Image that illustrates Consul General

Consul General

115 200 kr

General, county and municipal directors etc.

94 800 - 175 300 kr / month

Women earn 99% of what men do.

Chefer & ledare

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Consul General

Average salary 115 200 kr
Males 115 800 kr
Females 114 700 kr

What does a Consul General do? – Tasks and work environment

A Consul General represents their country in another state and is responsible for safeguarding the interests of the country and its citizens within their consular district. Tasks include diplomatic negotiations, visa and passport handling, and providing support to citizens in emergencies abroad. The role also involves promoting trade, cultural exchanges, and maintaining contact with local authorities and the foreign ministry. The work environment is often international and characterized by a fast pace, demanding security routines, and great responsibility for staff and resources.

Salary development over time

The salary of a Consul General has shown a clear upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 102,400 SEK per month, which increased to 109 000 SEK in 2023 and reached 115 200 SEK in 2024. This development corresponds to a total salary increase of about 12.5% over three years. The increase is partly due to higher complexity in job tasks, increased demand for experienced diplomats, and adjustments to international labor market salary levels. Differences between sectors and education levels also influence salary levels, with municipal sector and higher education often offering higher salaries than the state sector and lower education levels.

Many Consul Generals have backgrounds in law or political science, but it is also common to have experience from business or international organizations. The broad competence makes the profession attractive to people with diverse backgrounds and networks.

– statsskuld.se

Consul General salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 115 200 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 94,800 SEK/month (men), 108,400 SEK/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 175,300 SEK/month (men), 166,900 SEK/month (women)
  • Hourly wage: 693 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 99% of what men do (men 115 800 SEK, women 114 700 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on station location and sector

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a Consul General usually involves a higher academic degree, often in law, political science, or economics. Experience in international relations, leadership, and negotiation skills are important qualifications. Many have previously worked within the foreign service or international organizations and have supplemented their education with specialized diplomatic training.

  • Formal degree: Law degree or political science education (at least 3-5 years)
  • Specialized diplomatic training: Foreign ministry trainee programs or similar
  • Internship: Experience from embassies, consulates, or international organizations
  • Prerequisites: Very good language skills, leadership experience, and analytical ability
  • Tips for selection: Broad knowledge of international law and negotiation techniques is advantageous

Common benefits and compensations

Consul Generals are often offered extensive benefits such as housing allowance, company car, health insurance, and pension contributions. Additional allowances may include international allowances, schooling for accompanying children, and extra vacation days, especially when stationed in countries with high living costs or challenging work environments.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a Consul General is very fierce, as the number of positions is limited and recruitment processes are often lengthy and demanding. Applicants are expected to have both depth and breadth in their skills, as well as extensive international experience. The role requires high flexibility, diplomatic skill, and the ability to handle complex situations under pressure. Additionally, the ability to quickly adapt to different cultures and work environments is crucial. Being constantly available and managing sensitive matters are part of the daily routine, making the profession both challenging and rewarding.

Tips for aspiring Consul Generals

To succeed as a Consul General, it is beneficial to combine analytical skills with good language proficiency and a strong sense of diplomacy. Building a broad international network and being open to different cultures provide important advantages, while leadership skills and perseverance help navigate complex situations. Actively seeking internships within international organizations or the foreign service provides valuable experience, and a structured approach to work facilitates handling extensive administrative tasks. Demonstrating integrity and reliability in all contacts is essential to build trust in the role of Consul General.

Key facts about Consul General

  • Education level: Higher academic degree, often in law or political science (minimum 3-5 years)
  • Work environment: International, often fast-paced with high demands for flexibility
  • Typical employment form: Full-time, often international postings or rotations between positions
  • Demand: 175 available jobs within the profession (2024)
  • Gender distribution: Slight differences, women earn 99% of men's salaries

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Consul General, career progression can include top diplomatic positions such as ambassador or head within the foreign service. Many advance to leadership roles within international organizations, business, or political institutions. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that the demand for qualified leaders in public administration remains stable, although competition remains fierce. Opportunities for development are good for those with broad competence, leadership experience, and an international background.

Frequently asked questions about Consul General

  • What does a Consul General earn?
    - A Consul General has an average salary of 115 200 SEK per month, but the salary varies depending on sector, experience, and education.
  • What education is required to become a Consul General?
    - Higher academic degree, usually in law or political science, as well as diploma training and experience from international work.
  • Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
    - Yes, women earn approximately 99% of men's salaries within the profession of Consul General.
  • What does the job market look like for Consul Generals?
    - There are a total of 175 available jobs in the profession, but competition is fierce and requirements are high.
  • What are the most common benefits for Consul Generals?
    - Common benefits include housing allowance, company car, health insurance, pension contributions, and international allowances.
  • What qualities are important for a Consul General?
    - Analytical skills, language proficiency, diplomacy, leadership, and integrity are essential qualities for the profession.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Consul General is 175300 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Municipal sector with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 166900 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Consul General is 94800 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 108400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
45-54 99% 107900 kr 109000 kr
55-64 100% 116900 kr 118300 kr
Snitt 99% 113800 kr 115200 kr
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 Consul General has the SSYK code 1112, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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