- Salary statistics
- Rescue leader, municipal rescue service salary
Rescue leader, municipal rescue service salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
29 500 - 41 700 SEK / month
Women earn 94% of what men do.
Säkerhetsarbete
Related tools
Salary progression Rescue leader, municipal rescue service
What does a rescue leader do in municipal fire services? – Tasks and work environment
A rescue leader in municipal fire services has ultimate responsibility for leading and coordinating efforts during accidents, fires, and other emergency situations where society's safety and protection are at stake. The tasks include quickly analyzing situations, making critical decisions, allocating resources, and ensuring that efforts are carried out according to applicable laws and routines. The work often involves physically and mentally demanding environments, where quick action and good communication are crucial for the safety of both personnel and the public. A large part of the workday is spent outdoors, often in shifts and standby duties, which require high flexibility and stress tolerance.
Salary development over time
The salary for rescue leaders in municipal fire services has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36 400 SEK per month, rising to 37 400 SEK in 2023 and further up to 38 500 SEK in 2024. This development corresponds to a total increase of approximately 7.2% during the period. The increase is partly explained by higher demand for qualified rescue leadership, increased requirements for education and experience, as well as general salary adjustments within the public sector. Although the profession is not among the fastest-growing in terms of wages, the trend indicates continued positive development, especially for those with extensive experience and further education.
Rescue leader, municipal fire services salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 38 500 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 29,800 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 41,300 SEK/month
- Hourly wage (average): 225 SEK
- Women earn: 36 400 SEK (94% of men's salary)
- Men earn: 38 700 SEK
- Regional differences: Data unavailable
Education and qualifications
To work as a rescue leader in municipal fire services, a combination of formal education and practical experience in rescue services is usually required. Many start their careers as firefighters and then pursue leadership training and courses within rescue services. In addition, good physical fitness and stress tolerance are essential, as the work often involves handling pressurized situations and making quick decisions.
- Formal education: Protection against accidents (SMO), 2 years
- Further training: Leadership courses within rescue services
- Practical experience: Several years as a firefighter required
- Certifications: External and internal training in rescue leadership
- Prerequisites: Good physical condition, Swedish citizenship, and a driver's license
Many rescue leaders work in shifts, which can mean spending several days straight at the station. This work form fosters strong bonds within the team and requires high teamwork and flexibility.
Common benefits and compensations
For rescue leaders in municipal fire services, it is common to receive supplements for unsocial hours, standby, and overtime. Other benefits may include wellness allowances, opportunities for further education, and good pension conditions. The position often offers a high degree of job security and is covered by collective agreements that provide extra protection in case of illness or injury.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as rescue leaders is generally moderate but varies between regions and municipalities. Since the role requires both extensive experience and special training, there is a natural selection of candidates. The challenges in the profession often involve managing unexpected and risky situations, making quick decisions, and leading efforts under pressure. Physical and mental strain can be significant, requiring good health and mental strength. Additionally, continuous skills development is necessary to meet evolving demands and new technology within rescue services.
Tips for those aspiring to become a rescue leader in municipal fire services
To succeed as a rescue leader in municipal fire services, it is beneficial to gain experience as a firefighter early on and continuously pursue further education in leadership and crisis management. Strong teamwork skills are crucial, as the role involves leading and motivating groups under stressful conditions. Being decisive and stress-resistant makes it easier to act quickly and correctly when it really matters. Good physical condition is essential, as many efforts are physically demanding. It is also important to communicate clearly and effectively, both with colleagues and other actors at the scene. Engagement in community service and a high sense of responsibility make a difference in everyday life and crises. Finally, an open attitude towards further training and new working methods is valuable, as rescue work is constantly evolving.
Key facts about rescue leaders in municipal fire services
- Education level: Post-secondary education (SMO, 2 years) + further training
- Work environment: Shift work, often outdoors and under pressure
- Employment type: Public sector, collective agreement
- Demand: 191 job openings in the profession (firefighters)
- Gender distribution: Women earn 94% of men's salary
Career paths and future prospects
After several years of experience as a rescue leader in municipal fire services, there are opportunities to advance to higher positions, such as incident commander or training leader within rescue services. Some choose to specialize in areas like risk management, training, or strategic leadership. According to the Employment Service's forecast, there is no specific assessment for rescue leaders, but the profession of firefighters currently has 191 job openings with stable demand, although regional variations may occur. Future prospects are influenced by factors such as retirements, societal development, and increased safety and preparedness requirements.
Frequently asked questions about rescue leaders in municipal fire services
- What does a rescue leader earn in municipal fire services?
- The average salary is 38 500 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of approximately 225 SEK. - Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
- Yes, women earn on average 94% of what men do in the profession. - What education is required to become a rescue leader?
- The training 'Protection against accidents' (SMO), leadership further education, and several years of experience as a firefighter are required. - What is the work environment like?
- The work often involves shifts, standby, and emergency responses under pressure, both indoors and outdoors. - What are the highest and lowest salaries for a rescue leader?
- The highest salary is 41,300 SEK and the lowest 29,800 SEK per month. - What are the future prospects?
- There are 191 job openings in the profession. The Employment Service does not provide an exact forecast for this role. - What personal qualities are important?
- Decisiveness, stress tolerance, communication skills, and teamwork are highly valued.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31300 kr | 33500 kr | |
| 25-34 | 100% | 35000 kr | 36000 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 37300 kr | 38100 kr |
| 45-54 | 39100 kr | 40100 kr | |
| 55-64 | 40300 kr | 41900 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 37500 kr | 38500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 31300 kr | 33400 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 35000 kr | 35800 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 37300 kr | 38000 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 39200 kr | 40000 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 40400 kr | 41700 kr |
| 65-68 | 38700 kr | 42900 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 37500 kr | 38400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 97% | 27000 kr | 29700 kr |
| 25-34 | 31200 kr | 34700 kr | |
| 35-44 | 32200 kr | 35000 kr | |
| 45-54 | 32500 kr | 34300 kr | |
| 55-64 | 34900 kr | 35000 kr | |
| Snitt | 93% | 30000 kr | 32800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 32800 kr | 34700 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 35100 kr | 35900 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 37400 kr | 38000 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 39200 kr | 40100 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 40500 kr | 41800 kr |
| 65-68 | 38800 kr | 42600 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 37600 kr | 38500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 37500 kr | 41500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 37500 kr | 41500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31400 kr | 33600 kr | |
| 25-34 | 100% | 35000 kr | 36000 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 37400 kr | 38200 kr |
| 45-54 | 39200 kr | 40200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 40300 kr | 41900 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 37600 kr | 38700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 31300 kr | 33500 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 35000 kr | 35900 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 37400 kr | 38100 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 39300 kr | 40100 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 40400 kr | 41700 kr |
| 65-68 | 38700 kr | 42900 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 37600 kr | 38500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 97% | 27100 kr | 29800 kr |
| 25-34 | 31500 kr | 34400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 32600 kr | 35700 kr | |
| 45-54 | 32500 kr | 34300 kr | |
| 55-64 | 34900 kr | 35000 kr | |
| Snitt | 93% | 30400 kr | 33100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 32900 kr | 34800 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 35100 kr | 35900 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 37500 kr | 38100 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 39300 kr | 40100 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 40500 kr | 41800 kr |
| 65-68 | 38800 kr | 42600 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 37700 kr | 38600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 37500 kr | 41700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 37500 kr | 41700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 100% | 35100 kr | 35900 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 36400 kr | 36700 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 35600 kr | 36400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 31200 kr | 33200 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 35100 kr | 35600 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 36300 kr | 36600 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 36900 kr | 38400 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 41000 kr | 41000 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 35500 kr | 36200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 97% | 26500 kr | 29000 kr |
| Snitt | 93% | 27300 kr | 30800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 32500 kr | 34400 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 35200 kr | 35600 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 36400 kr | 36700 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 36900 kr | 38400 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 41000 kr | 41000 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 35800 kr | 36400 kr |
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 Rescue leader, municipal rescue service has the SSYK code 5411, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
-
SÖRF seeks two combined positions – Workshop, Vehicles, Logistics, and Operations
Firefighters
Fri, 19 Jun 2026 - 00:06 -
Full-Time Firefighter & Temporary Position – South-Eastern Scania Fire Rescue Authority
Firefighters
Thu, 18 Jun 2026 - 23:25
Compare salary, work tasks and job outlook in adjacent occupations to find roles with similar skills or pay levels.
-
Average salary: 54 500 SEK/month • Säkerhetsarbete
Occupational safety engineers, occupational and environmental hygienists
Compare with Rescue leader, municipal rescue service
Tue, 23 Jun 2026 - 21:27 -
District Inspector, Occupational Inspectorate salary
Average salary: 54 500 SEK/month • Säkerhetsarbete
Occupational safety engineers, occupational and environmental hygienists
Compare with Rescue leader, municipal rescue service
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 07:22 -
Average salary: 35 100 SEK/month • Säkerhetsarbete
Correctional officers
Compare with Rescue leader, municipal rescue service
Tue, 23 Jun 2026 - 23:33 -
Average salary: 54 500 SEK/month • Säkerhetsarbete
Occupational safety engineers, occupational and environmental hygienists
Compare with Rescue leader, municipal rescue service
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 05:47 -
Average salary: 33 000 SEK/month • Säkerhetsarbete
Emergency operators etc.
Compare with Rescue leader, municipal rescue service
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 06:23 -
Average salary: 43 000 SEK/month • Säkerhetsarbete
Customs and coast guard officers
Compare with Rescue leader, municipal rescue service
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 05:48