public administration is common, often supplemented with leadership training. - What are the biggest challenges in the profession?
- Balancing political decisions with operational needs and leading change initiatives in a complex organization. - Are there good future prospects for municipal department heads?
- Yes, demand remains high with 175 available positions in the past year, but competition is also fierce. - How wide is the salary range for municipal department heads?
- The lowest reported salary is 50,000 SEK, the highest 156,100 SEK per month depending on education and experience. - What benefits are usually offered?
- Pension schemes, wellness allowances, extra vacation days, remote work options, and company cars are common benefits.
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 Administration, Municipality has the SSYK code 1230, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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