Field assistant, municipality

What does a municipal land assistant do – tasks and work environment

A land assistant in the municipality works with administrative and practical tasks related to land and development issues. The role often involves assisting land engineers and other specialists with case management, drafting and archiving agreements, handling property matters, and maintaining contact with residents, companies, and authorities. The work environment is typically office-based, with close collaboration among colleagues in technology, urban planning, and finance. Flexibility and the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously are important qualities, as the tasks can vary quickly depending on the municipality's current needs and development plans.

Salary development over time

The salary for municipal land assistants has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,000 SEK per month, increasing to 34 300 SEK in 2023 and further to 35 600 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total salary increase of approximately 7.8% over the period. The development reflects, among other things, an increased focus on competence supply within the public sector, and municipalities have had to compete for administrative staff as retirement waves increase. Salary growth has also been influenced by general wage trends in other office professions and a somewhat increased demand for personnel with knowledge in land and development law.

Municipal land assistant salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 35 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 27,100 SEK/month (male, government sector)
• Highest salary: 54,200 SEK/month (female, public sector, research degree)
• Hourly wage: 214 SEK/hour
• Women earn: 99% of men's salary (35 500 SEK compared to 35 900 SEK)
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on the size and region of the municipality, but specific figures are not available.

Education and qualifications

To work as a land assistant in the municipality, a high school diploma with an administrative or urban development focus is usually required, supplemented by post-secondary courses in property law, economics, or public administration. Practical experience from similar administrative roles is often advantageous. In some municipalities, vocational training or university studies in urban planning, law, or geography can be beneficial.

• High school diploma: Social sciences, economics, or engineering
• Post-secondary courses: Property law, public administration, economics
• Vocational college/university: Urban planning, law, geography (2–3 years)
• Internship/Trainee: Common in larger municipalities
• Certifications: Not formally required, but courses in public procurement or GIS can be advantageous

Common benefits and compensations

Municipal land assistants are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexitime, and the possibility of remote work. Other common compensations include subsidized lunch, professional development, and extra vacation days depending on employment duration and collective agreements.

Competitions and challenges

The job market for municipal land assistants is characterized by moderate competition and a balance between supply and demand. There are a total of 758 job openings in the profession, but demand is expected to decrease over five years according to the Swedish Employment Agency's forecasts. Digitalization and streamlining of administrative processes may influence the need for staff, while retirement waves and increased requirements for competence in land and development issues create new opportunities. For those looking to establish themselves in the field, it is important to stay updated on new work methods and digital tools.

Tips for those who want to become a municipal land assistant

To succeed as a municipal land assistant, it is good to combine accuracy with strong communication skills and a genuine interest in societal issues. Being organized facilitates handling multiple projects and cases simultaneously, while flexibility makes it easier to adapt to changing priorities. An analytical mindset helps quickly understand new regulations and agreements, and good collaboration skills are essential for working across functions with colleagues and external parties. Keeping up to date with digital tools and administrative systems can be advantageous during recruitment, and a proactive attitude helps identify and solve problems before they escalate. Finally, demonstrating engagement in the municipality's development and urban planning issues is important.

Key facts about municipal land assistants

• Education level: High school diploma + post-secondary courses
• Work environment: Office-based, project-oriented
• Job market: 758 job openings in the profession
• Future prospects: Moderate opportunities, decreasing demand over time
• Salary level: Equal gender distribution, small salary differences

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years as a municipal land assistant, there may be opportunities to advance to roles such as land engineer, project manager in urban development, or case officer with expanded responsibilities. Some choose to further educate themselves in property law, urban planning, or geographic information systems (GIS) to broaden their career options. According to the Swedish Employment Agency's forecasts, job opportunities in the profession are moderate nationally, but demand is expected to decrease over five years. Digitalization and automation of administrative tasks may influence the need, while retirement waves continue to create some demand for new employees.

Frequently asked questions about municipal land assistants

• What does a municipal land assistant earn?
  - A municipal land assistant has an average salary of 35 600 SEK per month.
• Are there significant salary differences between genders?
  - Women earn 99% of men's salaries, which indicates small salary differences.
• What education is required to become a municipal land assistant?
  - A high school diploma with an administrative or urban development focus, supplemented by post-secondary courses, is recommended.
• What does the job market look like?
  - There are 758 job openings, and opportunities are considered moderate, but demand is expected to decrease.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for municipal land assistants?
  - The highest salary is 54,200 SEK/month (female, public sector, research degree), the lowest is 27,100 SEK/month (male, government sector).
• What benefits are common?
  - Common benefits include occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexitime, and remote work options.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Accuracy, communication skills, and analytical thinking are important qualities for the profession.