- Salary statistics
- Kostekonom
Kostekonom
36 400 - 45 400 kr / month
Hotell, restaurang
Salary progression Kostekonom
What does a diet economist do? – Tasks and work environment
Diet economists work on planning, leading, and developing activities within meal service operations, often focusing on large kitchens, school cafeterias, hospitals, or elderly care. Their tasks include coordinating procurement, budgeting, menu quality assurance, managing special diets, and promoting healthy and sustainable eating habits. The role also involves personnel management, training efforts, and sometimes direct contact with suppliers and authorities. The work environment is often administrative but can also include practical work in kitchens or on-site at facilities.
Salary development over time
The salary for diet economists has shown a relatively stable development over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,000 SEK per month, which decreased slightly to 39 900 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the salary increased to 41 600 SEK, a rise of approximately 4.3% compared to the previous year. This increase can partly be explained by an increased focus on nutritious food in public activities and a growing demand for dietetic expertise. The salary trend has been somewhat uneven but now shows a positive trend, linked to higher demands on meal quality and increased responsibilities for the profession.
Diet economist salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 41 600 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 36,400 SEK/month (man, public sector, upper secondary education, up to 2 years); 36,600 SEK/month (woman)
- Highest salary: 45,400 SEK/month (man, public sector, at least 3 years post-secondary education); 43,200 SEK/month (woman)
- Hourly wage: 250 SEK
- Gender differences: Women 42 400 SEK, no specific data about men
- Regional differences: No specific data available
Education and qualifications
To work as a diet economist, a post-secondary education in dietetics, nutrition, or similar fields is usually required. The profession demands high levels of both theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of economics, nutrition, and leadership. Education is often combined with internships and specialized courses to meet labor market requirements.
- Formal degree: Bachelor's degree in dietetics (3 years)
- Certifications: Opportunities for further education in special diets, food hygiene, and leadership
- Internship: Mandatory internship period often included in the program
- Pre-requisites: Basic eligibility for university studies
- Tips for choosing: Select programs with strong links to the public sector and large-scale kitchen operations
Diet economists have a unique opportunity to influence public health by developing sustainable and nutritious meal solutions for large groups. The role thus carries significant societal responsibility and can be especially rewarding for those interested in food and leadership.
Common benefits and compensations
Diet economists are often offered perks such as wellness allowances, subsidized meals, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional development. In some cases, additional vacation days and pension contributions are also included, especially within the public sector where job security is high.
Challenges and competition
The market for diet economists is relatively stable, but competition may vary depending on region and employer. Since many public organizations demand this expertise, opportunities are good, but high demands are placed on updated knowledge of nutrition and food legislation. A challenge is to meet increasing requirements for sustainability and special diets while keeping within budget constraints. Technological changes and digitalization of operations can also introduce new skill requirements and alter work routines.
Tips for aspiring diet economists
To succeed as a diet economist, it is beneficial to be analytical and precise, as the profession requires handling both budgets and nutritional calculations. Good communication skills are essential for collaborating with kitchen staff, suppliers, and clients, as well as for training purposes. Flexibility and problem-solving abilities are also important, as tasks can vary and sometimes require quick decisions. A genuine interest in food and public health is an advantage, especially when developing menus and meal concepts. Staying updated on laws and guidelines is crucial for ensuring quality and safety. Leadership skills and the ability to motivate others are vital for driving change and creating engagement within teams. Finally, building networks and participating in industry events helps stay current with developments in the field.
Key facts about diet economists
- Education level: Bachelor's degree in dietetics (3 years)
- Work environment: Administrative and operational, often in the public sector
- Demand: 123 job openings in Sweden (2024)
- Typical employment: Permanent, daytime hours
- Special skills: Nutrition, leadership, food hygiene
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a diet economist can advance to senior roles such as head of nutrition, meal developer, or operations manager within larger organizations. There are also opportunities to specialize in areas like special diets, sustainability, or education. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, demand for diet economists remains strong, especially in the public sector where the need is expected to increase alongside a focus on public health and sustainable meals. The profession is thus a stable choice with good future prospects for those interested in food, health, and leadership.
Frequently asked questions about diet economists
- What does a diet economist earn?
- A diet economist has an average salary of 41 600 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, education, and sector. - What education is required to become a diet economist?
- Usually a bachelor's degree in dietetics or similar, often three years of studies at college or university. - Are there salary differences between women and men?
- Yes, women earn an average of 42 400 SEK, but specific data about men is not available. - What is the job market like for diet economists?
- The demand is good, with 123 job openings reported in Sweden during 2024. - What are the tasks of a diet economist?
- Tasks include planning, managing meal operations, menu development, and budget management. - What career paths are available within the profession?
- Diet economists can advance to roles such as head of nutrition, meal developer, or operations manager after some years of experience. - What personal qualities are important for a diet economist?
- Analytical skills, accuracy, leadership, and an interest in food and health are key qualities.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 41400 kr | 41600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 38400 kr | 38400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 102% | 40700 kr | 40700 kr |
| 45-54 | 105% | 40900 kr | 41100 kr |
| 55-64 | 108% | 39400 kr | 39600 kr |
| 65-68 | 36300 kr | 36500 kr | |
| Snitt | 104% | 40200 kr | 40300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 100% | 38400 kr | 38400 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 38500 kr | 38800 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 36500 kr | 36800 kr |
| 65-68 | 37300 kr | 37500 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 37700 kr | 37900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 38600 kr | 38700 kr | |
| 35-44 | 98% | 42100 kr | 42100 kr |
| 45-54 | 103% | 42800 kr | 42800 kr |
| 55-64 | 43200 kr | 43200 kr | |
| Snitt | 101% | 41900 kr | 41900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 40000 kr | 40000 kr | |
| 45-54 | 105% | 43600 kr | 43700 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 41700 kr | 41700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 102% | 40100 kr | 40100 kr |
| 45-54 | 105% | 39500 kr | 39800 kr |
| 55-64 | 108% | 37200 kr | 37200 kr |
| Snitt | 104% | 39100 kr | 39300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 100% | 38400 kr | 38400 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 38400 kr | 38800 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 37200 kr | 37200 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 38000 kr | 38200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 98% | 42700 kr | 42700 kr |
| 45-54 | 103% | 41900 kr | 41900 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 41500 kr | 41500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 105% | 42400 kr | 42500 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 41700 kr | 41700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 42200 kr | 42400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 38200 kr | 38300 kr | |
| 35-44 | 102% | 41000 kr | 41000 kr |
| 45-54 | 105% | 41800 kr | 41800 kr |
| 55-64 | 108% | 40000 kr | 40300 kr |
| 65-68 | 35900 kr | 35900 kr | |
| Snitt | 104% | 40600 kr | 40700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 100% | 38400 kr | 38400 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 38600 kr | 38700 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 36100 kr | 36600 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 37300 kr | 37600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 38500 kr | 38600 kr | |
| 35-44 | 98% | 42000 kr | 42000 kr |
| 45-54 | 103% | 43000 kr | 43000 kr |
| 55-64 | 43500 kr | 43500 kr | |
| Snitt | 101% | 42000 kr | 42000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 40000 kr | 40000 kr | |
| 45-54 | 105% | 44500 kr | 44600 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 41700 kr | 41800 kr |
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 Kostekonom has the SSYK code 3452, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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