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Kostekonom

41 600 kr

Large household supervisors

36 400 - 45 400 kr / month

Hotell, restaurang

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Kostekonom

Average salary 41 600 kr
Males 0 kr
Females 42 400 kr

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.

– statsskuld.se

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.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Kostekonom is 45400 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 43200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Kostekonom is 36400 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 36600 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
Snitt 41400 kr 41600 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 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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