How much does a Major General, Defense make

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  2. Major General, Defense
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Major General, Defense

51 300 kr

Officers

36 300 - 53 900 kr / month

Women earn 87% of what men do.

Militärt arbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Major General, Defense

Average salary 51 300 kr
Males 52 000 kr
Females 45 300 kr
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What does a Major General do in the defense forces? – Tasks and work environment

A Major General in the defense forces has overall responsibility for larger military units and leads operations at the highest operational level. Tasks include strategic leadership, planning defense efforts, developing unit capabilities, and coordinating between different parts of the Swedish Armed Forces and other agencies. The role also involves budget management, personnel, and security issues. The work environment is often office-based but may also include inspections and presence at exercises and international collaborations. Major Generals regularly work under high pressure and must be able to make decisive decisions in complex situations.

Salary development over time

The salary for a Major General in the defense forces has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 47,500 SEK per month, rising in 2023 to 49 400 SEK, and finally reaching 51 300 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of just over 8% over three years. The salary increase can be linked to increased demand for qualified leaders in the defense sector, greater focus on security policy issues, and the high requirements for education and experience for the role. The trend indicates continued stable salary growth within this profession, especially for individuals with specialist skills and extensive experience.

Major General salary in the defense forces – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 51 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 36,300 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, high school education)
  • Highest salary: 53,900 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, research education)
  • Highest for men: 53,700 SEK/month
  • Lowest for men: 41,200 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 309 SEK
  • Gender pay gap: Women earn 87% of what men do (men: 52 000 SEK, women: 45 300 SEK)

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a Major General in the defense forces is long and requires both formal education and extensive experience within the Swedish Armed Forces. The basic training consists of the officer program at a military academy, followed by several years of service, further training, and leadership courses. To reach the Major General level, one must also have served in various leadership positions and completed higher officer training at the Swedish Defence University.

  • Officer program: 3 years at a military academy
  • Further training: Higher officer training at the Swedish Defence University
  • Leadership courses: Specialist and managerial courses
  • Experience requirement: Long service in leadership roles
  • Prerequisite: Approved officer training and previous leadership roles

The position of Major General often involves international missions and collaboration with defense forces in other countries. The ability to handle diplomatic relations and participate in multinational operations is therefore an important part of the professional role.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Major Generals in the defense forces often enjoy benefits such as pension schemes, extra vacation days, wellness allowances, and opportunities for professional development. In some cases, housing benefits, travel allowances, and access to the defense forces' own health and medical services are also offered.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a Major General is very intense, as the number of positions is limited and recruitment is conducted internally within the Swedish Armed Forces. Only the most experienced and competent officers reach this level, and selection is based on leadership ability and documented experience from different parts of the defense. The challenges are significant, not least due to the high responsibility for personnel, security, and strategy. The role requires continuous development and the ability to handle both national and international crises.

Tips for those who want to become a Major General in the defense forces

To succeed as a Major General, it is good to develop strong leadership skills early and demonstrate perseverance throughout your career. Building broad experience from various positions within the defense is crucial, as is ongoing education and acquiring new knowledge in strategy and security. Good analytical skills are important for making well-founded decisions, while communication skills facilitate cooperation with subordinates and external partners. Additionally, integrity and the ability to act under pressure are essential qualities that help meet the high demands and responsibilities of the role.

Key facts about a Major General in the defense forces

  • Salary range: 36,300–53,900 SEK/month
  • Average salary: 51 300 SEK/month
  • Gender pay gap: Women earn 87% of what men do
  • Educational requirements: Officer program + higher officer training
  • Work environment: Office-based with international collaboration

Career paths and future prospects

After several years as a Major General, the career can advance to even higher positions such as Lieutenant General, General, or senior leadership roles within the Ministry of Defence. There are also opportunities for international assignments, for example within the UN or NATO. Forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicate a limited but stable need for senior officers, with current statistics showing 39 job openings in the profession. The demand is influenced by the long-term development of the defense and the security situation in the world, making the outlook closely tied to political decisions and defense budgets.

Frequently asked questions about a Major General in the defense forces

  • What does a Major General earn in the defense forces?
    - The average salary is 51 300 SEK per month, with a range between 36,300 and 53,900 SEK.
  • How does one become a Major General?
    - First, officers must complete officer training, serve for many years, and pursue advanced training at a higher level within the Swedish Armed Forces.
  • Are there gender differences in salary?
    - Yes, women earn 87% of what men do within this profession.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - The demand is stable but competition is fierce; recently, 39 job openings were noted.
  • What benefits are common?
    - Pension schemes, extra vacation days, wellness allowances, and opportunities for professional development are often offered.
  • What education is required?
    - The officer program (3 years) and higher officer training at the Swedish Defence University are mandatory.
  • What is the work environment like?
    - It is often office-based but can also include inspections and participation in exercises and international collaborations.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-07 13:25:37

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Major General, Defense is 53900 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Privately employed workers with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 53700 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Major General, Defense is 36300 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 41200 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 39400 kr 41800 kr
35-44 48400 kr 50300 kr
45-54 55100 kr 57000 kr
55-64 56000 kr 57600 kr
Snitt 87% 49400 kr 51300 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
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 Major General, Defense has the SSYK code 110, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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