Image that illustrates Minister, diplomat

Minister, diplomat

72 900 kr

Administrative and planning managers

50 000 - 156 100 kr / month

Women earn 101% of what men do.

Chefer & ledare

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Minister, diplomat

Average salary 72 900 kr
Males 72 700 kr
Females 73 200 kr

What do a minister and diplomat do – tasks and work environment

A minister or diplomat works to represent their country either at the national level within the government or internationally at embassies and consulates. Job responsibilities vary depending on specialization but often include leading negotiations, formulating political strategies, representing the state in international contexts, and analyzing global events. The role often requires decision-making under pressure, managing complex issues, and communicating effectively both verbally and in writing. The work environment is dynamic and characterized by a fast pace, many travels, and often long working hours, especially during international assignments or crisis situations.

Salary development over time

Salaries for ministers and diplomats have shown some variation over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 70,200 SEK per month. In 2023, the salary increased to 73 700 SEK, corresponding to an increase of about 5%. In 2024, the average salary has been adjusted slightly downward to 72 900 SEK per month. This slight decline may reflect changes in budget allocations, staff turnover, or an increased influx of qualified applicants, which influences salary setting. Over time, the profession remains well-paid and attractive, but the salary trend indicates that the market has stabilized after a previous rise.

Minister, diplomat salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 72 900 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 50,000 SEK (men), 53,900 SEK (women)
  • Highest salary: 156,100 SEK (men), 131,700 SEK (women)
  • Hourly wage: 439 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 101% of men's salary (women: 73 200 SEK, men: 72 700 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and qualifications

The path to a position as a minister or diplomat is long and usually requires both academic credentials and experience from public administration or international organizations. A university degree is a basic requirement, often supplemented with specialized courses in political science, law, or international relations. Many diplomatic positions also require internships and trainee programs, as well as excellent language skills.

  • Formal degree: Bachelor's (3 years) or master's (5 years) in political science, law, or international relations
  • Certifications/courses: Diplomatic training via the Ministry for Foreign Affairs or similar bodies
  • Internship/trainee: Recommended, often through the foreign service
  • Prerequisites: Very good knowledge of English and additional languages
  • Tips for choosing: Engage in international projects and network early

Many diplomats have the opportunity to work in several different countries during their careers, providing a unique insight into world politics and international relations. This experience can be invaluable for further careers in both public and private sectors. For those who enjoy constant exposure to new cultures and challenges, the profession is particularly rewarding.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and allowances

A minister or diplomat can expect extensive benefits beyond the base salary. These often include pension schemes, extra vacation days, free travel, representation allowances, and sometimes access to diplomatic housing or other accommodation benefits during foreign postings. Additionally, health insurance, language training, and support for family members during international assignments are often offered.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as a minister or diplomat is very fierce, as the number of available roles is limited and requirements are high. Besides formal education, extensive experience and a strong personal network are often necessary. The work environment can be stressful, especially during crises or rapid political changes. High demands are placed on integrity, flexibility, and the ability to handle complex situations with diplomacy and judgment. Foreign postings can also be demanding for family life and require great adaptability.

Tips for those who want to become a minister or diplomat

To succeed as a minister or diplomat, it is beneficial to be analytical and have a strong ability to quickly understand complex issues, which facilitates handling political and international challenges. A strong interest in societal issues and international relations is an advantage, as are patience and the ability to build long-term relationships. Developing good communication skills, both orally and in writing, is crucial since the job involves many negotiations and representations. Flexibility and openness to new cultures make it easier to thrive during foreign postings. Finally, it is important to demonstrate integrity and the ability to make decisions under pressure, as the role often involves significant responsibility and public scrutiny.

Key facts about ministers and diplomats

  • Education level: Bachelor's or master's, often supplemented with diplomatic training
  • Work environment: High workload, travel, and international setting
  • Work form: Full-time, often with on-call duties
  • Demand: 175 job openings within the profession
  • Gender distribution: Slight differences, women earn slightly more than men

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, there are good opportunities to advance to higher positions within ministries, embassies, or international organizations. Experienced diplomats often take responsibility for larger delegations or more complex negotiations. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate continued limited but stable demand, with fierce competition for roles but good international career opportunities for those with the right profile. Many later move on to leadership roles in business or international organizations, leveraging the broad experience gained from the profession.

Common questions about ministers and diplomats

  • What do ministers and diplomats earn?
    - The average salary is 72 900 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and sector.
  • What education is required to become a minister or diplomat?
    - Usually, at least a bachelor's degree, often with a focus on political science, law, or international relations, along with diplomatic training.
  • Are there significant salary differences between men and women?
    - No, women earn on average 101% of men's salaries within the profession.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries in the profession?
    - The highest salary for men is 156,100 SEK, for women 131,700 SEK; the lowest salary is 50,000 SEK (men) and 53,900 SEK (women).
  • What are the future prospects?
    - Demand is stable but competition for roles is fierce, with approximately 175 job openings within the profession.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Analytical ability, integrity, good communication, and flexibility are central qualities.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Minister, diplomat is 156100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Municipal sector with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 131700 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Minister, diplomat is 50000 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 53900 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 111% 45100 kr 46900 kr
35-44 98% 62500 kr 64400 kr
45-54 97% 76000 kr 77600 kr
55-64 100% 78500 kr 79900 kr
65-68 87100 kr 88600 kr
Snitt 101% 71300 kr 72900 kr
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 Minister, diplomat has the SSYK code 1230, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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