- Salary statistics
- Missionary
Missionary
35 179 - 34 807 kr / month
Socialt arbete
Salary progression Missionary
What does a missionary do? – Tasks and work environment
A missionary works to spread religious messages, often through teaching, social work, and relationship-building efforts in various communities both in Sweden and internationally. Tasks can include leading services, organizing training sessions, supporting local congregations, and collaborating with aid organizations. The work environment varies greatly depending on the assignment country and project; it can range from office work and meetings to fieldwork in challenging environments. Flexibility and cultural understanding are central qualities since the work often takes place in communities with different traditions and languages.
Salary development over time
The salary for missionaries has increased marginally over the last three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,382 kronor per month. In 2023, the average rose to 34 662 kronor, corresponding to an increase of about 0.8%. In 2024, the salary has continued to rise to 34 807 kronor, an increase of an additional 0.4% from the previous year. This slow but steady growth can be explained by a stable job market within religious communities and non-profit organizations, where demand for missionaries remains relatively constant and salary budgets are often influenced by organizational funding rather than market conditions. Overall, salary development aligns with other professions in the pastor and similar roles category.
Missionary salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 34 807 kr/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data missing
- Hourly wage: 209 kr/hour
- Gender differences: Data missing
- Regional differences: Data missing
Education and qualifications
To work as a missionary, a theological degree or other relevant university education is usually required, often supplemented with practical experience from volunteer work or engagement within religious communities. Many employers also value language skills and international experience. Although there is no formal requirement for a specific degree, a broad educational background and social skills provide good conditions for the profession.
- Theological higher education: 3–5 years
- Internships or volunteer work within church or organization: Strongly recommended
- Courses in intercultural communication and leadership: Meritorious
- Language skills: Often required in English, additional languages are an advantage
- Personal engagement and references: Important during selection
Many missionaries work in environments where they have the opportunity to meet people from vastly different cultures and social strata. This not only broadens perspectives but also contributes to personal development and intercultural competence – qualities that are valuable even outside of the professional life.
Common benefits and allowances
Missionaries are often offered benefits beyond salary, such as housing or housing allowances when working abroad, insurance, travel support, and sometimes extra vacation days. Some organizations may also offer support for family members and opportunities for further training and supervision during the assignment.
Competition and challenges
The job market for missionaries is relatively stable, but competition for permanent positions can be high, especially within larger organizations and religious communities. Many positions are financed through collections or grants, which can affect employment security and salary levels. Challenges in the profession include working in environments with limited resources, managing cultural differences, and sometimes facing resistance to the religious message. Flexibility, mental resilience, and the ability to build trust are central to success in the role.
Tips for aspiring missionaries
To succeed as a missionary, it is good to be open, attentive, and genuinely committed to others. Good communication skills facilitate both teaching and relationship-building in new environments. Being adaptable is crucial, especially since working conditions and culture can differ greatly from what one is used to. It is wise to seek internships or volunteer work within the church or aid organizations to gain experience and references. Building networks within religious communities and participating in intercultural communication training increases chances of employment. A high degree of empathy and patience helps in meetings with people in vulnerable situations, and managing setbacks is important in a sometimes challenging professional life.
Key facts about missionaries
- Average salary: 34 807 kr/month
- Hourly wage: 209 kr/hour
- Education level: Theological higher education recommended
- Work environment: Field-based and varied, often international
- Job openings: 237 positions within the profession of pastors and others
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, many missionaries have the opportunity to take on greater responsibilities, such as becoming project managers in international development work or training managers within the organization. Some move on to administrative roles or work in recruitment and training of new missionaries. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts for the profession of pastors and others, demand is expected to remain stable, with a certain need for new recruitment due to retirements and international projects. The possibility to work in related professions such as deacon, pastor, or aid worker is also common.
Frequently asked questions about missionaries
- What is the average salary of a missionary?
- A missionary has an average salary of 34 807 kronor per month. - Is specific education required to become a missionary?
- Theological higher education is recommended, but experience and engagement are also important. - What is the work environment like for a missionary?
- The work environment is often varied and can involve both international fieldwork and work in Swedish congregations. - Are there many job openings for missionaries?
- There are 237 job openings within the profession of pastors and others according to our database. - What personal qualities are important for a missionary?
- Openness, adaptability, empathy, and communication skills are highly valued. - How has the salary development for missionaries looked over time?
- Salaries have increased marginally over the past years, from 34,382 kronor in 2022 to 34 807 kronor in 2024.
Salary distributed by age and sector
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 Missionary has the SSYK code 3412, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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