Image that illustrates Policeman

Policeman

44 100 kr

Police officers

42 500 - 49 200 kr / month

Women earn 97% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Policeman

Average salary 44 100 kr
Males 44 500 kr
Females 43 300 kr

What does a Police Officer do? – Tasks and work environment

A Police Officer is responsible for maintaining law and order in society and often works closely with citizens to prevent and investigate crimes. Tasks include patrols, interventions at crime scenes, investigative work, interviews, and administrative duties. The position may involve shift work, working under pressure, and handling both urgent and routine situations. The work environment varies, but often involves outdoor or field work, which requires high stress resilience and adaptability.

Salary development over time

The salary of a Police Officer has shown a clear positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 38,800 SEK per month, which increased to 40 800 SEK in 2023. The latest recorded average salary for 2024 is 44,100 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 13.6% over three years. This salary development can partly be explained by increased focus on retaining and recruiting competent officers, as well as higher demands for education and specialization within the profession. The demand for police officers has remained stable, and salary increases also reflect an ambition to improve working conditions and increase the attractiveness of the profession.

Police Officer salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 44,100 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 42,500 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 49,200 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 265 SEK
  • Men's average salary: 44 500 SEK/month
  • Women's average salary: 43 300 SEK/month
  • Women earn: 97% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as a Police Officer, completed police training is required, combining academic studies with practical training. The education is both theoretical and physical, demanding high standards for academic results and personal suitability. The admission process also assesses health, physical ability, and psychological suitability.

  • Police training: University-level education, 2.5 years (available in several locations in Sweden)
  • Practical training: One semester of probationary service included
  • Prerequisites: Swedish citizenship, driver's license B, approved security clearance
  • Additional tests: Physical, medical, and psychological tests
  • Tips for applicants: Engage in community issues and practice teamwork skills

Many police officers have the opportunity to specialize after a few years in areas such as crime scene investigation, traffic, or cybercrime. Specializations can both broaden job tasks and open pathways for further development within the organization.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Typical benefits for Police Officers include night and weekend shift allowances, wellness contributions, extra vacation days, pension contributions, and opportunities for further training within the role. Many employers also offer support for health and rehabilitation, as well as insurance tailored to the demands of the profession.

Competition and challenges

The police profession is attractive but demands high personal suitability, physical fitness, and stress resilience. The number of training places has increased, but competition for spots remains significant, and selection is rigorous. Challenges include long shifts, risky situations, and high psychological stress, requiring continuous recovery. At the same time, it is a profession where efforts are visible and appreciated in society, which can be a strong motivator. Despite some gender-based salary differences, the profession is open to all with the right qualifications and commitment.

Tips for those aspiring to become a Police Officer

To succeed as a Police Officer, it is good to be service-minded and genuinely interested in helping others. Developing stress resilience is crucial, as the work may involve quick adjustments and pressured situations. Good teamwork skills are important, as police work often occurs in teams requiring clear communication. Practice being attentive and empathetic, since interactions with people in vulnerable situations are central to the role. Physical fitness should be prioritized, as tests and daily work demand endurance. Being thorough and responsible helps with investigations and reporting, while the ability to make quick decisions can be critical in emergency situations.

Key facts about Police Officers

  • Education level: University education (2.5 years) + probationary training
  • Work environment: Fieldwork, shift work, and varied workplaces
  • Demand: 191 job openings within the profession (May 2024)
  • Typical employment form: Public sector employment

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Police Officer, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as investigator, team leader, incident commander, or specialist in areas like traffic, IT crime, or drug enforcement. Further education can lead to supervisory roles or positions within national task forces. The future outlook is stable, but according to the Employment Service, no precise assessment is made due to limited data. However, the number of available positions indicates ongoing demand for police officers, especially in certain regions and specialized functions.

Frequently asked questions about Police Officers

  • What is the average salary of a Police Officer?
    - A Police Officer has an average salary of 44,100 SEK per month.
  • How big is the difference between men's and women's salaries?
    - Women earn 97% of what men do, which corresponds to 43 300 SEK compared to 44 500 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a Police Officer?
    - Police training at university level (2.5 years) plus approved probationary training and specific tests.
  • What is the work environment like for a Police Officer?
    - The work environment is varied with fieldwork, shift work, and sometimes high demands on physical and mental endurance.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for a Police Officer?
    - The highest salary is 49,200 SEK per month, and the lowest is 42,500 SEK per month.
  • What are the future prospects for Police Officers?
    - Currently, there are 191 job openings within the profession, with continued stable demand.
  • Are there opportunities for specialization?
    - Yes, after a few years, it is possible to specialize in areas such as investigation, traffic, or cybercrime.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Policeman is 49200 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 46000 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Policeman is 42500 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Public sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 44100 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 97% 27100 kr 31500 kr
25-34 99% 34600 kr 38900 kr
35-44 99% 41100 kr 44200 kr
45-54 97% 46400 kr 48700 kr
55-64 98% 50600 kr 51900 kr
65-68 50500 kr 51800 kr
Snitt 97% 41000 kr 44100 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Policeman has the SSYK code 3360, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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