HR assistant

What does an HR assistant do? – Tasks and work environment

An HR assistant supports the daily routines and administrative processes of the HR department. The role often involves handling employment contracts, payroll administration, absence reporting, and contact with authorities. Additionally, HR assistants assist with recruitment, onboarding of new employees, and other personnel-related matters. The work environment is typically office-based, characterized by a fast pace, attention to detail, and strong communication skills. HR assistants work both independently and in teams, maintaining close contact with management and colleagues within the organization.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for HR assistants has shown a clear upward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 35,800 SEK, which increased to 37 900 SEK in 2023 and then further rose to 39 000 SEK in 2024. The total increase amounts to approximately 9% over three years. This salary development can largely be explained by increased demand for administrative personnel in HR, higher requirements for formal qualifications, and a greater focus on personnel issues within organizations. Additionally, the job market for HR assistants has remained strong, motivating employers to adjust salaries upward to attract and retain qualified staff.

HR assistant salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 39 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 32,500 SEK/month (male, municipal sector, high school education)
• Lowest salary for women: 33,000 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 46,000 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Highest salary for women: 42,800 SEK/month
• Hourly wage: 234 SEK/hour
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 97% of what men do (40 200 SEK/month for men, 38 900 SEK/month for women)

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming an HR assistant usually involves a high school diploma with a focus on economics or administration, followed by post-secondary courses or a YH-education in HR or personnel administration. Prior work experience in administration is advantageous, and many employers also seek good computer skills and knowledge of relevant systems. Internships and trainee positions provide valuable experience and can be a pathway into the profession for recent graduates.

• High school diploma: Focus on economics, administration, or social sciences
• Post-secondary education: YH college (1–2 years) or university courses in HR/personnel
• Certifications/courses: Examples include labor law, payroll administration, and HR systems
• Internships/trainee programs: Internships and trainee programs facilitate entry into the profession
• Computer skills: Good knowledge of Office suite and HR-related IT systems

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to the base salary, HR assistants often receive benefits such as wellness allowances, occupational pension, flexible working hours, and options for remote work. Some employers also provide extra vacation days, professional development, and subsidized lunches, depending on collective agreements and company policies.

Competition and challenges

The labor market for HR assistants is characterized by paradoxical features: while there are recruitment difficulties for certain positions, there is also a relatively high proportion of part-time workers and individuals leaving the profession. Nationally, the prospects for employment are good, but competition for the most attractive jobs can be fierce. Challenges may also include high demands for digital competence and the ability to handle sensitive information confidentially. HR assistants need to be flexible, resilient under stress, and able to work systematically even under time pressure.

Tips for aspiring HR assistants

To succeed as an HR assistant, it's important to be meticulous and organized, as much of the work involves handling details and following routines. Being service-minded and possessing strong communication skills facilitates contact with colleagues and managers, while maintaining integrity when handling sensitive personnel matters is crucial. Gaining early experience with administrative tasks, such as through part-time jobs or internships, provides valuable insights into the profession. Staying updated on labor law and new digital tools also enhances your employability. Being solution-oriented and proactive is advantageous, as HR assistants often need to quickly find answers or solve unexpected problems. Networking and participating in industry events can also open doors to future career opportunities. Curiosity and a willingness to learn new things are highly valued qualities in HR.

Key facts about HR assistant

• Education level: High school diploma with post-secondary courses or YH education
• Work environment: Office-based, often in larger organizations or the public sector
• Employment form: Usually full-time, but part-time and hourly positions also exist
• Demand: Good employment opportunities, 758 job openings in the profession
• Special skills: HR systems, labor law, and payroll administration

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an HR assistant, opportunities open up to advance to roles such as HR generalist, payroll administrator, or recruitment specialist. Many choose to further their education and take on greater responsibilities within personnel issues, labor law, or organizational development. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts for the profession of salary and personnel administrators, the outlook remains stable, with continued high demand and no significant change over the next five years. There are also good opportunities to specialize in areas like digital HR, work environment, or talent acquisition. For those looking to develop further, education in HR, organizational psychology, or labor law is a natural progression.

Frequently asked questions about HR assistant

• What is the average salary of an HR assistant?
  - An HR assistant has an average monthly salary of 39 000 SEK.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for an HR assistant?
  - The highest salary is 46,000 SEK and the lowest is 32,500 SEK per month, depending on experience, sector, and education level.
• Are there gender differences in HR assistant salaries?
  - Yes, women earn on average 38 900 SEK and men 40 200 SEK, which means women earn 97% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become an HR assistant?
  - A high school diploma with a focus on economics/administration and post-secondary courses or YH-education in HR/personnel administration are recommended.
• What is the job market like for HR assistants?
  - Opportunities for employment are good, and currently there are 758 job openings in the profession.
• What are the typical tasks of an HR assistant?
  - Common tasks include payroll administration, personnel documentation, recruitment support, and contact with authorities.
• Are there regional salary differences for HR assistants?
  - Yes, but the salary range mainly varies depending on sector, employer, and education level rather than solely on region.