How much does a Environmental protection officer make

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  2. Environmental protection officer
Image that illustrates Environmental protection officer

Environmental protection officer

41 000 kr

Environmental and health protection inspectors

34 000 - 48 700 kr / month

Women earn 97% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Environmental protection officer

Average salary 41 000 kr
Males 41 800 kr
Females 40 700 kr
2 Likes 0 Comments 12 Vacant jobs ->

What does an environmental protection officer do? – Tasks and work environment

An environmental protection officer works to ensure that operations comply with the Environmental Code and other environmental laws and regulations. Tasks include reviewing permit applications, handling cases related to environmentally hazardous activities, conducting inspections, and providing advice and information to companies and individuals. The role often involves close collaboration with other authorities, businesses, and the public. Most work is office-based, but field visits and on-site inspections are regular.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for environmental protection officers has shown a clear upward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 38,000 SEK per month, increasing to 39 900 SEK in 2023. The latest data for 2024 shows an average salary of 41 000 SEK per month, representing an overall increase of about 8% over the three-year period. This positive salary trend can be linked to increased awareness of environmental issues in society and a growing need for expertise in supervision and environmental law matters. The demand for qualified officers has contributed to rising salaries, especially in regions with high competition for labor.

Environmental protection officer salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 41 000 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 34,000 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 48,700 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 246 SEK
  • Women's average salary: 40 700 SEK/month (97% of men's salary)
  • Men's average salary: 41 800 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Variations occur, mainly depending on labor market and sector

Education and qualifications

The path to working as an environmental protection officer usually involves a relevant university degree, typically in environmental science, biology, chemistry, or urban planning. Many employers also value experience in regulatory work or environmental legal issues. Internships during studies and continuous skills development through courses and certifications can be crucial for employability.

  • University degree: Environmental science, biology, or similar (3–5 years)
  • Courses in environmental law: Often advantageous
  • Internships or trainee programs: Common and valuable
  • Prerequisites: Scientific or technical background
  • Further education: Possible via workplace or online

Environmental protection officers often have the opportunity to influence society's development directly through environmental assessments and supervision. The role sometimes requires balancing different interests, where good communication skills are crucial to succeed in dialogue between companies, authorities, and the public.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Most employers offer benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and options for remote work. Occupational pension, skills development, and extra vacation days are also common in both public and private sectors. In addition to base salary, some officers receive allowances for unsocial hours or special tasks.

Competition and challenges

The competitive situation for environmental protection officers is characterized by a balanced national market, meaning there is neither a shortage nor an oversupply of labor in the profession. The number of available positions remains relatively stable, and the Swedish Public Employment Service assesses job opportunities as moderate, with an outlook of unchanged demand over the next five years. Challenges in the profession can arise from legislative changes, increased documentation requirements, or complex cases requiring collaboration among several parties. Meeting these challenges requires broad knowledge and the ability to quickly adapt to new regulations.

Tips for those who want to become environmental protection officers

To succeed as an environmental protection officer, it’s beneficial to combine analytical skills with an interest in societal issues and environmental protection. Precision is crucial when handling cases correctly, while good communication skills aid in dialogue with various stakeholders. A structured approach helps manage multiple cases simultaneously, and strong teamwork skills are important since the work often involves collaboration with other authorities. Flexibility is needed to quickly adapt to changes in legislation or procedures, and genuine engagement with environmental issues provides motivation in daily work. Continual education and staying updated on current environmental topics also strengthen competitiveness on the job market.

Key facts about environmental protection officers

  • Education level: University degree in environment, natural sciences, or engineering
  • Work environment: Office-based with regular field visits
  • Working method: Regulatory work, often within the public sector
  • Demand: Moderate opportunities, stable outlook
  • Special skills: Environmental law, supervision, and communication

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an environmental protection officer, there are good opportunities for further development, such as roles as senior officer, environmental strategist, or team leader within environmental agencies. Some choose to specialize in supervising specific activities, while others move into consultancy or government agencies. The Swedish Public Employment Service forecasts that demand for professionals in the field will remain unchanged in the coming five years, with a balanced job market and approximately 143 available positions. This provides a stable foundation for both new and experienced officers to grow in the profession.

Frequently asked questions about environmental protection officers

  • What does an environmental protection officer earn?
    - The average salary is 41 000 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 246 SEK.
  • What education is required to become an environmental protection officer?
    - A university degree in environmental science, biology, chemistry, or similar is strongly recommended.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn 97% of what men do in the profession.
  • What is the job market like for environmental protection officers?
    - The job market is balanced and the outlook is stable according to the Swedish Public Employment Service.
  • What are the tasks of an environmental protection officer?
    - Handling cases under the Environmental Code, inspections, advising, and supervision.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary in the profession?
    - The highest salary is 48 700 SEK/month and the lowest is 34 000 SEK/month.
  • What benefits are common for environmental protection officers?
    - Wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and opportunities for skills development are common.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-11-13 04:56:56

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Environmental protection officer is 48700 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a unspecified education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 48100 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Environmental protection officer is 34000 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 38200 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 96% 38000 kr 38100 kr
35-44 99% 40700 kr 40800 kr
45-54 100% 42700 kr 42800 kr
55-64 98% 43600 kr 43800 kr
Snitt 97% 40900 kr 41000 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 Environmental protection officer has the SSYK code 2182, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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