Länsbostadsdirektör

What does a County Housing Director do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A County Housing Director is responsible for leading, coordinating, and developing housing policy at the county level. The work involves ensuring regional housing needs are met, often in collaboration with municipalities, authorities, and industry. Typical tasks include strategic planning of housing supply, analyzing market trends, preparing reports, and driving projects to increase accessibility and sustainability in the housing sector. The role requires strong leadership skills, experience in complex negotiations, and the ability to balance political and economic interests. The work environment is primarily office-based but may also involve travel and participation in external meetings.

Salary development over time

The salary for a County Housing Director has shown a relatively stable but slightly fluctuating trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 70,200 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 73 700 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has slightly decreased to 72 900 SEK. This approximately 3.8% increase between 2022 and 2024 reflects continued demand for skills in management and planning roles, but also some adjustment to economic conditions and budget constraints in the public sector. The slight decline in the past year may be linked to efficiency requirements and changes in the housing market. Despite this, the profession remains on a high and competitive salary structure compared to similar leadership roles in the public sector.

County Housing Director salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 72 900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 50,000 SEK/month (men), 53,900 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 156,100 SEK/month (men), 131,700 SEK/month (women)
• Hourly wage: 439 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 101% of what men do (73 200 SEK vs 72 700 SEK)
• Regional differences: Data varies, but higher salaries are often found in metropolitan regions

Education and qualifications

To work as a County Housing Director, a university degree in urban planning, law, or economics is usually required, often complemented by several years of leadership experience within public administration or the housing sector. The role demands strategic competence, analytical ability, and a broad network. Advanced knowledge of housing policy and experience in complex collaboration projects are particularly advantageous.

• Formal education: Bachelor's or master's degree in urban planning, law, or economics (3–5 years)
• Certifications: Leadership training and project management courses are meritorious
• Practical experience: Several years of senior management experience within the public sector or housing organizations
• Prerequisites: Very good knowledge of legislation and public administration
• Tips for selection: Engagement in housing issues and networking during studies increase competitiveness

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for a County Housing Director include occupational pension, generous holiday terms, and wellness contributions. In some cases, additional benefits such as company cars, professional development, and flexible working hours are offered. Higher management roles within the public sector may also include extra vacation weeks and leadership development as part of the compensation package.

Competitions and challenges

The competition for positions as a County Housing Director is high, as the number of available roles is limited and recruitment processes are often extensive. Challenges in the profession include balancing political priorities with economic realities, managing changing housing markets, and driving long-term projects with many stakeholders. The role requires constantly updated knowledge of legislation and external analysis, as well as the ability to act in a climate characterized by rapid changes and high demands for transparency.

Tips for aspiring County Housing Directors

To succeed as a County Housing Director, having a genuine interest in societal issues and an analytical mindset is beneficial. Building a broad network during your studies and gaining early experience in the public sector provides a strong foundation. Engagement and perseverance are crucial for handling long and complex processes, while good communication skills help in anchoring decisions and creating consensus among different actors. Leadership and integrity are necessary to navigate politically driven environments, and flexibility is important to adapt to changing circumstances. Keeping updated on laws and trends within the housing sector also increases competitiveness in the profession.

Key facts about County Housing Directors

• Education level: Bachelor's or master's degree in urban planning, law, or economics
• Work environment: Office-based with travel and external meetings
• Work form: Full-time, often permanent employment in the public sector
• Demand: 175 available jobs within the profession in current database
• Gender distribution: Women have a slightly higher average salary than men (101%)

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a County Housing Director, opportunities exist to advance to senior management roles, such as regional director or director-general within state or municipal sectors. Other common career paths include advisory roles in housing policy, consulting, or strategic development at the national level. The employment service assesses the outlook for management and planning roles as favorable, with continued demand for experienced leaders in housing issues due to complex societal challenges and ongoing urbanization. Skills in change management and digitalization are becoming increasingly important for future career advancement.

Frequently asked questions about County Housing Directors

• What does a County Housing Director earn?
  - A County Housing Director has an average salary of 72 900 SEK per month.
• What are the lowest and highest salaries for a County Housing Director?
  - The lowest salary is 50,000 SEK, and the highest is 156,100 SEK per month, depending on education, sector, and experience.
• Are there gender differences in salary?
  - Yes, women earn on average 101% of what men do within the profession.
• What education is required to become a County Housing Director?
  - Usually a bachelor's or master's degree in urban planning, law, or economics, along with leadership experience.
• What is the job market like for County Housing Directors?
  - Demand is stable with 175 available jobs according to current data.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Analytical skills, leadership, strong communication, and resilience are central qualities.
• What benefits are offered in the profession?
  - Common benefits include occupational pension, wellness contributions, flexible working hours, and sometimes company cars.