County Council Secretary

What does a county council secretary do? – Tasks and work environment

A county council secretary primarily manages and coordinates cases within the region's or county's operations. Tasks include preparing cases for political decisions, minute-taking at meetings, handling documentation and filing, as well as contact with politicians, officials, and the public. The role requires high accuracy, integrity, and excellent communication skills both orally and in writing. The work environment is typically office-based, often fast-paced, with demands to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Digital tools and administrative systems are a natural part of daily work, which is performed both independently and in close collaboration with colleagues and decision-makers.

Salary development over time

The salary development for county council secretaries has been stable but clearly positive over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,200 SEK per month, increasing to 44 700 in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen to 46 500, which is approximately a 7.6% increase over the period. This trend reflects a growing demand for qualified administrators in the public sector and a general upward pressure on salaries within the group of planners and investigators. Salary gaps between genders have persisted, and differences in education level and sector continue to influence both entry and top levels. The development can also be attributed to increased complexity in tasks and demands for digital skills.

County council secretary salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 46 500 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,200 SEK
• Highest salary: 60,200 SEK
• Hourly wage: 280 SEK
• Women: 45 300 SEK
• Men: 48 800 SEK
• Women's share of men's salary: 93%
• Regional differences: Variations exist, with higher salaries in metropolitan regions and within the municipal sector

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a county council secretary typically involves post-secondary education in public administration, political science, law, or similar fields. Many employers require a university degree and experience in administrative work, preferably within the public sector. Digital skills and excellent proficiency in Swedish are fundamental requirements. Practical experience from similar roles or work with case management and documentation is advantageous.

• University education: Political science, law, or public administration (3–4.5 years)
• Courses/certifications: Public law, document management, administrative knowledge
• Internship: Recommended within public administration or political management
• Prerequisites: Good Swedish language skills, digital competence
• Tips for choosing: Select programs focused on public sector for increased competitiveness

Common benefits and compensations

County council secretaries often have access to collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, and subsidized healthcare. Other common benefits include flexible working hours, remote work options, skills development, and generous vacation policies. In some cases, staff discounts and support for further education are also offered.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a county council secretary is assessed to be balanced, neither overly saturated nor scarce. The employment agency's forecasts for planners and investigators indicate medium opportunities and expectations of stability over the next five years. A challenge in the profession is the high pace and the precision required, especially when handling complex cases and large amounts of information. Digitalization and changing work processes also mean ongoing skills development is necessary to remain competitive. The ability to quickly familiarize oneself with new regulations and systems is crucial for success in the role.

Tips for aspiring county council secretaries

To succeed as a county council secretary, it is beneficial to have analytical skills and an interest in public administration. Developing good organizational skills helps manage multiple tasks, and accuracy is essential for proper documentation and minute-taking. Strong language skills, especially in Swedish, are a prerequisite for clear communication both written and spoken. Demonstrating service orientation and flexibility aids in contact with politicians and the public, and digital competence is a given since much of the work is in various administrative systems. Engagement and responsibility are personal qualities appreciated, and openness to change and new ways of working provide good opportunities for development within the profession.

Key facts about County Council Secretaries

• Educational level: University degree (3–4.5 years)
• Work environment: Office-based, often in the public sector
• Hourly wage: 280 SEK
• Demand: Moderate, balanced on the job market
• Gender differences: Women earn 93% of men's salaries

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a county council secretary, there are good opportunities to advance to more qualified administrative roles, such as investigator, board secretary, or administrative manager within the public sector. Some choose to specialize in areas like public law, case management, or digital information management. Forecasts from the employment agency show that demand for planners and investigators, including county council secretaries, is expected to remain unchanged over five years, and the recruitment situation is balanced. There are also opportunities to broaden skills through further education, increasing chances for leadership positions or expert roles within public administration.

Frequently asked questions about County Council Secretaries

• What is the average salary of a county council secretary?
  - A county council secretary has an average salary of 46 500 SEK per month.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a county council secretary?
  - The highest is 60,200 SEK and the lowest 30,200 SEK, depending on education, gender, and sector.
• What is the job market outlook for county council secretaries?
  - Opportunities are moderate and expected to stay stable over the next five years.
• What education is required to become a county council secretary?
  - Higher education in public administration, law, or political science is recommended.
• Is there a pay gap between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn 93% of men's salaries in the profession.
• Where are the highest salaries found?
  - The highest salaries are in metropolitan regions and within the municipal sector, especially for those with research qualifications.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Attention to detail, analytical ability, good communication skills, and digital competence are central qualities.