Image that illustrates Union chairman, student union

Union chairman, student union

59 000 kr

Executive officers in interest organizations

58 400 - 59 000 kr / month

Chefer & ledare

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Union chairman, student union

Average salary 59 000 kr
Males 0 kr
Females 52 800 kr

What does a Kårordförande in a student union do? – Tasks and work environment

A Kårordförande in a student union leads and represents a student union at a university or college. Responsibilities include strategic and operational leadership, coordination of board work, and close collaboration with students and external parties such as university management and industry. The role often requires quick decision-making, professional handling of conflicts, and driving activities based on members' interests. The work environment is usually office-based, but evening activities, events, and travel are common. The pace can be high, especially during periods with many member activities, campaigns, or major educational policy issues.

Salary development over time

The salary for a Kårordförande in a student union has shown fluctuating trends over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 52,600 SEK per month. In 2023, the salary increased significantly to 60 600 SEK, representing an approximate 15% increase. However, in 2024, the average salary has been adjusted downward to 59 000 SEK per month, a decrease of about 2.6% compared to the previous year. This variation can partly be explained by changing budget conditions within student organizations, as well as the availability of qualified candidates. The classification of the role among executive officials in interest organizations also means that salaries can be influenced by negotiations and organizational size.

Kårordförande, studentkår salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 59 000 SEK/month
  • Lowest/Highest salary: Data unavailable
  • Hourly wage: 355 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women 52 800 SEK, data on men is unavailable
  • Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a Kårordförande in a student union is often varied and based on engagement rather than formal requirements. Typically, candidates have ongoing or completed university studies, often in fields such as social sciences, law, or economics. Experience in organizational work, leadership, and student influence is highly meritorious. The role's demands for communication skills and organizational ability mean both formal and informal qualifications are considered.

  • University studies: Ongoing or completed education (at least 1–3 years)
  • Trust positions: Previous involvement in student unions or other organizations
  • Leadership training: Courses or internal training are meritorious
  • Communication skills: Documented through work or voluntary engagement
  • Project management: Experience in leading projects or workgroups

Being a Kårordförande often involves quickly building networks, both within and outside the institution. Many gain experience in handling media questions, participating in debates, and working closely with political decision-makers – experiences valuable even far beyond the student world.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensation

In addition to the base salary, Kårordförande often receive benefits such as flexible working hours, wellness allowances, access to office facilities, and sometimes subsidized lunches. Some student unions also offer opportunities for skills development through courses, conferences, and networking events. It is also common to receive some compensation for overtime or representation.

Competition and challenges

Competition for the role of Kårordförande is often fierce, especially at larger institutions where the student union plays a significant role in educational policy work. Challenges include not only gaining members' trust through elections but also managing complex interest conflicts and responsibilities. The role requires a high degree of independence and decision-making under pressure, while work may involve high workload and sensitive negotiations. Changes in the student union's economy or membership numbers can also affect the ability to implement changes and carry out projects.

Tips for those who want to become a Kårordförande in a student union

To succeed as a Kårordförande, it is beneficial to have a strong commitment to student issues and to be organized in your work. Developing good communication skills makes it easier to reach members and external partners. Initiative is crucial to drive new projects and improvements within the union. It is also important to be attentive and able to collaborate with people from different backgrounds, which enhances the ability to handle conflicts and create an inclusive environment. Patience and resilience during periods of high workload help maintain motivation, while strategic thinking facilitates long-term development of the student union.

Key facts about Kårordförande, studentkår

  • Education level: University studies (ongoing or completed)
  • Work environment: Office-based with evening and weekend work
  • Work form: Trust position with management responsibilities
  • Demand: Around 175 job openings in the field

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years as a Kårordförande in a student union, many move on to leadership roles within voluntary organizations, public sector, or industry. Former Kårordförande are often found as project managers, operations managers, or consultants within education and societal sectors. The employment agency’s forecasts show that demand for executive officials in interest organizations remains stable, with about 175 available jobs in the field. Experience in strategic leadership, networking, and negotiation enhances opportunities for further career development. The skills are especially valued in roles focused on interest representation, opinion shaping, and member-driven activities.

Frequently asked questions about Kårordförande, studentkår

  • What does a Kårordförande, studentkår earn?
    - A Kårordförande in a student union has an average salary of 59 000 SEK per month.
  • Are there salary differences between women and men?
    - Women earn an average of 52 800 SEK per month, while data on men is unavailable.
  • What education is required to become a Kårordförande?
    - Usually university studies and experience in student union work or organizational activities.
  • What is the work environment like for a Kårordförande?
    - Primarily office-based, but evening and weekend work occur.
  • What are the future prospects for the profession?
    - Demand is stable, with approximately 175 job openings in the field according to current data.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Engagement, communication skills, initiative, and collaboration skills are central qualities.

Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
Snitt 58400 kr 59000 kr
Salary per sector
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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 Union chairman, student union has the SSYK code 1113, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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