How much does a Rabbi make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Rabbi
Image that illustrates Rabbi

Rabbi

50 800 kr

Priests

50 400 - 51 300 kr / month

Women earn 98% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Rabbi

Average salary 50 800 kr
Males 51 300 kr
Females 50 400 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 6 Vacant jobs ->

What does a rabbi do? – Tasks and work environment

A rabbi is a religious leader within Judaism responsible for guiding the congregation in faith matters, leading worship services, and performing ceremonies such as weddings and bar mitzvahs. The work environment often involves a combination of office work, teaching, and social meetings with the congregation. Rabbis also serve as advisors on ethical issues and may interpret religious texts and laws. The work requires good communication skills and a deep respect for religious traditions, while often balancing differing opinions within the congregation.

Salary development over time

The average monthly salary for a rabbi has steadily increased over the past three years from 46,400 SEK in 2022 to 49 600 SEK in 2023, and further to 50,800 SEK in 2024. This represents a total salary increase of approximately 9.5 percent over the period, with a particularly clear rise between 2022 and 2023. The salary growth can be explained by increased demand for qualified religious leadership and stabilization of the job market for clergy within various religious communities. The level of education and experience of rabbis also contribute to higher salary levels, as does a general increase in salaries within the public and private sectors where rabbis work.

Rabbis are often both spiritual leaders and coordinators, requiring the ability to handle both emotional and practical issues within a congregation.

– statsskuld.se

Rabbi salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 50,800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 50,400 SEK (female)
  • Highest salary: 51,300 SEK (male)
  • Hourly wage: 306 SEK (based on 166 working hours/month)
  • Gender differences: Women earn on average 98 % of men's salaries
  • Regional differences: Not specified for the rabbi profession

Education and qualifications

To become a rabbi, a specialized education in Jewish theology and law is usually required, often combined with practical experience from congregation work. The education is lengthy and includes both academic studies and religious practice.

  • Formal degrees: Rabbi degree or equivalent theological education, often 5–7 years
  • Certifications/courses: Seminars and courses in Jewish law (Halacha) and ethics
  • Practical training: Internships in congregations during studies
  • Prerequisites: Deep knowledge of Jewish tradition and often prior academic studies
  • Tips for choosing: Select an educational institution with recognized authority in Jewish theology

Common benefits and compensations

Rabbi employment often includes benefits such as pension schemes, wellness allowances, and flexible working hours. Some positions may offer housing benefits or travel allowances, especially in smaller congregations or for travel related to work. Compensation varies depending on employer and employment form.

Competition and challenges

The competition for rabbi positions is moderate but requires high educational levels and strong engagement within the congregation. Challenges include balancing tradition and modernity, as well as handling social and religious issues with sensitivity. High demands are placed on diplomacy and leadership skills to build trust and cooperation. The profession may also involve workload during holidays and special ceremonies.

Tips for those wishing to become a rabbi

To succeed as a rabbi, it is good to be empathetic and communicative, as the role involves leading and supporting people in various life situations. A strong analytical ability facilitates the interpretation of religious texts and laws, which is central to the work. Patience and attentiveness to the congregation's needs are also important to build trust and respect. Engaging in practical congregation service during training provides valuable experience and networks. Finally, openness to dialogue helps manage differing opinions within the congregation constructively.

Key facts about rabbis

  • Education level: Specialized theological education (5–7 years)
  • Salary range: 50,400–51,300 SEK/month
  • Work environment: Combination of office work, teaching, and social work
  • Employment type: Permanent employment within congregation or religious organization
  • Demand: Approximately 237 job openings within the clergy including rabbis

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as a rabbi, there are opportunities to advance to senior leadership roles within the congregation or to specialized positions such as educators or advisors. Some choose to work in academia or interfaith organizations. The employment agency's projections show stable demand for clergy and religious leaders, indicating good future prospects for qualified rabbis. Digitalization and increased focus on diversity may also open new career paths in the field.

Common questions about rabbis

  • What does a rabbi earn?
    - A rabbi has an average salary of approximately 50,800 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience and workplace.
  • What education is required to become a rabbi?
    - A specialized theological education focusing on Judaism, often 5–7 years, is required.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 98 % of men's salaries within the profession.
  • What is the work environment like for a rabbi?
    - The work environment combines office work with teaching and social meetings in the congregation.
  • What qualities are important for success as a rabbi?
    - Empathy, communication skills, and analytical ability are central qualities.
  • What are the future prospects for rabbis?
    - The outlook is good with stable demand and approximately 237 job openings within the profession.
  • Can one work as a rabbi outside Sweden?
    - Yes, with the right education and certifications, rabbis can work internationally.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-04 08:08:12

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Rabbi is 51300 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a unspecified education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 50800 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Rabbi is 50400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 51200 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
35-44 47500 kr 49600 kr
45-54 49800 kr 51600 kr
55-64 97% 49300 kr 51000 kr
Snitt 98% 49000 kr 50800 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
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 Rabbi has the SSYK code 2671, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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