How much does a Lay judge make

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Lay judge

41 100 kr

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33 500 - 41 400 kr / month

Women earn 91% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Lay judge

Average salary 41 100 kr
Males 44 400 kr
Females 40 200 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 7 Vacant jobs ->

What does a Lay Judge do? – Tasks and Work Environment

Lay Judges are individuals without formal legal education who are appointed to participate in judgments at certain courts, often in district or administrative courts. Their tasks involve making decisions in cases and matters alongside professional judges, bringing a public perspective. The work takes place in a court environment characterized by formality and objectivity. Lay Judges are expected to be engaged in societal issues and to have integrity, as the role involves significant responsibility for legal certainty.

Salary development over time

Lay Judges' salaries have shown a steady increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,750 SEK per month, rising to 35 700 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has increased further to 36,500 SEK, representing a total salary increase of approximately 5% over the period. This trend can be linked to increased demand for fair legal processes and a growing need for socially engaged judges. The market is also influenced by general salary adjustments within the public sector and a focus on gender equality, although gender gaps remain. The salary development indicates that the profession continues to be relevant and valued, especially given society's demands for justice and transparency.

Lay Judge salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 41 100 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 33,500 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 41,400 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 247 SEK
  • Women earn: 40,200 SEK/month (91% of what men earn)
  • Men earn: 44 400 SEK/month

Education and qualifications

To become a Lay Judge, no formal legal degree is required; the appointment is based on trust and societal engagement. Usually, Lay Judges are appointed by political bodies, often the municipal council, and experience from community work, societal activities, or employment is advantageous. Personal suitability, good judgment, and a basic understanding of the judicial system are required.

  • Formal requirements: Swedish citizenship and over 18 years of age
  • Appointment: Appointed by municipality or county council
  • Prerequisites: Societal engagement, good judgment
  • Introductory training: Short training provided by the court
  • Experience: Trust assignments, community involvement, or work experience

Many Lay Judges testify that the role provides a unique insight into legal processes and enhances the ability to argue objectively. The role involves both societal engagement and the opportunity to influence judicial decisions directly.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Lay Judges often receive compensation for lost income, travel expenses, and per diems during service. In some cases, training and networking opportunities with other judges are also offered. The benefits are primarily practical and aim to facilitate participation in court work.

Competition and challenges

The number of appointments for Lay Judges is limited and made through political elections, creating competition for positions. Challenges include balancing engagement with other employment and quickly understanding complex legal cases. Additional difficulties may involve maintaining impartiality and incorporating societal perspectives in court work. Integrity and decision-making under pressure are essential. Despite this, demand remains stable, with 620 available positions according to the latest statistics. For those appointed, it offers a meaningful opportunity to influence the justice system.

Tips for aspiring Lay Judges

To succeed as a Lay Judge, being socially engaged and genuinely interested in justice is beneficial. Attention to detail is crucial, as it involves studying case materials and understanding legal reasoning. Good collaboration skills facilitate working with professional judges and other laypersons, while integrity is vital for resisting external pressures. Being solution-oriented and analytical makes it easier to contribute to well-founded decisions. Engaging in community or political activities can help build experience and networks. Finally, openness to new perspectives supports personal development and fosters trust both inside and outside the courtroom.

Key facts about Lay Judges

  • Education level: No formal legal education required
  • Work environment: Court setting with high demands for objectivity
  • Work form: Appointment, often part-time alongside other employment
  • Demand: 620 available positions within the profession
  • Common background: Trust assignments or societal engagement

Career paths and future prospects

After gaining some experience as a Lay Judge, there may be opportunities to undertake more qualified roles within the judicial system, such as becoming a lay assessor in higher courts or within specialized courts. Many combine their engagement with other societal roles or leadership positions within community organizations and public administration. The employment agency's forecast indicates continued stable demand, especially as the justice system values diversity and public insight. The role can also serve as a stepping stone to other positions in politics or social services, where experience with legal processes is valuable.

Frequently asked questions about Lay Judges

  • What does a Lay Judge earn?
    - The average salary for a Lay Judge is 41 100 SEK per month.
  • How to become a Lay Judge?
    - Appointment by the municipality or county council and an interest in societal issues are required.
  • Does a Lay Judge need legal education?
    - No, no formal legal education is required.
  • What are the tasks of a Lay Judge?
    - Participates in court hearings and helps make decisions with professional judges.
  • Are there gender pay gaps?
    - Yes, women earn 91% of what men do.
  • What benefits are included?
    - Compensation for lost income, travel, and training.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - Stable demand with 620 available jobs according to the latest statistics.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-13 14:09:56

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Lay judge is 41400 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 33500 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Lay judge is 33500 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 40200 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
45-54 34900 kr 38900 kr
55-64 33900 kr 36100 kr
Snitt 84% 33400 kr 36500 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 Lay judge has the SSYK code 4430, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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