- Salary statistics
- Priest, Free Church congregation
Priest, Free Church congregation
35 179 - 34 807 kr / month
Socialt arbete
Salary progression Priest, Free Church congregation
What does a priest in a free church congregation do? – Tasks and work environment
A priest in a free church congregation plays a central role in community life and is responsible for leading services, preaching, and guiding members in their spiritual development. Tasks also include pastoral care, teaching, confirmation work, and organizing baptisms, weddings, and funerals. In addition to liturgical duties, organizing community activities, conducting social work, and participating in collaboration projects with other actors are often included. The work mainly takes place in church premises but can also involve home visits, meetings, and activities outside the church. The work environment is characterized by close contact with people, varying working hours, and a significant responsibility for both individuals and the group as a whole.
Salary development over time
Salary levels for priests in a free church congregation have shown a steady and cautious increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,382 SEK per month, which increased to 34 662 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary continued upward to 34 807 SEK per month. This increase corresponds to a total percentage change of approximately 1.2% over the period. The salary growth can be linked to a slow but steady demand for the profession, as well as general adjustments within the non-profit sector. Although the salary development is modest, it still reflects a certain recognition of the importance and responsibility level of the profession within society.
Priest in a free church congregation salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 34 807 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data unavailable
- Hourly wage: 209 SEK
- Gender differences: Data unavailable
- Regional differences: Data unavailable
Education and qualifications
To work as a priest in a free church congregation, a theological university degree is usually required, often at university level, along with a calling and approval from the respective congregation or denomination. The educational path may vary between different denominations but typically includes both academic studies and practical experience. Besides formal education, supervision and internship within the congregation are common.
- Theological university degree: Usually 3–4 years
- Practical training: Often 6–12 months within the congregation
- Denomination-specific assessment: Interviews, discussions, and sometimes additional training
- Personal calling: Evaluation of suitability and motivation
- Continuing education: Courses and seminars offered regularly
Many priests within free church congregations also engage in social work, such as integration projects or support for vulnerable groups. The role can therefore involve a broad network of contacts and opportunities to influence society on multiple levels.
Common benefits and compensations
Priests in free church congregations are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, opportunities for professional development, flexible working hours, and sometimes housing or assistance with accommodation. Some congregations also provide pension contributions, insurance, and sabbatical leave.
Competition and challenges
The job market for priests in free church congregations is relatively stable but can vary depending on the denomination and geographic area. Since positions are often filled internally or through networks, competition for advertised external positions can be high. Challenges in the profession include high expectations for leadership, meeting diverse needs, and handling emotionally demanding situations. Additionally, irregular working hours and workload during major holidays can be stressful. Self-reflection and recovery are important qualities to prevent burnout.
Tips for those wanting to become a priest in a free church congregation
To succeed as a priest in a free church congregation, it is beneficial to have strong empathy and be attentive to people's needs, as much of the work involves supporting and guiding others. Building good communication skills and being clear and present in interactions with individuals and groups are valuable. Engagement and perseverance are needed to advance community work, especially during busy periods. Flexibility and initiative help manage planned and unexpected challenges daily. Seeking mentorship or supervision from experienced colleagues is recommended to develop in the role and maintain balance between work and private life. The ability to collaborate and build networks is also central, as much of the work occurs in teams and in cooperation with other societal actors. Finally, it is important to continually reflect on one's calling and motivation to provide long-term support to the congregation.
Key facts about Priest in a free church congregation
- Education level: Theological university degree, often supplemented with practical experience
- Work environment: Community premises, varying working hours
- Common employment form: Permanent employment within the non-profit sector
- Demand: A total of 237 available jobs within the profession (2024)
- Special skills: Leadership, pastoral care, and social work
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a priest in a free church congregation, there are opportunities to take on greater responsibility, such as becoming a congregation leader, trainer, or supervisor for new colleagues. Many develop specialized expertise in areas like pastoral care, diaconia, or international work. The employment service assesses that demand for the profession is stable, with a continuous need for new priests due to retirements and expanding congregation activities. For those wishing to broaden their careers, opportunities also exist within social work, education, or leadership within denominational organizations.
Frequently asked questions about Priest in a free church congregation
- What is the salary of a priest in a free church congregation?
- The average salary is 34 807 SEK per month. - What education is required to become a priest in a free church congregation?
- Typically a theological university degree, along with practical experience and approval from the denomination. - What is the job market like for priests in a free church congregation?
- There are good opportunities with 237 available jobs according to current statistics. - What are the job responsibilities of a priest in a free church congregation?
- Leading services, pastoral care, teaching, social work, and organizing ceremonies. - Are there gender-based salary differences for priests in a free church congregation?
- There is no information available regarding specific gender differences in salary for the profession. - How has the salary developed over time?
- Salaries have increased from 34,382 SEK/month (2022) to 34 807 SEK/month (2024).
Salary distributed by age and sector
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 Priest, Free Church congregation has the SSYK code 3412, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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