How much does a Imam make

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  2. Imam
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Imam

50 800 kr

Priests

50 400 - 51 300 kr / month

Women earn 98% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Imam

Average salary 50 800 kr
Males 51 300 kr
Females 50 400 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 6 Vacant jobs ->

What does an Imam do? – Tasks and Work Environment

An Imam functions as a religious leader and guide within the Muslim community. The tasks include leading prayers, preaching during Friday prayers, teaching religion, and providing support and counseling to congregation members. Imams often work in mosques but can also be active in schools, hospitals, or other societal institutions where religious and social support is needed. The work environment is characterized by close contact with people, high social engagement, and demands for integrity and ethical awareness.

Salary Development Over Time

The salary for an Imam has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 46400 kr per month, rising the following year to 49 600 kr and reaching 50 800 kr in 2024. This corresponds to a total increase of approximately 9.5% over three years. Factors driving this development include increased demand for religious leaders, greater focus on social work, and educational efforts within the community. The job market for Imams has been stable, and salaries have developed slightly faster than the average for similar professions within religious services.

Imam Salary – Complete Overview

  • Average salary: 50 800 kr/month
  • Lowest salary: 50 400 kr/month (women), 51 200 kr/month (men)
  • Highest salary: 50 800 kr/month (women), 51 300 kr/month (men)
  • Hourly wage (average): 306 kr
  • Gender differences: Women earn 98% of what men do
  • Regional differences: No clear data available

Education and Qualifications

To work as an Imam, a longer religious education combined with practical experience from a mosque or community is usually required. Many have studied at international Islamic universities, but Swedish educational paths are also common. Basic knowledge of Arabic and Islamic theology is central, and leadership skills and good social competence are often sought after.

  • Islamic theology education: Usually 3–5 years at university or religious institute
  • Certification: Often through the community or recognized educational institutions
  • Practical training: Extended internship in a mosque is common
  • Language skills: Good command of Arabic and Swedish
  • Leadership: Documented experience or education is meritorious

Imams often play an important role in social issues and act as bridges between different groups in society. Many engage in dialogue projects, education, and integration work. This broad function makes the profession a central link between religion and community life.

– statsskuld.se

Common Benefits and Compensation

Imams often have access to benefits such as wellness allowances, further education, and sometimes housing benefits linked to the position. Employers may offer flexible working hours and the possibility of leave during religious holidays. Occupational pension and insurance are also common in the profession.

Competition and Challenges

The demand for Imams is relatively stable, but competition for positions can vary depending on the region and the size of the community. Challenges may include high demands on availability, cultural competence, and the ability to handle sensitive issues. Expectations from congregations are often high, requiring both theological expertise and social engagement. Other challenges include navigating between different traditions within Islam and working in a media-sensitive environment.

Tips for Aspiring Imams

To succeed as an Imam, it is good to combine deep religious knowledge with strong social skills and leadership. Patience is helpful when facing complex questions from the congregation, and good communication skills are crucial to convey your message. Being attentive and empathetic strengthens relationships with members, while courage and integrity are needed to stand firm in your values even in difficult situations. Practical experience from volunteer work and community engagement is often meritorious. Continuously further education and staying updated on societal issues also provide greater confidence and credibility in the role of Imam.

Key Facts About Imams

  • Educational level: Islamic theology education, often 3–5 years
  • Work environment: Mosque-based, socially engaged
  • Average monthly salary: 50 800 kr
  • Gender distribution: Women earn 98% of men's salary
  • Demand: 237 job openings within the profession

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After a few years of experience, an Imam can develop into leadership roles within larger communities or take responsibility for training and mentoring new Imams. Other career options include working as an advisor, lecturer, or coordinator for interfaith projects. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate continued demand in the profession, with particular need for Imams with good language skills and experience in integration work. At the same time, the job market is expected to be stable, with steady competition for positions in larger cities and some shortages in smaller towns.

Frequently Asked Questions about Imams

  • What does an Imam earn?
    - The average salary for an Imam is 50 800 kr per month.
  • How does one become an Imam?
    - A longer education in Islamic theology and practice in a mosque is required, often supplemented with certification.
  • Are there differences between men and women in the profession?
    - Yes, women earn approximately 98% of what men do within the profession.
  • What are the tasks of an Imam?
    - Tasks include leading prayers, teaching, counseling, and social work.
  • What are the future prospects for Imams?
    - The forecast is stable with 237 job openings within the profession according to the latest data.
  • What is the highest salary for an Imam?
    - The highest salary is 51 300 kr per month, applicable to a male private employee.
  • What personal qualities are important for an Imam?
    - Attentiveness, integrity, leadership, and good communication skills are central qualities.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-11 15:30:30

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Imam is 51300 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a unspecified education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 50800 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Imam is 50400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 51200 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
35-44 47500 kr 49600 kr
45-54 49800 kr 51600 kr
55-64 97% 49300 kr 51000 kr
Snitt 98% 49000 kr 50800 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 Imam has the SSYK code 2671, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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