Health planner

What does a health planner do? – Tasks and work environment

A health planner works on developing, coordinating, and implementing strategies to promote public health and prevent diseases at organizational and societal levels. Tasks often include analysis of health data, planning interventions within healthcare, and evaluating various public health projects. Health planners collaborate with decision-makers, healthcare staff, and sometimes citizens to ensure that efforts are effective and tailored to the target group's needs. The work environment is mainly office-based and characterized by project management, meetings, and administrative work, but can also include field studies and training activities.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for health planners has shown a stable and positive trend. In 2022, the average salary was 43,200 SEK per month, which increased to 44 700 in 2023 and reached 46 500 in 2024. This corresponds to a total increase of approximately 7.6% over the period. This trend can be linked to increased demand for expertise in strategic health leadership and the growing importance of public health issues in societal planning. Salary increases also reflect that employers value specialist knowledge highly, especially as new public health challenges require qualified planning and analysis. Gender salary gaps have persisted, although overall development has been positive for the entire profession.

Health planner salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 46 500 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,200 SEK/month (female, public sector, low education)
• Highest salary: 60,200 SEK/month (male, municipal sector, doctoral degree)
• Average hourly wage: 280 SEK/hour
• Men: 48 800 SEK/month
• Women: 45 300 SEK/month
• Women’s salary as percentage of men’s: 93 %

Education and qualifications

To work as a health planner, a university degree in public health, urban planning, or a related field is usually required. The educational path often includes a bachelor's degree and sometimes a master's or postgraduate degree. Practical experience in project management, investigation work, or health promotion is highly meritorious, and some employers also require further training or certifications in public health or leadership.

• Bachelor's degree: Public health, urban planning, or equivalent (3 years)
• Master's or postgraduate degree: Recommended for more qualified positions (1–2 years)
• Certifications: Courses in project management, statistics, or leadership
• Internship: Experience from investigation or planning work within health sector
• Prerequisites: Basic university eligibility, often with a social science focus

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for health planners include occupational pension, flexitime, wellness allowances, and opportunities for remote work. Many also offer professional development, internal training, and generous vacation policies. Some employers additionally provide extra days off or subsidized health insurance.

Competition and challenges

The job market for health planners is characterized by a balance between supply and demand, with opportunities considered moderate according to the latest forecast from the Employment Service. Challenges in the profession include staying updated on current public health trends and navigating the demands and expectations of various stakeholders. Particularly within the public sector, decision-making processes can be lengthy, and projects require extensive coordination. For those seeking advancement, further education and experience with complex projects are often necessary. Despite this, there are good opportunities for engaged individuals willing to contribute to societal development.

Tips for aspiring health planners

To succeed as a health planner, it is beneficial to combine analytical skills with a genuine interest in societal issues. Being communicative facilitates collaboration with various actors and makes it easier to convey complex data understandably. Precision is important as the work often involves responsibility for reporting and quality follow-up. Flexibility helps when conditions change rapidly, and perseverance is needed to drive long-term processes. Building networks early within the health sector and seeking internships or project assignments during studies is advisable. A willingness to continuously develop and learn new things is also a valuable asset in this role.

Key facts about health planners

• Educational level: Bachelor's degree or higher in public health or urban planning
• Work environment: Office-based, often within the public sector
• Typical work form: Project-based and collaborative
• Demand: Moderate opportunities, balanced labor market
• Special skills: Analysis, project management, statistics

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a health planner, opportunities may open for more specialized roles, such as project manager for larger public health initiatives, strategist within a region or municipality, or investigator at the national level. There are also pathways to managerial positions or expert roles within authorities and organizations. According to the Employment Service, demand for planners and investigators is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, with a continued balance between supply and demand for labor. Currently, there are 758 job openings in the profession, indicating some mobility and opportunities for those wishing to establish themselves in the field. The prognosis suggests that the profession will remain important, especially given society's increased focus on preventive health work and evidence-based governance.

Frequently asked questions about health planners

• What does a health planner earn?
  - A health planner has an average salary of 46 500 SEK per month.
• How do salary differences between men and women look?
  - Men earn an average of 48 800 SEK while women earn 45 300 SEK, which means women earn 93% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a health planner?
  - A bachelor's degree in public health, urban planning, or a related field is usually required.
• What are the job responsibilities of a health planner?
  - Responsibilities include strategic planning, analysis of health data, and coordination of health promotion projects.
• What are the future prospects for health planners?
  - The job market is considered balanced with moderate opportunities and unchanged demand in the coming years.
• Are there significant regional salary differences?
  - Salary differences may occur between regions, especially depending on employer sector and education level.
• What career paths are available after a few years in the profession?
  - Common career paths include project manager, strategist, investigator, or manager within the public health sector.