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Project manager, social work

36 100 kr

Treatment assistants and social pedagogues etc.

31 800 - 41 500 kr / month

Women earn 98% of what men do.

Socialt arbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Project manager, social work

Average salary 36 100 kr
Males 36 500 kr
Females 35 900 kr

What does a project manager in social work do? – Tasks and work environment

A project manager in social work is responsible for planning, coordinating, and following up on projects aimed at improving social conditions for various target groups. Tasks include leading project teams, managing budgets, evaluating efforts, and ensuring project goals are met within set timeframes. The role often involves close collaboration with other professions, authorities, and voluntary organizations. The work environment features a variety of workplaces, including both office and fieldwork, with a high pace and many parallel processes.

Salary development over time

Salaries for project managers in social work have shown steady increases in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,200 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 34 800 SEK in 2023. The latest data from 2024 shows an average monthly salary of 36 100 SEK, which represents an approximate increase of 8.7% over the three-year period. This positive trend can partly be explained by an increased need for expertise in social work and a growing awareness of the importance of professional project management in the sector. Higher educational requirements and greater responsibility in projects have also impacted salary growth upward. However, the market demand has stabilized, and salary increases are expected to level off in the coming years.

Project managers in social work often need to combine analytical skills with strong empathy, as the work involves understanding and meeting complex human needs while achieving project goals. Those who enjoy seeing tangible results from their work and appreciate collaboration between different actors will find much to gain in this role.

– statsskuld.se

Project manager, social work salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 36 100 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,800 SEK/month (female, public sector)
  • Highest salary: 41,500 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, research education)
  • Hourly wage: 217 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 98% of what men do (men: 36 500 SEK, women: 35 900 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on region and employer

Education and qualifications

To work as a project manager in social work, a university degree in social work, behavioral sciences, or similar fields is usually required. Further training in project management is often an advantage, and employers may also seek experience in leadership or specific target groups. Practical experience in social work, gained through internships or previous employment, is highly meritorious.

  • Bachelor's degree in social work or behavioral sciences (3 years)
  • Supplementary courses in project management (6-12 months)
  • Internship in social work or project management
  • Relevant work experience
  • Certifications in project management (e.g., IPMA or PMI)

Common benefits and compensations

Project managers in social work are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional development. Other common compensations include occupational pension schemes, subsidized lunches, and additional vacation days depending on the employer and sector.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions in project management within social work is considered moderate. The job market is characterized by a balance, with the number of qualified applicants matching the available positions. A challenge is to meet increasing demands for documentation and project control while maintaining a focus on individual needs. The ability to handle stress and switch quickly between tasks is crucial. Additionally, securing long-term project funding can be difficult, which requires flexibility and adaptability.

Tips for aspiring project managers in social work

To succeed as a project manager in social work, it is beneficial to combine a structured approach with high empathy and responsiveness. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues and external partners, while analytical ability helps plan and monitor projects efficiently. Strong stress resilience is valuable given the high pace and multiple issues to handle simultaneously. Flexibility and a solutions-oriented mindset enable quick adaptation to changing conditions. Finally, a genuine interest in contributing to societal improvements and people's well-being is essential for thriving and developing in the role.

Key facts about project managers in social work

  • Educational level: Bachelor's degree in social work or similar
  • Work environment: Both office- and field-based, often high-paced
  • Demand: Moderate opportunities, 237 available jobs nationwide
  • Work form: Usually full-time, sometimes project-based
  • Gender distribution: Even, but small salary differences between genders

Career paths and future prospects

After several years of experience as a project manager in social work, opportunities open up for more senior roles such as organizational developer, head of social projects, or strategic coordinator. Some progress to specialized roles within areas like addiction treatment, child and youth issues, or integration projects. According to the Swedish Employment Agency's forecast, the prospects for employment as a project manager in this field are moderate, with stable demand and a balanced job market over the next five years. The number of available jobs is relatively high nationwide, but competition can vary depending on region and specialization.

Frequently asked questions about project managers in social work

  • What does a project manager in social work earn?
    - The average salary is 36 100 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience, education, and sector.
  • What education is required to become a project manager in social work?
    - A bachelor's degree in social work or behavioral sciences, along with supplementary project management training, is recommended.
  • Are there significant salary differences between women and men?
    - Women earn 98% of what men do, which corresponds to a smaller difference of about 600 SEK on average per month.
  • What is the job market like for project managers in social work?
    - The demand is moderate, and the job market is considered balanced, with a total of 237 available jobs nationwide.
  • What tasks are included in the role?
    - Planning, leading, and following up on social projects, budget responsibility, and collaboration with other actors.
  • What are the career opportunities?
    - After a few years, there are opportunities to advance to managerial roles or specialize in different areas.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Structure, empathy, communication skills, and stress resilience are central to success in the profession.
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Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Project manager, social work is 41500 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Municipal sector with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 39200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Project manager, social work is 31800 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 32400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 28900 kr 31300 kr
25-34 98% 32600 kr 34700 kr
35-44 99% 34300 kr 36500 kr
45-54 100% 34800 kr 37100 kr
55-64 100% 34800 kr 36700 kr
65-68 101% 34800 kr 37000 kr
Snitt 98% 34000 kr 36100 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 Project manager, social work has the SSYK code 3411, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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