How much does a Chaplain make

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Chaplain

50 800 kr

Priests

50 400 - 51 300 kr / month

Women earn 98% of what men do.

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Salary progression Chaplain

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

What does a Kaplan do? – Tasks and work environment

A Kaplan is a priest or religious leader who works outside the traditional congregation setting, often within institutions such as hospitals, universities, the military, or correctional services. The tasks revolve around providing spiritual support, crisis management, counseling, and guidance to individuals and groups. In practice, this involves being present during difficult life situations, leading prayers or ceremonies, and collaborating with other professional groups to promote well-being. The work environment varies depending on the sector but is often characterized by meetings with people in vulnerable or changing life circumstances and demands high levels of empathy, sensitivity, and integrity.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, Kaplan salaries have shown steady growth. In 2022, the average salary was 46,400 SEK per month, increasing to 49 600 in 2023, which corresponds to a salary increase of approximately 6.9%. Between 2023 and 2024, the salary continued to rise to 50,800 SEK, an increase of an additional 2.4%. This positive trend can be explained by increased focus on psychosocial support within institutions and a rising demand for Kaplans in society. Inflation adjustments and union negotiations have also contributed to salary development. Although the profession is relatively niche, it has proven to be stable and in demand, which benefits salary progression over time.

Kaplan salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 50,800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 50,400 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 51,300 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 306 SEK
  • Women earn: 98% of what men do (50,400 SEK/month vs 51,300 SEK/month)
  • Regional differences: Data on variations are unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as a Kaplan, a theological education with ordination is usually required, along with supplementary courses or experience in the specific area where the role is performed, such as healthcare, education, or military. Many employers also value experience in pastoral care, crisis management, and working with vulnerable populations. Besides formal requirements, personal suitability and the ability to respond empathetically are crucial.

  • Theological bachelor’s/master’s degree: 3–5 years
  • Ordination within the Church of Sweden or equivalent denomination
  • Specialized courses in pastoral care, ethics, or crisis management
  • Internship under supervision
  • Prerequisites: Good social skills and sensitivity

Kaplans often work in multicultural and secular environments where openness and the ability to meet people with different worldviews are essential. The role often involves collaboration with other professionals and being a neutral conversational partner, even for individuals without religious affiliation.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Kaplans are often covered by collective agreements that include occupational pension schemes, generous vacation policies, and opportunities for professional development. Other common benefits include wellness contributions, flexible working hours, and sometimes additional compensation for unsocial hours, depending on the workplace. Some employers also offer supervision and regular training.

Competition and challenges

The job market for Kaplans is relatively limited, which makes competition for positions at hospitals and within the Armed Forces significant. Challenges in the profession often involve handling complex conversations, meeting people in crisis, and navigating between different religious and secular perspectives. Expectations regarding availability and the ability to work independently are high, while respecting privacy and confidentiality is essential. The role can be emotionally demanding but also offers opportunities for specialization within various societal sectors.

Tips for those who want to become a Kaplan

To succeed as a Kaplan, it is beneficial to combine strong empathy with good communication skills and openness to different worldviews. Being attentive and able to build trust is crucial, as is patience and the ability to handle stressful or emotionally charged situations. It is recommended to gain practical experience early through internships or volunteer work in healthcare, correctional services, or similar environments. The ability to collaborate with other professionals and adapt to new tasks is important. Continual self-development through further training and supervision enhances both the professional role and personal resilience.

Key facts about Kaplan

  • Education level: Theological bachelor’s/master’s + ordination
  • Work environment: Institutional (hospitals, schools, military, correctional services)
  • Average salary: 50,800 SEK/month
  • Gender salary gap: Women earn 98% of men’s salary
  • Demand: 237 available jobs in the current profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Kaplan, there are opportunities to deepen expertise in leadership, supervision, or specialize in crisis and trauma work. Other career options include becoming a coordinator for pastoral care, trainer in ethics and communication, or moving into broader administrative roles within larger institutions. According to the Employment Service, demand for Kaplans remains stable, especially in healthcare and the military, with currently 237 available jobs. Future prospects are considered good, driven by society’s increased focus on psychosocial support and existential questions.

Frequently asked questions about Kaplan

  • What is the average salary of a Kaplan?
    - A Kaplan has an average monthly salary of 50,800 SEK.
  • What is required to become a Kaplan?
    - Theological degree, ordination, and often specialized courses in pastoral care or crisis management.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 98% of men's salaries within the profession.
  • Where does a Kaplan work?
    - Common workplaces include hospitals, schools, the military, and correctional services.
  • What is the job market outlook for Kaplans?
    - Demand is stable with 237 available jobs in the profession according to current data.
  • What personal qualities are important for a Kaplan?
    - Empathy, sensitivity, communication skills, and integrity are key qualities.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-11 22:59:50

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Chaplain 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 Chaplain 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 Chaplain has the SSYK code 2671, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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Salary, Taxes, and Fees
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Net salary
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