How much does a Vicar make

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Vicar

67 600 kr

Managers and leaders in religious communities

65 600 - 69 100 kr / month

Women earn 95% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Vicar

Average salary 67 600 kr
Males 69 100 kr
Females 65 600 kr
2 Likes 0 Comments 1 Vacant jobs ->

What does a kyrkoherde do? – Tasks and work environment

A kyrkoherde is the highest leader within a parish in the Church of Sweden and has overall responsibility for both spiritual and administrative work. Tasks include leading staff, finances, operational planning, and developing parish life. The kyrkoherde also handles church ceremonies, services, and is often a central contact for parish members during life events such as baptisms, weddings, and funerals. The work environment is varied, involving office work as well as presence in churches and at public events. Leadership skills and the ability to handle different people and situations are crucial in this profession.

Salary development over time

The salary for a kyrkoherde has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 63,100 kronor, rising the following year to 66 700 kronor. In 2024, the average salary has continued to rise to 67 600 kronor, representing an increase of approximately 7.1% over three years. This development can partly be explained by increased focus on leadership, administrative demands, and professional development within the church organizations, as well as a need to retain and attract qualified leaders in competition with other sectors. Salary increases have been somewhat uneven between genders, with men earning higher average salaries than women, reflecting ongoing challenges in gender equality within the profession.

Kyrkoherde salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 67 600 kr/month
  • Lowest salary: 65,600 kr/month
  • Highest salary: 69,100 kr/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 407 kr
  • Women earn: 65,600 kr/month (95 % of men's salary)
  • Men earn: 69,100 kr/month
  • Regional differences: Data unavailable for specific regions

Education and qualifications

To work as a kyrkoherde, a comprehensive education in theology and leadership training is required. The path typically begins with a degree in theology, followed by practical priest training and several years of service as a priest. Further training in leadership and parish economics is also common. Experience within the church, strong administrative skills, and social competence are key qualifications.

  • Theology degree: 3 years
  • Pastoral training/internship: 1–1.5 years
  • Further leadership training: Commonly undertaken
  • Several years of priest experience: Recommended
  • Approved by bishop and chapter: Mandatory for appointment

Many kyrkoherde actively engage in community involvement and collaboration with other actors, such as schools, social services, and voluntary organizations. This makes the profession both complex and socially relevant, beyond the purely ecclesiastical duties.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Kyrkoherde are often offered generous pension contributions, extra vacation days, wellness stipends, and opportunities for further training. Company cars or car allowances may be provided, as well as reimbursement for representation and work-related travel. Flexible working hours and support for work-life balance are also common within the profession.

Competition and challenges

The competition for kyrkoherde positions is relatively high, especially in larger cities and attractive parishes. Challenges include managing complex personnel issues, financial responsibilities, and high expectations from parishioners and employers. Changes within the Church of Sweden and societal views on religion also influence the role. The ability to lead change and adapt to new working methods is increasingly important. Good communication skills are necessary to meet different groups and age ranges within the parish. Balancing administrative tasks with spiritual leadership demands high competence and personal maturity.

Tips for aspiring kyrkoherde

To succeed as a kyrkoherde, it is beneficial to combine theological expertise with strong leadership and empathy. Gaining early experience as a priest and engaging in various parish activities provides a solid foundation. The ability to listen and communicate with people in different life situations is crucial, as is handling administrative and financial matters in a structured way. Curiosity and a willingness to develop oneself and the parish are important qualities, along with patience for long-term change processes. Actively pursuing further education in leadership and conflict management can make a significant difference. Finally, integrity and the ability to stand by one's values are vital resources in the role of kyrkoherde.

Key facts about kyrkoherde

  • Education level: Theology degree + pastoral training
  • Work environment: Parish/church with administrative and social elements
  • Typical employment: Permanent, often full-time
  • Demand: 175 available jobs (2024) according to the Swedish Public Employment Service
  • Special skills: Leadership, finance, and parish theology

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a kyrkoherde, opportunities open for larger leadership roles, such as dean or diocesan deputy. Some choose to advance to executive positions within regional or national church organizations. The outlook is considered stable, with continued demand for experienced and committed leaders within the faith community. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, there are currently 175 available jobs in the profession, indicating a relatively healthy job market. Digitalization and changing work practices are expected to influence the role, while the need for qualified leadership remains. Additional career options include educational roles or expert positions within the national church organization.

Frequently asked questions about kyrkoherde

  • What does a kyrkoherde earn?
    - A kyrkoherde has an average salary of 67 600 kronor per month.
  • Are there salary differences between genders?
    - Yes, men earn on average 69,100 kronor and women 65,600 kronor per month.
  • What education is required to become a kyrkoherde?
    - A degree in theology, pastoral training, and several years of priest experience are required.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - The job market is stable with 175 available positions according to recent statistics.
  • What are the most common job duties?
    - Leading parish work, personnel responsibility, finances, and ceremonies.
  • What are the career paths?
    - After a few years, one can progress to larger parishes, diocesan roles, or national assignments.
  • What is the average hourly salary?
    - The average hourly wage is 407 kronor.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-11-13 04:25:13

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Vicar is 69100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a unspecified education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 65600 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Vicar is 65600 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 69100 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
Snitt 95% 66400 kr 67600 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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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 Vicar has the SSYK code 1540, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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Salary, Taxes, and Fees
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Net salary
31 377
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Fees
12 129

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