Planning secretary, municipality, county council

What does a planning secretary, municipality, county council do? – Tasks and work environment

A planning secretary within municipalities and county councils is responsible for coordinating and administering planning processes and investigative work related to organizational development. Tasks include compiling basis for decisions, analyzing statistics, writing reports, and ensuring that planning work complies with applicable regulations and guidelines. The work is mainly carried out in an office environment with close cooperation with various departments and political bodies, which requires good communication and organizational skills.

Salary development over time

The salary for a planning secretary within municipalities and county councils has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,200 SEK per month, then rose to 44 700 SEK in 2023 and further to 46 500 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total salary increase of approximately 7.6% over the period. This positive trend can be explained by increased demand for qualified planning skills in the public sector and a general salary development reflecting inflation and market conditions. The level of education and specialization within the profession also contribute to attracting competitive salaries, especially in municipal and county-related activities.

Planning secretary, municipality, county council salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 46 500 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,200 SEK/month (female, public sector, pre-university education)
• Highest salary: 60,200 SEK/month (male, municipal sector, doctoral degree)
• Hourly wage: 280 SEK (based on 166 hours/month)
• Gender differences: Women earn on average 45 300 SEK, men 48 800 SEK, meaning women earn approximately 93% of men's salaries
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on the size and geographic location of the municipality, but specific data is lacking for the profession

Education and qualifications

To work as a planning secretary within municipalities and county councils, a relevant university degree in social sciences, public administration, or similar fields is often required. Experience with administrative and analytical tasks is also common. Additional courses in planning, project management, or statistics can be advantageous.

• Formal degrees: A 3-year university degree in social sciences, political science, or public administration
• Certifications/courses: Project management, statistics, public administration
• Internship/trainee: Internships within municipal or county administration can be beneficial
• Prerequisites: Good knowledge of Swedish and administrative systems
• Tips for choosing: Select programs focused on planning and the public sector to strengthen professional competence

Common benefits and compensation

Planning secretaries within municipalities and county councils are often offered benefits such as collective agreement pension schemes, wellness allowances, and flexible working hours. Some employers also offer opportunities for skills development and training support. Vacation and sick pay are regulated by collective agreements, and it is common to have occupational pensions and insurance coverage as part of employment.

Competition and challenges

The profession as a planning secretary within municipalities and county councils is characterized by a moderate recruitment situation with moderate job opportunities. Competition may vary depending on the region and organization size. A challenge is managing complex regulations and stakeholder requirements while ensuring effective planning and quality assurance. Digitalization and changing working methods also demand continuous skills development. Flexibility and prioritization skills are important to meet these challenges.

Tips for those who want to become a planning secretary, municipality, county council

To succeed as a planning secretary within the public sector, it is good to develop strong analytical skills and a structured working approach. Being communicative facilitates collaboration with various actors and builds trust in the planning process. It is also important to be flexible and adaptable, as tasks often change in line with new political and organizational demands. Actively seeking experience through internships or trainee programs in the public sector can provide valuable insights. Finally, a problem-solving mindset helps handle unexpected challenges and contribute to effective solutions.

Key facts about planning secretaries, municipality, county council

• Education level: 3-year university degree in social sciences or similar
• Salary range: 30,200–60,200 SEK/month
• Work environment: Office-based with close collaboration within the public sector
• Demand: Moderate with a balanced recruitment situation
• Hourly wage: Approximately 280 SEK based on average working hours

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience as a planning secretary, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as project manager, organizational developer, or specialist in planning and investigation. The employment agency's forecast indicates that demand for planners and investigators in administration, economics, and law is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, with a balanced recruitment situation. This means stable employment opportunities, especially in larger municipalities and county councils where planning needs are ongoing. Skills development and broadening of professional knowledge can contribute to increased mobility within the sector.

Common questions about planning secretaries, municipality, county council

• What does a planning secretary, municipality, county council earn?
  - The average salary is approximately 46 500 SEK per month, with variations between 30,200 and 60,200 SEK depending on experience and education.
• What education is required to become a planning secretary?
  - Usually, a university degree in social sciences, public administration, or similar fields is required.
• Are there gender differences in salary?
  - Yes, women earn on average 93% of men's salaries within the profession.
• What is the work environment like for planning secretaries?
  - The work is office-based with a lot of collaboration and requires good communication skills.
• What are the future prospects for this profession?
  - The outlook is considered stable with unchanged demand and a balanced recruitment situation.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Analytical ability, communication skills, and flexibility are key qualities.