- Salary statistics
- Head-hunter salary
Head-hunter salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
41 900 - 60 200 SEK / month
Women earn 90% of what men do.
Administration, ekonomi
Related tools
Salary progression Head-hunter
What does a headhunter do? – Tasks and work environment
A headhunter works to identify, contact, and recruit qualified candidates for senior or specialized positions within companies and organizations. The work is often commissioned by employers seeking skills outside traditional application channels. Typical tasks include mapping industry profiles, conducting interviews, evaluating candidates' backgrounds, and presenting the most suitable persons for the assignment. The work environment is mainly office-based, with elements of digital work and many external meetings. The role requires high integrity, discretion, and the ability to build long-term relationships with both candidates and clients.
Salary development over time
The salary for a headhunter has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 46,000 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 49 900 SEK, representing a salary increase of about 3.5%. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 51 400 SEK, which is an increase of approximately 4.8% compared to the previous year. This positive trend reflects a growing demand for specialized recruitment skills and the industry's valuation of experience and networking. Market developments and the need to attract the right talent have clearly influenced the upward salary trend.
Headhunter salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 51 400 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 40,500 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 58,600 SEK/month
- Hourly wage (average): 300 SEK
- Women: 50 300 SEK/month
- Men: 56 000 SEK/month
- Women earn: 90% of what men do
Education and qualifications
To work as a headhunter, a post-secondary education is usually required, often in human resources, economics, law, or behavioral sciences. Industry experience and a strong network are highly valuable, and many headhunters have previously worked in HR, sales, or consulting. Certifications in recruitment or selection techniques can be advantageous, as well as good knowledge of business English and digital tools.
- Post-secondary education: 3 years or more (e.g., HR, economist, lawyer)
- Certifications: Recruitment and interview techniques
- Industry experience: Previous work in HR, sales, or consulting roles
- Prerequisites: Good communication and analytical skills
- Tips: Build a strong network through internships, trainee programs, or industry activities
Many headhunters work on international assignments and therefore need to be comfortable working in English and understanding different corporate cultures. The ability to quickly familiarize oneself with new industries and roles is crucial for success in the profession.
Common benefits and compensations
Headhunters are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, bonuses, and the possibility of flexible working hours. Other common benefits include mobile phones, computers, and sometimes company cars, depending on the employer and assignment level.
Competition and challenges
The competition within headhunting is significant, especially in major cities and in industries with high demand for specialists. The profession demands discretion, sensitivity, and the ability to quickly build trust with both clients and candidates. A major challenge is finding the right competence in a rapidly changing job market where candidates are often already employed. Additionally, staying updated on legislation, trends, and digital tools that transform the recruitment process is essential. The ability to handle multiple assignments simultaneously and deliver results under time pressure is crucial.
Tips for aspiring headhunters
To succeed as a headhunter, it is beneficial to cultivate a strong curiosity and interest in people, as the role relies on understanding both candidates' and employers' needs. Being communicative and attentive aids in network building and contact with various industries. Develop analytical skills to assess competencies and potential objectively. It is also important to be persistent and resilient, as the process often involves rapid changes and high demands for delivery. A proactive attitude, where you seek out and contact interesting profiles, is key to success. Build industry knowledge through internships, trainee programs, or working in HR, and aim to create a broad and relevant contact network. Finally, integrity and discretion are vital, as the work often involves handling confidential information.
Key facts about headhunters
- Educational level: Post-secondary degree (3 years or more)
- Work environment: Office-based, often with digital tools and external meetings
- Work form: Full-time, sometimes consulting or project-based
- Demand: Moderate opportunities, approximately 758 job openings in the profession
- Special skills: Networking and interview techniques
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a headhunter, there are good opportunities to advance to senior recruiter, consulting manager, or partner within a recruitment firm. Some choose to specialize within a certain industry, such as IT, finance, or manufacturing, while others move into internal HR departments or start their own consulting business. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the opportunities for employment in the HR and personnel specialist group are moderate, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. The market is characterized by a balance between applicants and available positions, meaning competition is stable, but specialization and experience can provide advantages in the job market.
Frequently asked questions about headhunters
- What is the average salary of a headhunter?
- A headhunter has an average salary of 51 400 SEK per month. - How has the salary development for headhunters been?
- Salaries have increased from 46,000 SEK in 2022 to 51 400 SEK in 2024, representing an increase of about 8.5% over three years. - Are there gender differences in salary?
- Yes, women earn an average of 50 300 SEK and men 56 000 SEK, meaning women earn 90% of men's salaries. - What education is required to become a headhunter?
- A post-secondary education, often in human resources, economics, or law, as well as experience from HR or consulting industries. - What are the future prospects for the profession?
- Job opportunities are moderate, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years according to the Swedish Public Employment Service. - What is the highest and lowest salary for a headhunter?
- The highest salary is 58,600 SEK (male, private sector, post-secondary education), and the lowest is 40,500 SEK (female, public sector, high school education). - What benefits are common?
- Common benefits include occupational pension, wellness allowance, bonuses, and flexible working hours.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 34800 kr | 34900 kr | |
| 25-34 | 98% | 43000 kr | 43300 kr |
| 35-44 | 92% | 51700 kr | 52200 kr |
| 45-54 | 85% | 56900 kr | 57500 kr |
| 55-64 | 88% | 56000 kr | 56700 kr |
| 65-68 | 55100 kr | 55300 kr | |
| Snitt | 90% | 50900 kr | 51400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 102% | 34600 kr | 34800 kr |
| 25-34 | 101% | 40600 kr | 40700 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 45700 kr | 45900 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 49200 kr | 49300 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 50800 kr | 50900 kr |
| 65-68 | 97% | 51500 kr | 51500 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 46700 kr | 46800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 37700 kr | 38100 kr | |
| 25-34 | 102% | 42000 kr | 42300 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 46600 kr | 46800 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 49700 kr | 49800 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 51600 kr | 51700 kr |
| 65-68 | 92% | 52000 kr | 52100 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 47800 kr | 48000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 105% | 33200 kr | 33400 kr |
| 25-34 | 101% | 39900 kr | 40000 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 45000 kr | 45100 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 48500 kr | 48600 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 49400 kr | 49500 kr |
| 65-68 | 102% | 49100 kr | 49100 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 45600 kr | 45700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 33600 kr | 33600 kr | |
| 25-34 | 99% | 39700 kr | 39700 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 45800 kr | 45900 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 49800 kr | 49900 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 52200 kr | 52300 kr |
| 65-68 | 97% | 55300 kr | 55300 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 47200 kr | 47200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 34800 kr | 34900 kr | |
| 25-34 | 98% | 43800 kr | 44100 kr |
| 35-44 | 92% | 54600 kr | 55300 kr |
| 45-54 | 86% | 61200 kr | 62100 kr |
| 55-64 | 90% | 60200 kr | 61300 kr |
| Snitt | 89% | 53000 kr | 53700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 34800 kr | 34900 kr | |
| 25-34 | 98% | 43800 kr | 44100 kr |
| 35-44 | 92% | 54600 kr | 55300 kr |
| 45-54 | 86% | 61200 kr | 62100 kr |
| 55-64 | 90% | 60200 kr | 61300 kr |
| Snitt | 89% | 53000 kr | 53700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 43600 kr | 43900 kr |
| 35-44 | 92% | 54900 kr | 55600 kr |
| 45-54 | 85% | 64000 kr | 65200 kr |
| 55-64 | 88% | 61400 kr | 62500 kr |
| Snitt | 90% | 55200 kr | 56000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 102% | 33900 kr | 34200 kr |
| 25-34 | 101% | 40100 kr | 40300 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 46700 kr | 46800 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 50700 kr | 50900 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 53200 kr | 53300 kr |
| 65-68 | 97% | 52600 kr | 52700 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 47900 kr | 48100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 102% | 41000 kr | 41600 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 47300 kr | 47600 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 51000 kr | 51200 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 53600 kr | 53800 kr |
| 65-68 | 92% | 55100 kr | 55400 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 49200 kr | 49500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 105% | 31700 kr | 32200 kr |
| 25-34 | 101% | 39600 kr | 39600 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 46100 kr | 46200 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 50500 kr | 50600 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 51900 kr | 51900 kr |
| 65-68 | 102% | 48400 kr | 48400 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 46500 kr | 46600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 40100 kr | 40200 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 46500 kr | 46700 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 50700 kr | 50800 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 54300 kr | 54500 kr |
| 65-68 | 97% | 56600 kr | 56600 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 48300 kr | 48500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 44400 kr | 44700 kr |
| 35-44 | 92% | 58200 kr | 59000 kr |
| 45-54 | 86% | 67900 kr | 69400 kr |
| 55-64 | 90% | 64600 kr | 66000 kr |
| Snitt | 89% | 57500 kr | 58500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 44400 kr | 44700 kr |
| 35-44 | 92% | 58200 kr | 59000 kr |
| 45-54 | 86% | 67900 kr | 69400 kr |
| 55-64 | 90% | 64600 kr | 66000 kr |
| Snitt | 89% | 57500 kr | 58500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 34400 kr | 34500 kr | |
| 25-34 | 98% | 42900 kr | 43100 kr |
| 35-44 | 92% | 50900 kr | 51400 kr |
| 45-54 | 85% | 55100 kr | 55500 kr |
| 55-64 | 88% | 54300 kr | 54900 kr |
| 65-68 | 54800 kr | 55100 kr | |
| Snitt | 90% | 49900 kr | 50300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 102% | 34800 kr | 34900 kr |
| 25-34 | 101% | 40600 kr | 40800 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 45600 kr | 45700 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 49000 kr | 49100 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 50400 kr | 50400 kr |
| 65-68 | 97% | 51200 kr | 51300 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 46500 kr | 46600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 37400 kr | 37900 kr | |
| 25-34 | 102% | 42100 kr | 42400 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 46400 kr | 46700 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 49500 kr | 49600 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 51100 kr | 51200 kr |
| 65-68 | 92% | 51100 kr | 51200 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 47500 kr | 47700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 105% | 33700 kr | 33700 kr |
| 25-34 | 101% | 40000 kr | 40100 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 44800 kr | 44900 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 48200 kr | 48300 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 49100 kr | 49200 kr |
| 65-68 | 102% | 49300 kr | 49300 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 45500 kr | 45600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 33100 kr | 33100 kr | |
| 25-34 | 99% | 39600 kr | 39700 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 45700 kr | 45700 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 49700 kr | 49800 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 51900 kr | 51900 kr |
| 65-68 | 97% | 55000 kr | 55000 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 47000 kr | 47000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 34400 kr | 34400 kr | |
| 25-34 | 98% | 43700 kr | 43900 kr |
| 35-44 | 92% | 53800 kr | 54400 kr |
| 45-54 | 86% | 59000 kr | 59700 kr |
| 55-64 | 90% | 58200 kr | 59200 kr |
| Snitt | 89% | 51700 kr | 52300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 34400 kr | 34400 kr | |
| 25-34 | 98% | 43700 kr | 43900 kr |
| 35-44 | 92% | 53800 kr | 54400 kr |
| 45-54 | 86% | 59000 kr | 59700 kr |
| 55-64 | 90% | 58200 kr | 59200 kr |
| Snitt | 89% | 51700 kr | 52300 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-hunter has the SSYK code 2423, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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