How much does a Secretary General make

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Secretary General

59 000 kr

Executive officers in interest organizations

58 400 - 59 000 kr / month

Chefer & ledare

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Secretary General

Average salary 59 000 kr
Males 0 kr
Females 52 800 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 7 Vacant jobs ->

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

A Secretary General is responsible for the overall management and strategic development of non-profit organizations, associations, or foundations. The role involves working closely with the board, leading the organization’s daily operations, and representing the organization externally. It often includes developing policies, managing budgets and finances, and securing funding through grants or membership fees. The work environment is characterized by a fast pace, many external contacts, and demands for flexibility. Secretaries General typically work in an office, but travel and meetings at various locations are common.

Salary development over time

The salary development for Secretaries General has shown clear fluctuations over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 52,600 SEK per month, which then increased to 60 600 SEK in 2023. This corresponds to an increase of approximately 15% between 2022 and 2023. However, in 2024, the average salary has slightly decreased to 59 000 SEK, a reduction of just over 2.6% from the previous year. The reasons for these changes can be linked to fluctuating demand for leadership roles in the non-profit sector, changing funding conditions, and competition for qualified candidates. Overall, the trend shows high salary levels that are sensitive to economic cycles and organization size.

Secretary General salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 59 000 SEK/month
  • Lowest/Highest salary: Data unavailable
  • Hourly wage: 355 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 52 800 SEK/month, data on men is unavailable
  • Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as a Secretary General, a university degree in fields such as political science, economics, law, or social sciences is usually required, often at the master’s level. Leadership experience, organizational development, and work in the non-profit sector are highly meritorious. Many Secretaries General have also completed management training and supplementary courses in governance, finance, and communication.

  • Formal degree: Bachelor’s or master’s in a relevant field (3–5 years)
  • Leadership training: Certifications and short courses are recommended
  • Practical experience: Several years of work within the non-profit sector or related industries
  • Prerequisites: Documented leadership experience and strategic responsibility
  • Tips: Engagement in associations or board work provides valuable insight

Many Secretaries General have backgrounds in non-profit organizations and have often built their networks through engagement in associations. It is common for the path to the role to go via project management or operational leadership positions, providing a broad understanding of the organization’s work at the grassroots level.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Secretaries General are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, extra vacation days, wellness allowances, and flexible working hours. Other common compensations include mobile phones, computers, and sometimes car allowances or travel reimbursements for business trips. Larger organizations may also offer performance-based bonuses.

Competition and challenges

The job market for Secretaries General is competitive, as the number of positions is limited and requirements for experience and leadership skills are high. Many organizations seek candidates with a strong commitment to their mission and a proven network within the sector. Challenges often include balancing member interests, securing funding, and managing complex stakeholder groups. The role also involves significant responsibility for work environment, personnel, and long-term strategy, requiring diplomacy and decisiveness. Changes in political or economic conditions can quickly affect working conditions.

Tips for aspiring Secretaries General

To succeed as a Secretary General, it’s good to combine a strong commitment to societal issues with the ability to build relationships and lead others. Good communication skills are essential, so practicing public speaking and clear expression both verbally and in writing is wise. Strategic thinking and analytical skills facilitate planning and prioritization for the organization’s future. It’s also important to demonstrate resilience and stress tolerance, as the role can be demanding and fast-paced. Networking actively within the non-profit sector and participating in board work provide valuable contacts and experience. Last but not least, it’s crucial to be attentive and humble towards the organization’s stakeholders and adapt leadership accordingly.

Key facts about Secretaries General

  • Education level: Academic degree, often at master’s level
  • Work environment: Office setting with travel and meetings
  • Typical work form: Full-time, often in leadership roles
  • Demand: 175 available jobs in Sweden (2024)
  • Special skills: Leadership, strategy, organizational development

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Secretary General, opportunities include progressing to larger organizations or moving into roles such as CEO, operations manager, or senior advisor within the non-profit sector. It is also common for experienced Secretaries General to be recruited for board assignments, consultancy, or senior positions in the public sector. According to the Employment Service, the demand for experienced leaders in non-profit organizations remains stable, although competition for the most attractive positions is fierce. Future prospects are influenced by general developments in civil society and funding availability, but the need for competent Secretaries General is expected to persist in the long term.

Frequently asked questions about Secretaries General

  • What does a Secretary General earn?
    - The average salary is 59 000 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 355 SEK.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Women earn an average of 52 800 SEK per month, data on men is unavailable.
  • What education is required to become a Secretary General?
    - An academic degree in fields such as political science, economics, or law is recommended, along with leadership experience.
  • What is the job market like for Secretaries General?
    - There are 175 available positions within the profession in Sweden (2024).
  • What benefits are common?
    - Occupational pension, wellness allowance, extra vacation days, and flexible working hours are common.
  • What career paths are available after a few years?
    - Opportunities include advancing to CEO, operations manager, or advisory roles within the non-profit or public sector.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-13 20:12:18

Occupation
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
Snitt 58400 kr 59000 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
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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 Secretary General has the SSYK code 1113, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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