Bailiffs

What does a Kronofogde do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Kronofogde works to ensure that unpaid debts and judgments are enforced according to Swedish law. The profession involves investigating and making decisions about debt collection, conducting seizures, and handling cases related to payment orders. The work requires continuous contact with both individuals and companies, which demands high standards of legal certainty, integrity, and good communication skills. The work environment is primarily office-based, but fieldwork occurs during seizures. The role often involves a fast pace and managing complex situations where legal and human aspects must be balanced.

Salary development over time

The salary for a Kronofogde has shown steady and clear growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 42,300 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 44 400 SEK, representing approximately a 5% increase. In 2024, the average salary reached 48 900 SEK, which indicates a further rise of about 10% from the previous year. This positive trend can be linked to increased demand for legal expertise in the public sector and general salary adjustments to retain qualified staff. The salary development has been somewhat stronger than the average for similar legal professions, possibly due to a growing need for specialized knowledge regarding debt and legal processes.

Kronofogde salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 48 900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 36,000 SEK/month (female, private employee, pre-secondary education)
• Highest salary: 72,800 SEK/month (male, private employee, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Hourly wage (average): 294 SEK
• Gender differences: Men earn 53 100 SEK, women 46 900 SEK (women earn 88% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Varies, but highest salaries are often found in metropolitan regions

Education and qualifications

To work as a Kronofogde, a law degree is generally required, which entails at least 4.5 years of university studies. After graduation, internships or trainee programs at the Swedish Enforcement Authority are often necessary, including internal training and supervision. In addition to formal education, experience in legal work and the ability to handle complex cases are valued. Specialized courses in procedural law or public administration can be advantageous and increase employment opportunities.

• Law degree: 4.5 years (university)
• Internship/trainee program: Usually 6–12 months at the Swedish Enforcement Authority
• Specialized courses: Procedural law, public administration
• Prerequisites: Eligibility for law studies (basic + special eligibility)
• Advice for choosing: Education in political science or economics can be advantageous

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for a Kronofogde include occupational pension, wellness allowance, and flexible working hours. Additional compensations may include subsidized lunches, extra vacation days, and the possibility of remote work depending on the employer. Within the public sector, there are often good opportunities for skills development and further training.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a Kronofogde is relatively high, especially in metropolitan areas where salaries are highest. The number of job openings in the group of other lawyers, including Kronofogde, is currently 758 according to recent statistics. One of the biggest challenges in the profession is handling difficult conversations and conflict situations professionally. Balancing legal certainty and empathy requires experience and psychological maturity. The regulatory framework is extensive, demanding ongoing training. Another challenge is that workload can vary significantly depending on economic conditions and legislative changes.

Tips for aspiring Kronofogde

To succeed as a Kronofogde, it is beneficial to combine legal expertise with strong communication skills. A structured approach facilitates managing complex cases, and precision is essential when making official decisions. Developing an empathetic attitude helps in meeting individuals in vulnerable situations and contributes to professional interactions. Initiative and stress resilience are important qualities when the pace is high and priorities constantly shift. It is recommended to seek internships in the public sector early to build relevant experience and networks. Staying updated on legislative changes and participating in training offered by the agency is also wise. A commitment to social issues and legal certainty makes studies and future career easier.

Key facts about Kronofogde

• Educational level: Law degree (4.5 years)
• Professional group: Other lawyers
• Number of job openings in the group: 758
• Work environment: Office-based, sometimes fieldwork
• Common employer: Swedish Enforcement Authority

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as a Kronofogde, there are opportunities to advance to managerial roles within the agency or specialize in areas such as bankruptcy administration or international enforcement. Transitioning to other legal professions, such as court lawyer or advisor in banking and finance, is also common. The future outlook is stable, although the Swedish Public Employment Service does not make a separate assessment for Kronofogde due to limited data. The demand for legal expertise in the public sector is expected to remain, especially with increased focus on debt restructuring and legal certainty. The broad skill set within the profession also allows for transitioning to related roles in both private and public sectors.

Frequently asked questions about Kronofogde

• What does a Kronofogde earn?
  - A Kronofogde has an average salary of 48 900 SEK per month, but this varies depending on experience and region.
• What education is required to become a Kronofogde?
  - A law degree from university (4.5 years) is required, often supplemented with internships or trainee programs at the Swedish Enforcement Authority.
• What are the gender differences in salary?
  - Men earn on average 53 100 SEK, while women earn 46 900 SEK, which means women earn approximately 88% of men's salaries.
• Are there many job openings for Kronofogde?
  - Currently, there are 758 job openings in the group of other lawyers, including Kronofogde.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a Kronofogde?
  - The highest salary is 72,800 SEK and the lowest is 36,000 SEK, depending on education level, experience, and employer.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Empathy, legal certainty, accuracy, stress resilience, and professional communication are key qualities for the profession.