Chancellor, Administrative Assistant

What does a secretarial secretary or administrative assistant do? – tasks and work environment

A secretarial secretary, administrative assistant supports the organization by handling administrative tasks such as document management, archiving, meeting scheduling, protocol writing, and providing service to colleagues and visitors. The role often acts as the hub for information flow within the workplace, both internally and externally. The work environment is mainly office-based and characterized by structured processes, deadlines, and a need for high accuracy and service orientation. Many work in the public sector, government agencies, or larger companies where administrative routines are central to operations.

Salary development over time

The salary development for a secretarial secretary, administrative assistant has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,100 SEK per month, rising to 37 200 in 2023 and further to 38 900 in 2024. This increase corresponds to a total salary raise of approximately 7.7% over the period. Factors driving this development include increased demand for qualified administrators in certain sectors and overall wage adjustments in the labor market. Despite automation affecting parts of the profession, skills and digital competencies remain important, helping to keep salary levels stable and sometimes rising.

Secretarial secretary, administrative assistant salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 38 900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 34,000 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 49,300 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 234 SEK
• Women earn: 38 000 SEK/month (92% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 41 500 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on region and sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a secretarial secretary or administrative assistant, a high school diploma with an administrative or economic focus is usually required, but post-secondary studies in administration, economics, or public administration are advantageous. Practical experience in administrative work and good IT skills are often required, as digital systems and document management constitute a central part of the tasks. For some positions, employers may also require specific certifications or knowledge of particular administrative tools.

• High school diploma: Administrative or economic focus (3 years)
• Post-secondary education: YH training or university courses in administration, economics, or public administration
• Certifications: Courses in Office suite, digital document management, or similar
• Practical experience: Previous administrative work or internships
• IT skills: Good ability to use administrative systems and digital tools

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for secretarial secretaries and administrative assistants include occupational pension, wellness allowance, subsidized lunch, flexitime, and in some cases, remote work opportunities. Other benefits may include skills development, employee discounts, and extra vacation days depending on the employer and collective agreement.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a secretarial secretary and administrative assistant is considered medium-sized and characterized by a balance between supply and demand. Over the next five years, demand is expected to decrease slightly due to increased digitalization and automation of administrative processes. Therefore, higher demands are placed on digital competence and adaptability. The role can sometimes involve high workload, especially during deadlines and organizational changes. For those entering the job market, it is important to stay updated on new digital tools and working methods.

Tips for those wishing to become a secretarial secretary or administrative assistant

To succeed as a secretarial secretary or administrative assistant, it is good to develop organizational skills and be meticulous in all administrative work. Being service-oriented and having good communication skills facilitates cooperation with colleagues and external contacts. Flexibility is a valuable trait, as tasks can vary quickly. It is also important to continuously improve IT skills and learn new digital tools, as these change rapidly in the profession. For initiative takers and self-reliant individuals, there are opportunities to take on more responsibility and develop within the organization. Managing stress and prioritizing correctly are crucial, especially during busy periods. Finally, discretion and integrity are essential, as the role often involves handling sensitive information and internal documents.

Key facts about secretarial secretary, administrative assistant

• Education level: High school diploma, often supplemented with post-secondary education
• Work environment: Office-based, structured, and administrative
• Work form: Usually full-time, sometimes with flexitime or remote options
• Demand: Medium-sized, with an expected decrease of 5 years
• Special skills: Digital competence and experience with administrative IT systems

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the role as a secretarial secretary or administrative assistant, there are opportunities to advance to more specialized roles such as case officer, administrative coordinator, or executive assistant. For those pursuing further education, roles in HR administration or project management may also become relevant. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service forecast, demand for this occupational group is expected to decline over five years, partly due to technological development and automation. However, recruitment is expected to be balanced, and there are good short-term employment opportunities, especially for those with updated digital skills. Currently, there are 758 job openings in the field, indicating ongoing need for administrative competencies.

Frequently asked questions about secretarial secretary, administrative assistant

• What is the salary of a secretarial secretary or administrative assistant?
  - The average salary is 38 900 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience and region.
• What education is required to become a secretarial secretary or administrative assistant?
  - A high school diploma with an administrative focus is common, but post-secondary studies and IT skills increase chances.
• How does salary development look within the profession?
  - Salary development has been positive over the past three years, with approximately 7.7% increase from 2022 to 2024.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 92% of what men do within the profession.
• What are the most common job tasks?
  - Administrative support, document management, meeting scheduling, protocol writing, and internal service.
• What are the future prospects?
  - Demand is currently considered medium but is expected to decrease slightly over the next five years due to automation.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for the profession?
  - The highest salary is 49,300 SEK and the lowest is 34,000 SEK per month, depending on gender, education, and sector.