Informant, information service

What does an information officer in a public information service do? – Tasks and work environment

An information officer in a public information service works to convey accurate and current information to the public, companies, or internal stakeholders. Tasks often include answering questions via phone, email, or chat, managing informational materials, and updating databases. The role requires both communication skills and meticulousness, as responses must be informative and easy to understand. The work is typically office-based, often within larger organizations, government agencies, or companies, where the pace can be high and workload varies depending on season and demand.

Salary development over time

The salary for an information officer in a public information service has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 29,300 SEK, increasing to 30 500 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the salary has continued to rise and now amounts to 32 300 SEK per month. Overall, this represents an increase of approximately 10.2% during the period, which is above the average for many administrative professions. The development is partly explained by increased demand for clear and accessible information, as well as an overall improved salary structure for customer service personnel. Although the profession is part of a broader occupational group with varying tasks, digitalization and the complexity of information management have contributed to higher skill requirements – a trend reflected in salary growth.

Information officer in a public information service salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 32 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,300 SEK (female, private sector, high school education, 3 years)
• Highest salary: 36,300 SEK (male, private sector, high school education up to 2 years)
• Hourly wage (average): 194 SEK
• Women: 31 700 SEK/month
• Men: 33 200 SEK/month
• Women earn: 96% of what men do

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming an information officer in a public information service varies, but a high school education in social sciences, communication, or administration is common. Many employers also seek experience from customer service or information work, and some positions require postgraduate studies in communication or information science. Personal qualities such as service orientation, stress resilience, and proficiency in Swedish in speech and writing are often crucial for recruitment.

• High school education: Social sciences, economics, or administration (3 years)
• Postgraduate studies: Courses in communication, information science, or similar
• Practical experience: Work within customer service or service sectors is advantageous
• Language skills: Good Swedish and sometimes English in speech and writing
• Certifications: Internal training and courses may be available

Common benefits and compensations

Besides the base salary, information officers in a public information service often receive benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, remote work options, and subsidized public transport cards. Pension schemes and insurance coverage are included in most employment contracts, especially within the public sector or larger companies. Some employers also offer skill development and internal training programs.

Competition and challenges

The profession as an information officer in a public information service is characterized by a balanced labor market with supply and demand in equilibrium. According to the Employment Service's forecast for customer service personnel, opportunities for employment are moderate, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. However, competition for positions may intensify during economic downturns or significant structural changes within the information sector. The role demands high service skills and stress resilience, and rapid changes in information flows can pose challenges for those wishing to stay updated.

Tips for aspiring information officers in a public information service

To succeed as an information officer in a public information service, it is beneficial to develop strong communication skills and a genuine interest in service. Precision is crucial when conveying complex information clearly, so training in quickly identifying the core of different questions is valuable. Being stress-resistant during periods of high workload makes it easier to maintain quality in each call or response. Flexibility helps when new tasks or information areas need to be handled swiftly. Finally, a positive and solution-oriented attitude is appreciated, as it contributes to a good atmosphere both internally and in customer contacts.

Key facts about an information officer in a public information service

• Educational level: High school education, sometimes supplemented with postgraduate courses
• Work environment: Office-based, often in open-plan spaces or call centers
• Demand: Moderate, with 550 job openings in the occupational group
• Work arrangements: Full-time and shift work are common, sometimes with remote work options
• Special skills: Communication ability and good language skills

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an information officer in a public information service, it is common to move into more specialized roles such as communication officer, coordinator, or team leader within customer service and information. Some choose to further their education in areas like communication, information science, or project management to broaden career opportunities. According to the latest forecast from the Employment Service, the job market for customer service staff is stable, with moderate opportunities and unchanged demand over five years. Digitalization and increased requirements for information security may create new niche roles for those looking to develop further within the profession.

Frequently asked questions about an information officer in a public information service

• What does an information officer in a public information service earn?
  - The average salary is 32 300 SEK per month.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn an average of 31 700 SEK, while men earn 33 200 SEK, meaning women earn 96% of men's salaries.
• What education is required?
  - High school education in social sciences or administration is most common, but postgraduate courses in communication are advantageous.
• What are the future prospects?
  - The job market is stable, with moderate opportunities and unchanged demand according to the Employment Service.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries?
  - The highest salary is 36,300 SEK (male, private sector), the lowest is 30,300 SEK (female, private sector).
• What are the job responsibilities of an information officer in a public information service?
  - Answering questions, managing informational materials, and updating databases.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Communication skills, service orientation, stress resilience, and accuracy are key qualities.