What does a personnel secretary do – tasks and work environment
A personnel secretary, sometimes called HR assistant, primarily works with administrative tasks within the HR field. Duties often include handling employment contracts, payroll administration, reporting absences and statistics, as well as providing support to managers and staff on issues related to employment law, pensions, and other personnel-related matters. The environment is typically office-based, characterized by structured work where accuracy and confidentiality are crucial. The profession often involves contact with many parts of the organization and requires good communication skills and the ability to handle sensitive information.
Salary development over time
The salary development for personnel secretaries has been stable but positive over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 35,800 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 37 900 SEK in 2023, and further rising to 39 000 SEK in 2024. This represents a total salary increase of approximately 8.9% over the period. This development reflects both increased qualification requirements and ongoing demand for administrative personnel in HR and personnel management. The market seems to value experience and education highly, as evidenced by the gradually rising salaries. The salary increase has been slightly higher than the average inflation rate, indicating that the profession holds a strong position in the labor market.
Personnel secretary salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 39 000 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 32,500 SEK/month (male, municipal sector, high school education)
- Lowest salary (female): 33,000 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 46,000 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education)
- Highest salary (female): 42,800 SEK/month
- Hourly wage (average): 234 SEK
- Women earn: 97 % of men's salary (38 900 SEK/month vs 40 200 SEK/month)
Education and qualifications
To work as a personnel secretary, at least high school education is generally required, often with a focus on economics or administration. Employers prefer candidates with post-secondary education in HR or personnel administration. Practical experience with administrative systems and knowledge of employment law are highly valued. Certifications, courses, and internships can enhance employment prospects and career development within the profession.
- High school education: Economics or administrative focus (3 years)
- Post-secondary education: YH training or university courses in HR/personnel (1–3 years)
- Certifications: Courses in payroll administration, employment law, or personnel management
- Internship/Trainee: Internships within HR or administrative work provide an advantage
- Prerequisites: Good computer skills and experience with administrative IT systems
Many personnel secretaries gain insight into the entire organization and can thus build a broad network. The role often offers opportunities to influence personnel issues at a strategic level, especially in larger companies or the public sector.
Common benefits and compensations
Personnel secretaries often have access to collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowances, subsidized lunch, and flexible working hours. Other common compensations include holiday pay, remote work options, and sometimes additional insurance coverage. The extent of benefits varies depending on the employer and sector.
Competition and challenges
Demand for personnel secretaries is expected to remain high, but competition may vary depending on region and employer. A paradoxical situation exists where some employers find it difficult to recruit the right skills, while there is a relatively high proportion of part-time workers and individuals leaving the profession. Digitalization and automation of administrative processes mean that the role is evolving, increasing demands for system knowledge and flexibility. Success requires ongoing training and adaptability to new working methods.
Tips for aspiring personnel secretaries
To succeed as a personnel secretary, it is important to have a strong sense of structure and accuracy, as much of the work involves handling sensitive information correctly. Flexibility is a key trait, since tasks can vary daily and require quick adjustments. Good communication skills facilitate cooperation with colleagues and managers, especially when interpreting rules and agreements. An interest in laws and agreements is also valuable, as they underpin many decisions. Actively seeking internships and networking with professionals increases chances of employment and provides valuable insights into the profession. The ability to work independently and take responsibility is appreciated by employers, especially in larger organizations. Staying updated on changes in employment law and HR systems is also beneficial, as these areas develop rapidly.
Key facts about personnel secretaries
- Salary range: 32,500–46,000 SEK/month
- Education level: High school or post-secondary education
- Typical work setting: Office-based, often full-time
- Demand: Great opportunities for employment nationwide
- Gender difference: Women earn 97 % of men's salary
Career paths and future outlook
After three to five years as a personnel secretary, there are good opportunities to advance to roles such as personnel administrator, HR assistant, payroll officer, or HR specialist. Some choose to further their education and move into roles like HR manager or HR partner. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, the job market remains stable with many opportunities, although demand is expected to be unchanged over the next five years. The profession faces a paradoxical recruitment situation, with a shortage of the right skills alongside high mobility within the field. At the latest measurement, there were 758 job openings in the profession, indicating an active labor market.
Frequently asked questions about personnel secretaries
- What does a personnel secretary earn?
- The average salary is 39 000 SEK per month, with a range from 32,500 to 46,000 SEK depending on experience and sector.
- What are the gender differences in the profession?
- Women earn approximately 97 % of what men do, with average salaries of 38 900 SEK and 40 200 SEK per month.
- What education is required to become a personnel secretary?
- At least high school education is required, but post-secondary studies in HR or administration are advantageous.
- Are there many job opportunities in the field?
- Yes, there are good opportunities, and currently 758 job openings are advertised.
- What are the future prospects?
- Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, but job opportunities continue to be plentiful.
- What tasks does a personnel secretary perform?
- Tasks include personnel administration, payroll management, reporting, and support for managers and staff.
- What benefits are common?
- Common benefits include occupational pension, wellness allowances, flexible hours, and sometimes remote work options.
