Personnel clerk

What does a personnel officer do? – Tasks and work environment

A personnel officer is responsible for administrative tasks related to personnel and payroll matters within companies and organizations. The duties include managing employment contracts, payroll administration, benefits, personnel records, and supporting managers and employees with personnel-related issues. The work environment is usually office-based, involving close collaboration with HR departments and payroll functions, where accuracy and confidentiality are important.

Personnel officer salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 39 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 32,500 SEK (male, municipal sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 46,000 SEK (male, private sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Hourly wage: 234 SEK (based on 166 working hours/month)
• Gender differences: Women earn on average 38 900 SEK, men 40 200 SEK, women earn 97 % of men's salaries
• Regional differences: Salary variations may occur depending on geographic area, with larger cities often offering slightly higher salaries

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the average salary for personnel officers has increased from 35,800 SEK in 2022 to 39 000 SEK in 2024, representing a total salary increase of approximately 8.9%. In 2023, the average salary was 37 900 SEK, showing a steady but moderate yearly increase. This positive salary trend can be explained by increased demand for qualified payroll and HR administrators, and employers valuing the role's importance in a complex labor market. Education level and sector also influence salary development, with private sector employees often earning higher salaries than public sector employees. The stable trend indicates that the role of personnel officer remains important and in demand across various industries.

Education and qualifications

The educational path to becoming a personnel officer typically involves a high school diploma with a focus on administration or post-secondary courses in payroll and personnel management. Practical experience and ongoing skills development are important to succeed in the profession.

• Formal qualifications: High school diploma with a focus on administration or post-secondary courses in payroll and personnel administration
• Certifications/courses: Payroll administration courses and HR-related certificates
• Internship/trainee: Internships within HR or payroll departments can be advantageous
• Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of economics and computer systems are often necessary
• Tips for choosing: Select programs that include practical components and training in modern payroll and HR systems

Common benefits and compensation

Personnel officers are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, occupational pensions, and flexitime. Some employers also provide opportunities for remote work and professional development within HR. Overtime compensation may be applicable, especially during payroll periods or personnel-related projects.

Competition and challenges

The profession of personnel officer is characterized by recruitment difficulties and a high proportion of part-time employees or those leaving the profession, creating a paradox in the labor market. Competition can vary depending on region and sector, but continuous skills development is necessary to meet changing legal requirements and digitalization. Managing complex labor law issues and balancing administrative tasks with good relations with employees are ongoing challenges. The role also requires a high degree of accuracy and integrity.

Tips for aspiring personnel officers

To succeed as a personnel officer, developing strong attention to detail is essential, as the role involves precision in handling salaries and personnel data. Good communication skills are also important for effective collaboration with management and staff. Flexibility helps, as tasks may vary and sometimes involve quick changes or deadlines. Being service-oriented is crucial to providing support and responding to personnel questions professionally. Finally, analytical skills are valuable for understanding and interpreting labor laws and salary agreements, which are central to the profession.

Key facts about personnel officers

• Salary range: 32,500–46,000 SEK/month
• Education level: High school to post-secondary education
• Work environment: Office-based with administrative focus
• Demand: Great opportunities but paradoxical recruitment situation
• Typical work arrangement: Full-time with options for flexitime and remote work

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as a personnel officer, there are opportunities to advance to specialist roles within HR, payroll administration, or personnel management. Some choose to further their education to become HR consultants or payroll managers. The employment agency's forecast indicates that the demand for payroll and HR administrators nationwide is high and expected to remain stable over the next five years. Despite recruitment challenges, a relatively high turnover or part-time work affects the availability of skilled personnel. There are approximately 758 job openings in the profession, indicating a stable job market.

Frequently asked questions about personnel officers

• What does a personnel officer earn?
  - The average salary is approximately 39 000 SEK per month, with variation depending on education, sector, and experience.
• What education is required to become a personnel officer?
  - Usually, a high school diploma with a focus on human resources or post-secondary courses in payroll and personnel administration.
• Are there gender differences in salary?
  - Yes, women earn on average 97 % of men's salaries within the profession.
• What are the future prospects for personnel officers?
  - Demand is considered high but unchanged, with some recruitment challenges.
• What personal qualities are important in this profession?
  - Attention to detail, communication skills, and flexibility are key qualities.
• What benefits can a personnel officer expect?
  - Common benefits include flexitime, wellness allowances, and occupational pension.
• Can one work remotely as a personnel officer?
  - Yes, many employers offer the possibility of remote work within the profession.