Consultant, HR

What does an HR Consultant do? – Tasks and work environment

An HR consultant supports companies and organizations with issues related to personnel, work environment, and talent acquisition. Tasks vary depending on assignments and clients but often include recruitment, employment law, salary issues, restructuring, leadership support, and HR process development. The role requires quickly understanding new organizations and tailoring efforts to their needs. Work is often project-based, with short or long-term assignments at client sites or remotely. The work environment is typically office-based but can also include travel and on-site work at various companies.

Salary development over time

The salary for an HR consultant has shown a stable and positive development in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 46,000 SEK per month, rising the following year to 47 600 SEK, which is an increase of approximately 3.5%. In 2024, the average salary continues to rise to 49 900 SEK, an increase of nearly 5% from the previous year. This trend reflects ongoing demand for qualified HR consultants, especially as organizations invest more in strategic HR work. Salary growth can also be linked to increased specialization and a strong labor market, where consultants are expected to have broad and deep skills.

HR Consultant salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 49 900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 40,500 SEK/month (female, public sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 58,600 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education)
• Hourly rate (average): 300 SEK
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 93% of what men do (women: 49 100 SEK, men: 52 900 SEK)
• Regional differences: Salary peaks are generally noted in metropolitan regions, but variations occur depending on industry and employer.

Education and qualifications

To work as an HR consultant, a post-secondary education in human resource management, behavioral sciences, or a similar field is usually required. Many employers also value experience in HR roles or consulting, as well as good understanding of employment law and organizational development. Certifications or courses in recruitment, work environment, or leadership are often added qualifications.

• Formal degree: Human resource management program or similar (3 years, bachelor's degree)
• Certifications: Examples include recruitment, employment law, or work environment certifications
• Internship/trainee: Internship during studies or trainee programs in HR provide valuable experience
• Prerequisites: High school diploma, often with social sciences or economics focus
• Advice for choosing: Select specialization based on interest – e.g., leadership, work environment, or digital HR

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to base salary, benefits often include occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexible working hours, and remote work options. Other common compensations include skills development, bonus programs, or extra vacation days. Some employers also offer company cars or subsidized lunches.

Competition and challenges

The competition within the HR consulting field is considered moderate, with a labor market characterized by a balance between supply and demand. A clear challenge is staying updated on employment law, digitalization, and changing labor market trends. Clients increasingly demand specialized skills and the ability to deliver results quickly. To remain competitive, building a strong network, good communication skills, and understanding different organizations' needs are essential. The role can involve periods of high workload and sometimes insecure employment forms, especially for self-employed consultants.

Tips for aspiring HR consultants

To succeed as an HR consultant, it’s important to combine analytical skills with strong social competence and a genuine interest in people. Building a broad network during studies and actively seeking internships provides valuable experience and increases chances of securing interesting assignments. Flexibility is key, as work environments and assignments can change rapidly between clients. Continuing education in employment law, recruitment tools, and digital HR systems is recommended to meet market demands. Self-leadership and stress management are crucial for delivering results in a consulting role, especially when managing multiple projects simultaneously. Taking initiative and suggesting improvements are appreciated by clients and employers.

Key facts about HR Consultant

• Education level: Post-secondary education (HR degree or similar, 3 years)
• Work environment: Office-based, often at client sites or remotely
• Demand: Moderate, approximately 758 available jobs in the profession
• Work form: Project-based, both as an employee and self-employed
• Special skills: Employment law, recruitment, organizational development

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an HR consultant, it is common to move into more specialized roles, such as senior HR consultant, project manager in organizational development, or HR Business Partner. There are also opportunities to advance to managerial positions, such as HR manager or consulting manager, or to start one's own consulting firm. Projections from the Employment Service indicate that job opportunities for HR specialists are moderate and expected to remain unchanged over five years. The profession offers a stable labor market, but competition can vary depending on region and specialization.

Frequently asked questions about HR Consultant

• What is the average salary for an HR Consultant?
  - The average salary is 49 900 SEK per month.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, men earn on average 52 900 SEK, while women earn 49 100 SEK, which means women earn approximately 93% of men's salaries.
• What education is needed to become an HR consultant?
  - Usually, a bachelor's degree in human resource management or similar, along with HR experience.
• What is the job market like for HR consultants?
  - The market is balanced with moderate opportunities, with approximately 758 available jobs.
• What benefits are common?
  - Common benefits include occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexible hours, and remote work.
• How has the salary developed for HR Consultants?
  - Salaries have increased from 46,000 SEK (2022) to 49 900 SEK (2024), showing a positive trend.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for an HR Consultant?
  - The highest is 58,600 SEK (male, private sector, post-secondary education), and the lowest is 40,500 SEK (female, public sector, high school education).