How much does a Colonel, the defense make

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  2. Colonel, the defense
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Colonel, the defense

51 300 kr

Officers

36 300 - 53 900 kr / month

Women earn 87% of what men do.

Militärt arbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Colonel, the defense

Average salary 51 300 kr
Males 52 000 kr
Females 45 300 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 20 Vacant jobs ->

What does a Colonel in the military do? – Tasks and work environment

A Colonel in the military is responsible for leading larger military units and has overall command over personnel, equipment, and operations within their area of responsibility. The role involves strategic planning, operational responsibility, and decision-making in complex situations, often under high pressure. The Colonel coordinates training, exercises, and missions, and acts as an important link between senior military leadership and subordinate commanders. The work environment is varied and can include both office work and presence at exercises or missions in the field, which demands high flexibility and stress resilience.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salary development for a Colonel in the military has been steadily increasing. In 2022, the average salary was 47,500 kronor per month, rising to 49 400 kronor in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has increased further to 51 300 kronor, representing a total increase of approximately 8% over the period. This growth can largely be explained by the increased need for qualified leadership in the military and a general trend of skills shortages among officers. The demand for experienced officers has also contributed to rising wages, especially as the military expands and modernizes.

Colonel in the military salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 51 300 kr/month
  • Lowest salary: 36,300 kr/month (female, private sector, high school education)
  • Highest salary: 53,900 kr/month (female, private sector, doctoral degree)
  • Hourly wage: 309 kr/hour
  • Gender differences: Men: 52 000 kr/month, Women: 45 300 kr/month (87% of men's salary)
  • Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and qualifications

To reach the position of Colonel in the military, a long and thorough educational path within the officer profession is required, often with several years of experience and further training. The path begins with officer training and is followed by successive promotions through various rank levels, supplemented with leadership training and specialized courses related to the needs of the military.

  • Officer training: Basic officer program, approximately 3 years
  • Further education: Staff training and advanced military courses, often 1–2 years
  • Practical service: Several years of experience as an officer are required
  • Prerequisites: Complete high school diploma and passing tests
  • Certifications: Leadership and security training within the military

A Colonel is one of the most prestigious officer ranks and often involves international contacts, collaborations, and missions. The role requires the ability to quickly adapt to changing security situations and to lead under pressure, making the profession both challenging and dynamic.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Besides the base salary, a Colonel in the military often receives a pension, extra vacation days, wellness allowances, and access to special training and leadership programs. In some international assignments, per diems and additional allowances may also be provided.

Competition and challenges

Advancing to the rank of Colonel within the military is highly competitive, requiring a combination of formal education, extensive work experience, and proven leadership skills. Few positions are advertised each year, leading to many qualified officers competing for the same roles. The position also entails significant responsibility and expectations to handle complex situations, sometimes under tight deadlines. Ongoing changes in the military's organization and global security environment place further demands on adaptability and strategic thinking. Rapid technological development also necessitates continuous skills development to remain relevant in the profession.

Tips for aspiring Colonels in the military

To succeed as a Colonel, it is beneficial to combine goal-orientedness with a strong desire to develop leadership skills. Being communicative and clear in all contexts is crucial, as the role requires both written and oral reporting. Initiative is an important trait—taking responsibility and driving improvements in the organization is highly valued. Flexibility and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances, especially in international missions, are also key. To advance, actively seek further education and be open to taking on new responsibilities. Teamwork skills and integrity are highly valued since trust and ethics are fundamental in the officer profession. Lastly, an analytical ability to make decisions under pressure and handle complex challenges is advantageous.

Key facts about a Colonel in the military

  • Education level: Officer training + further education (minimum 4–5 years)
  • Work environment: Varies between office and field
  • Typical work arrangement: Full-time, sometimes on call
  • Demand: 39 job openings within the profession
  • Special skills: Leadership, strategy, crisis management

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Colonel in the military, career development can lead to positions such as brigade commander, staff officer, or higher strategic roles within the Swedish Armed Forces. There are also opportunities to work within international organizations or as advisors to government agencies and defense-related companies. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the outlook for officers is good, with continued high-level leadership needs. Demand is influenced by global security situations and government defense investments, meaning that skilled officers with experience and further education will be highly sought after in the future.

Frequently asked questions about a Colonel in the military

  • What does a Colonel earn in the military?
    - The average salary is 51 300 kronor per month.
  • How does one become a Colonel in the military?
    - Through officer training, further education, and extensive experience within the military.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 87% of what men do in the profession.
  • What is the highest salary for a Colonel?
    - The highest salary is 53,900 kronor per month and belongs to a woman with a doctoral degree.
  • What is the work environment like for a Colonel?
    - The work environment varies between office work and field presence, often with high responsibility and pressure.
  • How many job openings are available?
    - There are 39 job openings within this profession according to current statistics.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Leadership, flexibility, initiative, and communication skills are essential.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 14:50:37

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Colonel, the defense is 53900 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Privately employed workers with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 53700 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Colonel, the defense is 36300 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 41200 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 39400 kr 41800 kr
35-44 48400 kr 50300 kr
45-54 55100 kr 57000 kr
55-64 56000 kr 57600 kr
Snitt 87% 49400 kr 51300 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 Colonel, the defense has the SSYK code 110, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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