Personnel scientist

What does a HR professional do? – Tasks and work environment

A HR professional works with issues related to the organization's most important resource – people. Typical tasks include recruitment, skills development, work environment initiatives, salary management, and negotiations with trade unions. The role also involves advising managers and leadership on employment law, work environment, and strategic personnel planning. The work environment is usually office-based and characterized by both independent work and collaboration across departments. HR professionals are found in both public and private sectors and often work in medium to large organizations where HR issues are central to operations.

Salary development over time

HR professionals have experienced a clear positive salary development in recent 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 continued to rise to 49 900 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 8.5% over three years. This trend reflects an increased demand for qualified HR expertise, especially as organizations invest more in sustainable personnel management and work environment. Salary increases have been somewhat stronger than the average for white-collar jobs, indicating that the market highly values specialist skills within HR.

HR professional salary – full overview

• Average salary: 49 900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 40,500 SEK/month (female, government sector)
• Highest salary: 58,600 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Hourly wage (average): 300 SEK
• Women: 49 100 SEK/month (93% of men's salary)
• Men: 52 900 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Salary peaks are often found in metropolitan areas and within the private sector, while the lowest salaries are found in the public sector and in smaller regions.

Education and qualifications

To work as a HR professional, a university-level education in personnel and work life issues is generally required, often called a HR program or similar HR education. The education covers topics such as employment law, psychology, organization, and leadership. Internships and project work are common and provide valuable experience for the professional career.

• Bachelor's degree: HR program, 3 years
• Internship: Usually mandatory or strongly recommended
• Courses: Employment law, organizational psychology, leadership, economics
• Certifications: Meritorious but rarely required; e.g., in work environment or salary systems
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies

Common benefits and compensations

HR professionals are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexitime, and the possibility of remote work. Other common compensations include subsidized lunch, skill development, and access to corporate health services. In some cases, bonuses or performance-based pay are also included, especially in the private sector.

Competition and challenges

The job market for HR professionals is characterized by balance, according to recent forecasts. This means that the number of graduates matches the demand on the job market. Competition for the most attractive positions, especially in metropolitan areas and larger companies, can be tough. A challenge is that the role often requires both broad theoretical knowledge and extensive practical experience, which sets high demands on recent graduates. Digitalization and changing work methods also mean that competence in HR systems and data analysis is becoming increasingly important. There is also a clear expectation that HR professionals can work strategically and contribute to the organization’s overall goals.

Tips for those who want to become a HR professional

To succeed as a HR professional, it is good to have an interest in people and organizations, as well as the ability to see connections between individuals and the business. Being communicative and attentive facilitates contact with employees and negotiations with union representatives. Strong analytical skills are valuable for interpreting statistics and trends in the labor market. Continuously building on your competence, for example in employment law or HR systems, provides a competitive advantage. Flexibility and problem-solving skills are important, especially in changing organizations. It is also recommended to seek internships or part-time jobs in HR early on to gain valuable experience. A professional network can facilitate career development and open doors to new opportunities within the profession.

Key facts about HR professionals

• Education level: Bachelor's degree, usually 3 years
• Work environment: Office-based, often in larger organizations
• Demand: Moderate, approximately 751 available jobs nationwide
• Gender distribution: Women constitute the majority in the profession
• Skill requirements: Both theoretical knowledge and practical experience are highly valued

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a HR professional can advance to more specialized roles such as HR specialist, occupational health and safety expert, or recruitment manager. It is also common to move into managerial positions, e.g., HR manager or personnel director, especially in larger organizations. The Employment Service’s forecast indicates that the demand for HR and personnel specialists is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, with a balanced national labor market. Digital competence, change management experience, and advanced knowledge of employment law can enhance career development opportunities. Related occupations include organizational consultant, occupational health specialist, and payroll administrator.

Common questions about HR professionals

• What does a HR professional earn?
  - The average salary for a HR professional is 49 900 SEK per month, but the salary varies depending on experience, sector, and region.
• How has the salary development looked for HR professionals?
  - The salary has increased from 46,000 SEK in 2022 to 49 900 SEK in 2024, which corresponds to an increase of approximately 8.5%.
• What education is required to become a HR professional?
  - A bachelor's degree from a HR program or similar HR education at university or college is generally required.
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• Are there significant differences between men's and women's salaries?
  - Yes, women earn on average 93% of men's salaries within the profession.
• What does the job market look like for HR professionals?
  - The job market is balanced with approximately 751 available jobs nationwide and moderate employment opportunities.
• What are common tasks for a HR professional?
  - Common tasks include recruitment, work environment initiatives, salary management, and advising on employment law and personnel development.
• What career paths are available after a few years in the profession?
  - Opportunities include advancing to HR specialist, personnel manager, or occupational health and safety manager.