How much does a Chief Executive Officer make

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  2. Chief Executive Officer
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Chief Executive Officer

115 200 kr

General, county and municipal directors etc.

94 800 - 175 300 kr / month

Women earn 99% of what men do.

Chefer & ledare

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Chief Executive Officer

Average salary 115 200 kr
Males 115 800 kr
Females 114 700 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 3 Vacant jobs ->

What does a Director General do? – Tasks and work environment

A Director General holds one of the highest leadership roles within government agencies, regions, or municipalities. The job involves overarching responsibility for strategic development, budgeting, personnel, and results. The role includes leading the management team, making critical decisions, and representing the organization externally to politicians, media, and other stakeholders. The work environment is often office-based, characterized by a fast pace, complex challenges, and significant responsibility for both long-term governance and operational efficiency.

Salary development over time

The salary for a Director General has shown a clear positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 102,400 kronor per month, increasing to 109 000 kronor in 2023. During 2024, the average monthly salary has risen further to 115 200 kronor. The total increase from 2022 to 2024 is approximately 12.5%, which is higher than the average for many other executive positions in the public sector. This salary growth reflects the high demand for experienced leaders, increased requirements for organizational management, and the strategic importance of these roles. Changes may also be due to increased competition for qualified managers and the need to attract and retain leadership talent in a changing environment.

Director General salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 115 200 kr/month
  • Lowest salary: 94,800 kr/month (men), 108,400 kr/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 175,300 kr/month (men), 166,900 kr/month (women)
  • Hourly wage: 693 kr
  • Gender gap: Women earn 99% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Data on regional differences is unavailable

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a Director General generally requires an advanced academic degree, often in fields such as economics, law, political science, or social sciences. Extensive experience in leadership positions, strategic work, and proven ability to lead large organizations are also required. Many Directors General have supplemented their education with leadership programs or specialized executive training.

  • Academic degree: Usually a master's or postgraduate degree (4–5 years) in a relevant field
  • Leadership training: Specialized courses and programs for leaders in the public sector
  • Work experience: Several years of experience in managerial and strategic roles
  • Prerequisites: Very good understanding of public administration and governance
  • Additional skills: Education in economics, law, or social analysis is advantageous

It is common for Directors General to have experience from multiple sectors, both public and private, providing broader perspectives and networks. A background in, for example, business, politics, or research can be a significant asset in the role.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to the base salary, benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowances, generous holiday policies, and flexible working hours are often offered. Some employers also provide extra health insurance, professional development, and access to leadership networks. Bonus or performance-based pay is less common in the public sector but may occur in some cases.

Competition and challenges

Reaching the role of Director General involves fierce competition, as the number of positions is limited and requirements are very high. It requires not only formal qualifications but also the ability to handle political processes, lead change, and make difficult decisions under time pressure. The role often involves media exposure and public scrutiny, demanding strong communication skills and integrity. Additionally, the workload can be very high, especially during periods of reorganization or crisis. The ability to build trust and manage complex stakeholder landscapes is crucial for success.

Tips for aspiring Directors General

To succeed as a Director General, it is beneficial to develop strong analytical skills and maintain curiosity about societal challenges. Building a broad network and demonstrating good communication skills are essential, as the role involves collaboration with many different actors. Taking responsibility for larger projects early on, showing leadership, and initiating change efforts are important. Being resilient and able to prioritize under pressure is a valuable asset, as is demonstrating integrity and decisiveness in difficult situations. Self-leadership skills are also vital to balance strategic thinking with operational challenges. Finally, continuous education and staying updated on societal trends and governance issues are recommended.

Key facts about Director General

  • Average salary: 115 200 kr/month
  • Salary range: 94,800–175,300 kr/month
  • Gender gap: Women earn 99% of what men do
  • Job market: 175 job openings in the field
  • Typical work environment: Office-based, fast-paced, high responsibility

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Director General, opportunities for even higher leadership roles within larger agencies or corporations, such as Director General or CEO in publicly owned companies, open up. Some move on to international assignments, advisory roles, or board positions in both public and private sectors. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, competition remains high, but retirements and increased demands for strategic leadership may create new opportunities for qualified candidates. Digitalization and changing governance within the public sector are also expected to influence the profession's content and future skill requirements.

Frequently asked questions about Director General

  • What does a Director General earn?
    - The average salary is 115 200 kronor per month.
  • What education is required to become a Director General?
    - Usually a master's or postgraduate degree and extensive leadership experience are required.
  • Are there significant salary differences between men and women?
    - Women earn 99% of what men do in the profession.
  • What does the job market look like?
    - There are approximately 175 job openings, and competition is high.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Analytical skills, integrity, leadership, and communication skills are especially important.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for a Director General?
    - The lowest salary is 94,800 kr/month and the highest is 175,300 kr/month.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 22:56:42

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Chief Executive Officer is 175300 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Municipal sector with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 166900 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Chief Executive Officer is 94800 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 108400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
45-54 99% 107900 kr 109000 kr
55-64 100% 116900 kr 118300 kr
Snitt 99% 113800 kr 115200 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 Chief Executive Officer has the SSYK code 1112, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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Salary, Taxes, and Fees
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Net salary
31 377
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Fees
12 129

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* Updated with 2025 taxes

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