Government Council

What does a Regeringsråd do? – Tasks and work environment

A Regeringsråd plays a unique and central role within Sweden's highest administrative court, where decisions are made on issues of great importance to society and government authority. The work involves independently and collaboratively examining appeals from administrative courts, often in complex legal matters requiring deep legal analysis. The daily work of a Regeringsråd is characterized by extensive legal investigations, drafting judgments, and oral hearings in the court's session hall. The work environment is office-based, often with a high pace and demands for precision, integrity, and the ability to balance legal and ethical considerations.

Salary development over time

The profession of Regeringsråd has shown stable and positive salary growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 60,900 SEK per month, which increased to 61 500 SEK in 2023. By 2024, the average salary has risen further to 64 300 SEK, corresponding to an increase of about 5.6% over two years. This trend reflects both the high specialized competence required for the role and an increased need for qualified judges within administrative law. The salary increase can also be explained by general adjustments within the public sector and a growing focus on legal certainty in government authority. Despite the high starting salary, competitive conditions are maintained to attract and retain experienced lawyers for the position of Regeringsråd.

Regeringsråd salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 64 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 62,900 SEK/month (female); 65,900 SEK/month (male)
• Highest salary: 74,700 SEK/month (female); 78,500 SEK/month (male)
• Hourly wage: 387 SEK
• Gender pay gap: Women earn on average 95% of what men do (63 100 SEK/month vs 66 200 SEK/month)
• Regional differences: Salary levels are generally higher in metropolitan regions, but variation is small within the profession

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a Regeringsråd is long and requires a solid legal education combined with broad experience from the judiciary. First, a law degree is required, followed by several years working as a lawyer and further merit-based progression through judicial appointments at various levels. Appointment as a Regeringsråd is made after careful assessment of both formal merits and personal suitability.

• Formal degree: Law degree (4.5 years)
• Judicial training: Notarization and judicial appointments at lower courts
• Merit-based experience: Several years as a judge or specialist lawyer
• Prerequisites: Documented skill in legal application and analysis
• Tips for success: Engage early in qualified legal tasks during your career

Common benefits and compensations

Regeringsråd typically enjoy benefits such as generous pension arrangements, extended health insurance, and opportunities for professional development. The position usually involves permanent employment with good vacation benefits and access to wellness allowances. Employers often prioritize a sustainable work environment with a balance between work and leisure.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a Regeringsråd is very fierce, as the number of available posts is limited and selection is among highly qualified lawyers and judges. The role requires not only deep legal knowledge but also the ability to handle sensitive and sometimes politically charged issues. The appointment process is lengthy and involves careful evaluation of professional merits and personal integrity. The main challenges include a high pace, complex cases, and the responsibility of making precedent-setting decisions that impact society at large. Constant changes in the external environment and legal development require Regeringsråd to stay updated and continuously educate themselves within their field.

Tips for aspiring Regeringsråd

To succeed as a Regeringsråd, it is beneficial to combine legal expertise with integrity and analytical skills. Early focus on legal studies and engagement in qualified tasks increase the chances of future judicial appointments. Precision and the ability to see the bigger picture are crucial when handling complex legal cases, and good judgment helps in difficult decisions. Building a strong network within the legal system and participating in government inquiries or expert groups provide valuable experience. Persistence and patience are important, as the path to appointment is long and requires several years of dedicated work. Finally, good collaboration skills are appreciated, as decision-making often occurs in judicial collegiums where different perspectives need to be balanced.

Key facts about Regeringsråd

• Education level: Law degree (4.5 years) plus judicial merit
• Salary range: 62,900–78,500 SEK/month
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 95% of what men do
• Work environment: Office-based, high pace, high confidentiality
• Job openings in the profession: 758 (Judges)

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Regeringsråd, there are opportunities to take on leading roles within the Supreme Administrative Court or participate in major government inquiries and legislative work. Many also contribute to legal development by lecturing at universities or engaging in international collaborations. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that it is difficult to make an exact assessment of demand for Regeringsråd, as the number of positions is very limited and rarely filled. However, there are approximately 758 job openings for judges, indicating ongoing demand for high-level legal expertise. The career path is narrow but prestigious, and the outlook for qualified lawyers with judicial experience is generally good.

Common questions about Regeringsråd

• What is the salary of a Regeringsråd?
  - The average salary for a Regeringsråd is 64 300 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a Regeringsråd?
  - Law degree (4.5 years) plus several years of judicial experience and merit-based progression within the judiciary.
• What are the gender differences in salaries for Regeringsråd?
  - Women earn on average 95% of what men do within the profession.
• Are there regional salary differences for Regeringsråd?
  - Salary levels are generally slightly higher in metropolitan regions, but the variation is small at this level.
• How many job openings are there in the profession?
  - Currently, there are approximately 758 job openings for judges.
• What personal qualities are important for a Regeringsråd?
  - Integrity, analytical ability, accuracy, and good judgment are essential qualities.
• What is the highest salary for a Regeringsråd?
  - The highest salary reaches 78,500 SEK per month for a male with doctoral education.