Image that illustrates Ombudsman

Ombudsman

46 500 kr

Planners and investigators etc.

30 200 - 60 200 kr / month

Women earn 93% of what men do.

Administration, ekonomi

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Ombudsman

Average salary 46 500 kr
Males 48 800 kr
Females 45 300 kr

What does an Ombudsman do? – Tasks and work environment

An Ombudsman often works within trade union organizations, authorities, or interest groups, representing, guiding, and supporting members or the general public in employment law, social, or legal matters. Common tasks include negotiating collective agreements, handling disputes, providing advice, and educating about rights and obligations. The role also involves analyzing legislation, participating in investigations, and sometimes advocating for opinions. The work environment is mainly office-based, with some travel and meetings, often in a fast-paced setting where quick decisions and good communication skills are crucial.

Salary development over time

Salaries for Ombudsmen have steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,200 SEK per month, rising to 44 700 SEK in 2023 – an increase of about 3.5%. The latest update for 2024 shows an average salary of 46 500 SEK, representing a further increase of around 4% from the previous year. This salary growth can largely be explained by increased demand for qualified employment law expertise and a growing need for advice in the workplace. Meanwhile, competition for experienced Ombudsmen has driven up salaries, especially in metropolitan areas and sectors with a more dynamic labor market.

Ombudsman salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 46 500 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 30,200 SEK
  • Highest salary: 60,200 SEK
  • Hourly wage (average): 280 SEK
  • Women: 45 300 SEK (93% of men's salary)
  • Men: 48 800 SEK
  • Regional differences: Higher salaries in larger cities, some variation between sectors

Education and qualifications

To work as an Ombudsman, a university degree is usually required, often in law, social sciences, or human resources. Many employers seek work experience from union activities or similar, as well as good knowledge of employment law and negotiation techniques. Practical experience and further training in relevant areas are also advantageous and can be decisive for employment.

  • Formal education: Bachelor's degree in law, social sciences, or human resources (3–4.5 years)
  • Certifications/courses: Employment law, negotiation techniques, conflict resolution
  • Internship/trainee: Common within trade unions and authorities
  • Prerequisites: High school diploma and university studies
  • Tips for choosing: Specialization in employment law or personnel issues is advantageous

Many Ombudsmen have the opportunity to influence working conditions at a societal level, not just for individuals. The role often provides insight into legislative processes and opportunities to participate in important societal debates.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Ombudsmen often have access to collective agreement-based occupational pensions, wellness allowances, extra vacation days, and opportunities for professional development. Benefits such as flexible working hours, remote work, and subsidized lunches are also common, especially within larger organizations and unions.

Competition and challenges

The labor market for Ombudsmen is characterized by a balanced competition situation, where supply and demand for qualified candidates are relatively even. However, challenges include high demands for current knowledge of legislation and the ability to quickly familiarize oneself with new rules and agreements. Additionally, the role requires good communication skills and the ability to handle complex, sometimes sensitive, cases. Success also depends on the ability to work under pressure and manage multiple cases simultaneously. The number of available jobs in the profession is significant, but competition for the most attractive positions can be tough, especially in metropolitan areas and well-known organizations.

Tips for those who want to become an Ombudsman

To succeed as an Ombudsman, it is good to be analytical and meticulous, as the work often involves interpreting laws and agreements with great precision. Strong communication skills are essential, as the role requires convincing arguments and the ability to explain complex issues pedagogically. Commitment to justice and a desire to help others are important qualities, especially when representing members in various situations. Building a broad network and staying updated on new laws and regulations increases chances of success. Practical experience from union work or similar areas is often highly meritorious. Being resilient and solution-oriented helps in handling many cases at once. For those looking to develop in the role, participating regularly in courses and networks within employment law and negotiation techniques is recommended.

Key facts about an Ombudsman

  • Education level: Bachelor's degree in law, social sciences, or human resources
  • Work environment: Office-based with travel and negotiations
  • Demand: Moderate opportunities (758 job openings in the profession)
  • Typical employment form: Full-time, often within unions or authorities

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience as an Ombudsman, there are opportunities to advance to chief Ombudsman, negotiation manager, or specialized employment law advisor. Some move on to leadership roles, HR, or work as consultants in employment matters. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts for the profession, planners and investigators, including Ombudsmen, the labor market is considered stable with moderate job opportunities and unchanged demand over the next five years. The recruitment situation is balanced, meaning there are good chances for qualified applicants to find employment, especially those with the right education and experience.

Common questions about Ombudsman

  • What does an Ombudsman earn?
    - An Ombudsman has an average salary of 46 500 SEK per month.
  • How do salary differences between men and women look?
    - Men earn an average of 48 800 SEK, women 45 300 SEK, which means women earn 93% of men's salaries.
  • What education is required to become an Ombudsman?
    - Usually a bachelor's degree in law, social sciences, or human resources, along with experience in employment law.
  • Are there regional salary differences for Ombudsmen?
    - Yes, salaries are usually higher in larger cities and vary between sectors and employers.
  • What are the future prospects for Ombudsmen?
    - The job market is considered stable with moderate opportunities and unchanged demand in the coming years.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for an Ombudsman?
    - The highest salary is 60,200 SEK (male, research education, municipal sector), the lowest is 30,200 SEK (female, government sector, low education).
  • What personal qualities are important for an Ombudsman?
    - Analytical ability, strong communication skills, commitment to justice, and stress resilience are key qualities.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Ombudsman is 60200 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 59100 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Ombudsman is 30200 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 30600 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 102% 30500 kr 31300 kr
25-34 96% 39500 kr 39900 kr
35-44 94% 45000 kr 45400 kr
45-54 92% 48200 kr 48600 kr
55-64 90% 49500 kr 49900 kr
65-68 91% 49600 kr 49800 kr
Snitt 93% 46100 kr 46500 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 Ombudsman has the SSYK code 2422, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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