What does a personnel officer do? – responsibilities and work environment
A personnel officer manages and develops various aspects of personnel administration within an organization. Common tasks include recruitment, employment contracts, salary management, employment law issues, and supporting managers in personnel matters. The role also involves working with health and safety issues, skills development, and sometimes negotiations with union representatives. The work environment is often office-based and involves extensive contact with both employees and management, requiring good communication skills and discretion.
Salary development over time
The salary for a personnel officer has shown stable and positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 46,000 SEK per month, increasing to 47 600 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 49 900 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 8.5% over three years. This development reflects increased demand for qualified personnel officers and a general salary pressure within HR professions, where expertise in employment law and digital HR systems has become increasingly valuable. The salary increase can also be linked to a greater focus on health and safety and sustainable personnel management in both private and public sectors.
Personnel officer salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 49 900 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 40,500 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 58,600 SEK/month
- Hourly wage (average): 300 SEK
- Women: 49 100 SEK/month
- Men: 52 900 SEK/month
- Women earn: 93 % of what men do
- Regional differences: Salary levels vary slightly depending on region and sector, with higher salaries in metropolitan areas and the private sector
Education and qualifications
To work as a personnel officer, a post-secondary education in personnel, working life, or HR is generally required. Many employers seek candidates with a degree in personnel management, behavioral sciences, or equivalent fields. Practical experience in personnel administration or employment law is often advantageous, as well as knowledge of collective agreements and employment legislation.
- Degree: Bachelor's degree in personnel management, HR, or behavioral sciences (3 years)
- Certifications: Courses in employment law, payroll systems, and recruitment
- Internship: Work experience or internships within HR or personnel management are highly recommended
- Prerequisites: Upper secondary school diploma, preferably with a social sciences focus
- Tips: Developing digital skills and knowledge of modern HR systems provides a competitive edge
Many personnel officers have the opportunity to work with change management and development projects, which provides a unique insight into the organization's strategic processes. For those who enjoy combining structure with relationship-building, there are good opportunities to influence workplace culture and collaboration at a deep level.
Common benefits and compensations
Personnel officers are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, occupational pension, and the possibility of remote work. In addition to base salary, there may be compensations for unsocial hours, skills development, and access to internal training and networking events. The extent of benefits varies depending on the employer and sector.
Competition and challenges
The competition for roles as a personnel officer is considered moderate, with a recruitment situation characterized by balance according to the Swedish Public Employment Service forecasts. The demand for the profession is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, offering stable opportunities but also a competitive job market. Challenges in the role can include staying updated on changes in employment law and collective agreements, as well as managing complex personnel cases. The ability to work solution-oriented and maintain high discretion are key qualities for long-term success.
Tips for those who want to become a personnel officer
To succeed as a personnel officer, it is beneficial to combine analytical skills with strong communication abilities. Having a structured approach facilitates handling administrative processes and ensures that important details are not overlooked. Relationship-building is a key factor, as the role involves extensive contact with managers and employees. Demonstrating integrity and the ability to handle sensitive issues professionally are valued by employers. Those who are proactive and keep up-to-date with new laws and systems in HR have good opportunities for development. Engagement with health and safety and personnel issues provides additional advantages, especially in larger organizations. Finally, flexibility and adaptability are important, as tasks can vary greatly depending on the size and structure of the workplace.
Key facts about Personnel Officers
- Salary range: 40,500–58,600 SEK/month
- Average salary: 49 900 SEK/month
- Education level: Bachelor's degree in HR or personnel management
- Work environment: Office-based, often in larger organizations
- Demand: Moderate opportunities, approximately 758 job openings within the profession
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a personnel officer, opportunities open up for advancement to roles such as HR specialist, HR partner, or personnel manager. Many also choose to specialize in recruitment, health and safety, or employment law. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service forecast for HR specialists, job prospects are moderate, with demand expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Further education in leadership or employment law can be a pathway forward, and there are also opportunities to work internationally or within consulting. The digital development in HR increases the need for expertise in HR systems and data analysis.
Frequently asked questions about Personnel Officers
- What is the average salary for a personnel officer?
- The average salary for a personnel officer is 49 900 SEK per month.
- What education is required to become a personnel officer?
- A bachelor's degree in HR, personnel management, or behavioral sciences is recommended.
- Are there gender differences in salary for personnel officers?
- Yes, women earn on average 49 100 SEK and men 52 900 SEK, which means women earn 93 % of men's salaries.
- What are the future prospects for personnel officers?
- The job market is expected to be balanced with moderate opportunities and unchanged demand over the next five years.
- What is the salary span for personnel officers?
- The salary span ranges between 40,500 SEK and 58,600 SEK per month.
- What benefits are common in the profession?
- Common benefits include wellness allowances, occupational pension, flexible working hours, and remote work options.
