How much does a Lieutenant, the defense make

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  2. Lieutenant, the defense
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Lieutenant, the defense

51 300 kr

Officers

36 300 - 53 900 kr / month

Women earn 87% of what men do.

Militärt arbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Lieutenant, the defense

Average salary 51 300 kr
Males 52 000 kr
Females 45 300 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 20 Vacant jobs ->

What does a lieutenant in the armed forces do? – Tasks and work environment

A lieutenant in the armed forces plays a central role within the Swedish Armed Forces' command structure and is often responsible for leading smaller units, training soldiers, and planning and executing exercises and missions. The tasks are both practical and administrative, ranging from issuing orders to conducting tactical operations in the field. Lieutenants also serve as a link between soldiers and higher command, requiring good communication skills and leadership. The work environment varies between office work, training facilities, and field conditions, demanding adaptability and physical endurance.

Salary development over time

The salary for a lieutenant in the armed forces has shown a clear upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 47,500 SEK per month, which increased to 49 400 SEK in 2023 and further to 51 300 SEK in 2024. The total increase amounts to approximately 8% over three years, which is a stronger development than many other professions in the public sector. This positive salary trend is linked to an increased need for competent officers, higher educational requirements, and the Swedish Armed Forces' focus on retaining and attracting leadership talent. Additionally, the geopolitical situation globally has contributed to greater investments in defense and better conditions for professional officers.

Lieutenant in the armed forces salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 51 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 36,300 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 53,900 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 309 SEK
  • Women: 45 300 SEK/month (87% of men's salary)
  • Men: 52 000 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Data on regional salary differences are not available

Education and qualifications

To become a lieutenant in the armed forces, extensive education combining academic studies with military training is required. The most common route is completing the Officer Program at the Swedish Defence University, which includes practical training and service within the Swedish Armed Forces. In addition to formal education, specific courses, good physical condition, and relevant personal qualities are often necessary to succeed in the role.

  • Officer Program: 3 years of full-time studies at the Swedish Defence University
  • Specialized military courses: After completing basic training
  • Internship and service: Integrated into the education
  • Prerequisites: Complete secondary education and pass relevant tests
  • Further education: Opportunities for master's or doctoral studies for higher positions

A lieutenant often works in multinational environments and can participate in international missions, providing valuable experience in cross-border and cross-cultural collaboration.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Lieutenants in the armed forces often have access to benefits such as pension schemes, wellness allowances, subsidized meals, and sometimes favorable housing solutions at postings. Additional allowances and insurances are provided for international missions. Furthermore, training and professional development opportunities are frequently offered within the profession.

Competition and challenges

The job market for lieutenants in the armed forces is relatively stable, but competition for the most attractive positions can be high, especially in specialized areas and international missions. Challenges include high demands on physical and mental resilience, leadership under pressure, and the ability to make quick decisions. Since the role involves responsibility for others' safety and often working in demanding environments, candidates need to be prepared for a career characterized by continuous development and change.

Tips for those aspiring to become a lieutenant in the armed forces

To succeed as a lieutenant, it is beneficial to develop strong leadership skills and teamwork abilities, as much of the work involves leading and motivating others. Good physical condition and mental resilience are crucial, as the work often includes tough exercises and missions. Analytical skills aid in planning and problem-solving, while flexibility and stress tolerance make it easier to handle unforeseen situations. Being communicative and clear in leadership facilitates interaction with soldiers and superiors. Finally, demonstrating commitment to both the profession and the values upheld by the Swedish Armed Forces is important, as this is highly regarded during recruitment.

Key facts about Lieutenant in the armed forces

  • Educational level: Officer Program (3 years)
  • Work environment: Varies between office, training, and field
  • Typical work form: Full-time, often shifts and on-call duty
  • Demand: 39 registered job openings in the profession
  • Gender distribution: Women earn 87% of what men do

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a lieutenant, there are good opportunities to advance to higher officer ranks, such as captain or major, especially for those pursuing further education and demonstrating leadership potential. There are also opportunities to specialize in areas such as logistics, intelligence, or training. The Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast indicates continued stable demand for officers, particularly with increased investments in Swedish defense capabilities. International missions and civilian careers in the security industry are additional pathways for those wishing to broaden their expertise.

Frequently asked questions about Lieutenant in the armed forces

  • What does a Lieutenant in the armed forces earn?
    - The average salary is 51 300 SEK per month, but it varies depending on experience, education, and employer.
  • How does one become a lieutenant in the armed forces?
    - By completing the Officer Program at the Swedish Defence University and then undertaking practical training and service within the Swedish Armed Forces.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 87% of what men do within the profession.
  • What are the most common job tasks?
    - Leadership, training soldiers, planning and conducting exercises, as well as administrative tasks.
  • What are the future prospects for lieutenants?
    - Demand is stable with 39 registered job openings and good opportunities for career advancement within the armed forces.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for a lieutenant?
    - The highest salary is 53,900 SEK and the lowest is 36,300 SEK.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Leadership, resilience under stress, analytical skills, and good communication skills are highly valued.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 15:13:37

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Lieutenant, the defense is 53900 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Privately employed workers with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 53700 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Lieutenant, the defense is 36300 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 41200 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 39400 kr 41800 kr
35-44 48400 kr 50300 kr
45-54 55100 kr 57000 kr
55-64 56000 kr 57600 kr
Snitt 87% 49400 kr 51300 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 Lieutenant, the defense has the SSYK code 110, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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