What does a personal assistant, personnel officer do? – tasks and work environment
A personal assistant, personnel officer works to support the organization’s HR functions. Tasks include administration of employment contracts, payroll management, absence reporting, registration of personnel data, and preparing various personnel-related documents. The role often involves contact with both managers and employees to provide support on employment law, collective agreements, and HR routines. The work is usually performed in an office environment, where structured processes and accuracy are crucial to ensure correct handling of personnel data and salary payments.
Salary development over time
The salary for personal assistants and personnel officers has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 35,800 SEK per month, rising to 37 900 in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 39 000, representing a total increase of approximately 8.9% over the period. This development reflects an increased demand for administrative competence within HR, as well as a general salary adjustment in line with labor market demands. The salary increase can also be linked to more employers valuing specialized knowledge of HR systems and employment law, which exerts upward pressure on wages within the profession. Despite the increase, some gender differences remain, with men on average earning slightly higher wages than women in the field.
Personal assistant, personnel officer salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 39 000 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 32,500 SEK/month (male, municipal sector)
- Highest salary: 46,000 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education)
- Highest salary for women: 42,800 SEK/month
- Lowest salary for women: 33,000 SEK/month
- Hourly wage (average): 234 SEK
- Women earn: 97% of men's salary
Education and qualifications
To work as a personal assistant, personnel officer, a high school diploma with a focus on administration or economics is usually required, but more employers now prefer post-secondary education, such as within HR or personnel studies. Practical experience in personnel administration and good knowledge of employment law are advantageous. Further training and certifications can also strengthen job prospects.
- High school diploma: Administration, economics, or similar (3 years)
- Post-secondary education: YH-education or university-level studies in HR/personnel (2–3 years)
- Internship/trainee: Commonly included as part of education
- Courses/certifications: Employment law, payroll administration, HR systems
- Prerequisites: Good computer skills, accuracy, administrative ability
Many personal assistants quickly develop a broad understanding of all parts of the organization, as the role involves contact with management, managers, and employees. This makes the profession an excellent stepping stone for those who want to work more strategically within HR or personnel management in the long term.
Common benefits and compensation
Personal assistants and personnel officers are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexitime, and the possibility of remote work. Other common benefits include subsidized lunches, skills development, and extra vacation days. The range of benefits varies depending on the employer and sector.
Competition and challenges
The competition for roles as a personal assistant and personnel officer is relatively high, especially in metropolitan areas where many seek HR-related roles. At the same time, recruitment difficulties are reported in some parts of the country, creating a paradoxical situation with both oversupply and shortages occurring simultaneously. Challenges in the profession often involve staying updated on laws and collective agreements, managing digital HR systems, and adapting to changing administrative routines. Accuracy and prioritization are crucial to avoid errors in payroll and personnel documentation. Additionally, workload can be high during salary revisions or organizational changes.
Tips for those aspiring to become a personal assistant, personnel officer
To succeed as a personal assistant, personnel officer, it is good to combine accuracy with strong communication skills. Developing a good sense of structure helps manage multiple parallel administrative processes without losing details. Familiarity with modern HR systems and keeping up with changes in employment law increases market value. Flexibility and problem-solving skills are important when unexpected situations arise, and demonstrating integrity builds trust with both managers and employees. Finally, professional development benefits from taking initiative for further education and being open to change.
Key facts about personal assistant, personnel officer
- Salary range: 32,500–46,000 SEK/month
- Education level: High school or post-secondary education recommended
- Work environment: Office environment, often administrative and digital work
- Demand: Large opportunities for employment nationwide
- Number of available jobs: 758 within the profession
Career paths and future prospects
After 3–5 years in the role of personal assistant or personnel officer, there are good opportunities to advance to more qualified positions such as HR specialist, payroll administrator, or personnel officer. Some choose to pursue further education and move into HR manager roles or other leadership positions within HR. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, the opportunities for employment within the profession are considered large, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. The recruitment situation is paradoxical, with both recruitment difficulties and high turnover occurring simultaneously. Overall, this means stable career opportunities and continued demand for skills in personnel administration.
Frequently asked questions about personal assistant, personnel officer
- What does a personal assistant, personnel officer earn?
- A personal assistant, personnel officer has an average salary of 39 000 SEK per month.
- Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn on average 97% of what men do in the profession.
- What is required to get a job as a personal assistant?
- Usually, a high school diploma with an administrative focus, but post-secondary education in HR or personnel increases chances.
- What is the job market like?
- The job market is considered very good with 758 available jobs nationally in the field.
- What are the most common tasks?
- Common tasks include personnel administration, salary management, absence reporting, and support in HR-related questions.
- What career opportunities are there?
- After a few years of experience, one can advance to HR specialist, payroll administrator, or personnel officer.
