- Salary statistics
- Rural developers salary
Rural developers salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
30 400 - 62 400 SEK / month
Women earn 92% of what men do.
Administration, ekonomi
Related tools
Salary progression Rural developers
What does a rural development officer do? – Tasks and work environment
A rural development officer works with analyzing, planning, and leading projects that strengthen and develop rural areas. Tasks often involve collaboration with municipalities, entrepreneurs, associations, and residents to identify opportunities and challenges in rural regions. The role includes developing strategies for sustainable development, managing project funding, and monitoring results. The work environment is varied and may include both office work and field visits across the country, often focusing on dialogue and networking.
Salary development over time
Rural development officers have experienced steady salary increases over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,200 SEK per month, followed by 46 500 SEK in 2023 and 47 900 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 7.6% over the three-year period. This salary trend reflects an increased focus on rural issues and a growing need for qualified planners in the public sector and organizations. Continued demand for sustainable regional development and collaboration is believed to have contributed to this positive trend, although salary levels vary depending on experience, education, and employer sector.
Rural development officer salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 47 900 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 30,200 SEK/month (female, government sector, lower education)
- Highest salary: 60,200 SEK/month (male, municipal sector, doctoral degree)
- Hourly wage: 280 SEK/hour (average, hourly employed)
- Women: 46 600 SEK/month
- Men: 50 500 SEK/month
- Women’s salary as a percentage of men’s: 92%
Education and qualifications
To work as a rural development officer, a university degree in urban planning, agriculture, or related fields is usually required. Many employers value experience in project management and knowledge of rural issues and sustainable development. Internships and networking within the industry can facilitate entry into the job market.
- Formal degree: Bachelor's degree (3 years) in urban planning, agriculture, or similar
- Further education: Master's programs (2 years) in sustainable development or regional development are advantageous
- Internships: Experience from internships or projects in rural development provides a competitive edge
- Courses: Project management, environmental and rural issues are recommended
- Prerequisites: Basic eligibility and specific requirements depending on educational choice
Many rural development officers work in project form, which opens opportunities for collaboration with everything from local associations to international partners. The profession often involves travel and field meetings, making each day different.
Common benefits and allowances
Rural development officers are often offered benefits such as flexible working hours, remote work options, and professional development. Occupational pension, wellness allowances, and extra vacation days may be included, especially in the public sector. Some employers also support further education or participation in industry events and conferences.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as a rural development officer is considered medium-sized nationally, according to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts. The number of available jobs in the profession is relatively stable, with 758 advertised positions. An important challenge is staying updated on current trends in sustainable development, legislation, and funding opportunities. Although the recruitment situation is balanced, regional differences may exist depending on initiatives and projects in different parts of the country. Digitalization and demands for broad collaboration skills also impose new requirements on the profession.
Tips for those who want to become a rural development officer
To succeed as a rural development officer, it’s good to combine analytical skills with a genuine interest in community development. Building a strong network during studies and participating in relevant projects provide valuable experience. Engagement and communication skills are crucial for building trust and driving collaborations among stakeholders. It’s also important to be solution-oriented and adaptable to changing conditions, especially since projects are often influenced by external factors. Staying updated on new methods and digital tools helps strengthen professional competence. Curiosity, patience, and initiative are qualities highly valued by employers in the field.
Key facts about rural development officers
- Average salary: 47 900 SEK/month
- Education level: Bachelor's or master's degree
- Work environment: Combination of office and fieldwork
- Demand: Medium-sized, 758 job openings in the profession
- Gender salary gap: Women earn 92% of men's salaries
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a rural development officer can advance to more senior roles, such as project manager for larger development initiatives or coordinator at regional level. There are also opportunities to specialize in areas like environmental strategy, EU-funded projects, or business development. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the job market is stable with medium-sized opportunities for employment and an unchanged demand forecast for the next five years. The role can also serve as a stepping stone to managerial positions within rural or community development.
Frequently asked questions about rural development officers
- What does a rural development officer earn?
- A rural development officer has an average salary of 47 900 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience and employer. - What education is required to become a rural development officer?
- Usually, a bachelor's degree in urban planning, agriculture, or similar fields is required. - Are there gender salary differences within the profession?
- Yes, women earn on average 92% of what men do within the profession. - What is the job market like for rural development officers?
- The job market is considered medium-sized with a balanced recruitment situation and unchanged prospects in the coming years. - What are the main tasks of a rural development officer?
- Tasks include planning, coordinating, and managing projects for rural development, often in collaboration with various stakeholders. - Are there opportunities for career development?
- Yes, opportunities exist to advance to project leader, coordinator, or manager roles within rural development. - How large is the salary variation within the profession?
- Salaries range from 30,200 SEK to 60,200 SEK per month depending on education, sector, and experience.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 98% | 31500 kr | 32600 kr |
| 25-34 | 94% | 41200 kr | 41700 kr |
| 35-44 | 93% | 46200 kr | 46700 kr |
| 45-54 | 93% | 49700 kr | 50100 kr |
| 55-64 | 90% | 50900 kr | 51300 kr |
| 65-68 | 93% | 51400 kr | 51800 kr |
| Snitt | 92% | 47500 kr | 47900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 31100 kr | 32300 kr |
| 25-34 | 97% | 39900 kr | 40200 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 45300 kr | 45600 kr |
| 45-54 | 94% | 48800 kr | 49000 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 49900 kr | 50100 kr |
| 65-68 | 92% | 50400 kr | 50700 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 46700 kr | 46900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 97% | 33300 kr | 33500 kr |
| 25-34 | 97% | 39900 kr | 40200 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 46200 kr | 46600 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 50400 kr | 50600 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 52500 kr | 52700 kr |
| 65-68 | 91% | 51400 kr | 51600 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 48000 kr | 48200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 105% | 29300 kr | 31000 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 39100 kr | 39500 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 43100 kr | 43300 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 44800 kr | 45000 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 45000 kr | 45200 kr |
| 65-68 | 94% | 46000 kr | 46500 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 43300 kr | 43600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 86% | 35900 kr | 36800 kr |
| 25-34 | 93% | 42300 kr | 42500 kr |
| 35-44 | 93% | 47400 kr | 47600 kr |
| 45-54 | 94% | 51300 kr | 51500 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 52100 kr | 52400 kr |
| 65-68 | 88% | 56000 kr | 56200 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 49700 kr | 49900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 32800 kr | 33600 kr | |
| 25-34 | 94% | 44200 kr | 45100 kr |
| 35-44 | 86% | 49400 kr | 50300 kr |
| 45-54 | 91% | 53100 kr | 54300 kr |
| 55-64 | 87% | 55200 kr | 56500 kr |
| 65-68 | 59000 kr | 59900 kr | |
| Snitt | 90% | 50400 kr | 51500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 32800 kr | 33600 kr | |
| 25-34 | 94% | 44200 kr | 45100 kr |
| 35-44 | 86% | 49400 kr | 50300 kr |
| 45-54 | 91% | 53100 kr | 54300 kr |
| 55-64 | 87% | 55200 kr | 56500 kr |
| 65-68 | 59000 kr | 59900 kr | |
| Snitt | 90% | 50400 kr | 51500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 98% | 31700 kr | 33000 kr |
| 25-34 | 94% | 42700 kr | 43300 kr |
| 35-44 | 93% | 48200 kr | 48900 kr |
| 45-54 | 93% | 52000 kr | 52700 kr |
| 55-64 | 90% | 54300 kr | 55000 kr |
| 65-68 | 93% | 53500 kr | 53900 kr |
| Snitt | 92% | 49900 kr | 50500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 31200 kr | 32600 kr |
| 25-34 | 97% | 40800 kr | 41200 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 46500 kr | 47000 kr |
| 45-54 | 94% | 50700 kr | 51000 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 52700 kr | 53000 kr |
| 65-68 | 92% | 52800 kr | 53200 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 48500 kr | 48900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 97% | 34100 kr | 34200 kr |
| 25-34 | 97% | 40600 kr | 41100 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 47300 kr | 47800 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 52000 kr | 52300 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 55000 kr | 55300 kr |
| 65-68 | 91% | 53900 kr | 54200 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 49800 kr | 50200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 105% | 27900 kr | 30000 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 39700 kr | 40100 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 43800 kr | 44200 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 46500 kr | 46900 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 46900 kr | 47300 kr |
| 65-68 | 94% | 47900 kr | 48300 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 44600 kr | 45000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 86% | 38700 kr | 40400 kr |
| 25-34 | 93% | 44000 kr | 44400 kr |
| 35-44 | 93% | 49800 kr | 50100 kr |
| 45-54 | 94% | 53300 kr | 53600 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 55200 kr | 55500 kr |
| 65-68 | 88% | 60900 kr | 61500 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 51800 kr | 52200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 94% | 45900 kr | 46700 kr |
| 35-44 | 86% | 53900 kr | 55300 kr |
| 45-54 | 91% | 55700 kr | 57200 kr |
| 55-64 | 87% | 59000 kr | 60700 kr |
| Snitt | 90% | 53500 kr | 54900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 94% | 45900 kr | 46700 kr |
| 35-44 | 86% | 53900 kr | 55300 kr |
| 45-54 | 91% | 55700 kr | 57200 kr |
| 55-64 | 87% | 59000 kr | 60700 kr |
| Snitt | 90% | 53500 kr | 54900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 98% | 31400 kr | 32400 kr |
| 25-34 | 94% | 40400 kr | 40900 kr |
| 35-44 | 93% | 45300 kr | 45600 kr |
| 45-54 | 93% | 48600 kr | 48900 kr |
| 55-64 | 90% | 49100 kr | 49400 kr |
| 65-68 | 93% | 50100 kr | 50400 kr |
| Snitt | 92% | 46300 kr | 46600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 31100 kr | 32200 kr |
| 25-34 | 97% | 39500 kr | 39800 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 44800 kr | 45000 kr |
| 45-54 | 94% | 47900 kr | 48100 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 48500 kr | 48700 kr |
| 65-68 | 92% | 48800 kr | 49000 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 45800 kr | 46000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 97% | 33000 kr | 33200 kr |
| 25-34 | 97% | 39600 kr | 39900 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 45700 kr | 46000 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 49500 kr | 49700 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 51000 kr | 51100 kr |
| 65-68 | 91% | 49200 kr | 49300 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 47000 kr | 47200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 105% | 29700 kr | 31400 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 38900 kr | 39200 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 42800 kr | 43000 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 44200 kr | 44400 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 44200 kr | 44400 kr |
| 65-68 | 94% | 44900 kr | 45300 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 42800 kr | 43000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 86% | 34400 kr | 34700 kr |
| 25-34 | 93% | 41400 kr | 41500 kr |
| 35-44 | 93% | 46400 kr | 46500 kr |
| 45-54 | 94% | 50500 kr | 50700 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 51100 kr | 51300 kr |
| 65-68 | 88% | 54100 kr | 54200 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 48800 kr | 49000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 94% | 42900 kr | 43900 kr |
| 35-44 | 86% | 47100 kr | 47800 kr |
| 45-54 | 91% | 51400 kr | 52200 kr |
| 55-64 | 87% | 51900 kr | 52900 kr |
| Snitt | 90% | 48300 kr | 49200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 94% | 42900 kr | 43900 kr |
| 35-44 | 86% | 47100 kr | 47800 kr |
| 45-54 | 91% | 51400 kr | 52200 kr |
| 55-64 | 87% | 51900 kr | 52900 kr |
| Snitt | 90% | 48300 kr | 49200 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 Rural developers has the SSYK code 2422, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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