How much does a National Librarian make

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  2. National Librarian
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National Librarian

115 200 kr

General, county and municipal directors etc.

94 800 - 175 300 kr / month

Women earn 99% of what men do.

Chefer & ledare

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression National Librarian

Average salary 115 200 kr
Males 115 800 kr
Females 114 700 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 3 Vacant jobs ->

What does a National Librarian do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A National Librarian is responsible for leading and developing Sweden's national library system, with a particular focus on the Royal Library. Tasks include strategic management, organizational development, coordination of national initiatives, and representing the library sector to authorities, politicians, and international partners. The role often involves significant responsibility for budgeting, staff, and overall operational governance. The work environment is primarily office-based but characterized by a fast pace, many external contacts, and a large component of public assignments.

Salary Development Over Time

The profession of National Librarian has shown a clear salary increase in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 102,400 SEK per month, which increased to 109 000 SEK in 2023, and now reaches 115 200 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total increase of about 12.5% over three years. Factors driving this development include increasing responsibility for digitalization and coordination within the cultural sector, as well as a greater focus on leadership and change management within library operations. The demand for qualified leaders in the public sector has also contributed to the positive salary trend, especially as libraries take on an increasingly important role in knowledge dissemination and information management at the national level.

National Librarian Salary – Complete Overview

  • Average salary: 115 200 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 94,800 SEK/month (men), 108,400 SEK/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 175,300 SEK/month (men), 166,900 SEK/month (women)
  • Hourly wage: 693 SEK
  • Gender pay gap: Women earn 99% of what men do (men: 115 800 SEK, women: 114 700 SEK)

Education and Qualifications

To work as a National Librarian, a university degree in library and information science is usually required, often supplemented with further studies in leadership or cultural management. Many in the role also have extensive experience in strategic work within the public sector or major cultural institutions. International experience and specialist skills in digitalization or information management are also often sought after.

  • Master's or postgraduate degree in library and information science (4–5 years)
  • Further education in leadership, management, or cultural policy
  • Internships or trainee programs at major libraries or cultural institutions
  • International experience or project management within the library sector
  • Strong references and documented leadership experience

The role of National Librarian often involves being a visible voice in societal debates about democracy, freedom of information, and digital divides. Navigating both political and academic contexts is an important part of daily life.

– statsskuld.se

Common Benefits and Compensation

For National Librarians, benefits often include additional vacation days, generous pension contributions, wellness allowances, and sometimes remote work options. Occupational pension schemes and comprehensive insurance coverage are common, along with access to further training and international conferences.

Challenges and Competition

The profession of National Librarian is highly competitive due to limited available positions and high qualification requirements. Challenges include managing rapid digital transformation, budget constraints, and balancing national strategies with local needs. The ability to lead through change, build consensus among stakeholders, and drive development forward are crucial. Additionally, staying updated on new technologies and societal trends is essential. The limited number of vacancies makes career progression narrow but prestigious.

Tips for Aspiring National Librarians

To succeed as a National Librarian, it is beneficial to have strong analytical skills and a genuine interest in societal development. Building a broad network within the library sector and related fields provides valuable insights and opportunities. Leadership skills are critical, so actively seeking responsibility early in your career is recommended. Clear and diplomatic communication skills are important when conveying complex issues to diverse audiences. Strategic thinking helps prioritize long-term goals against current challenges. Engagement in international projects or research collaborations can also enhance career prospects. Finally, resilience and integrity are necessary to handle politically and culturally sensitive issues.

Key Facts About the National Librarian

  • Average salary: 115 200 SEK/month
  • Educational level: Master's degree in library and information science
  • Work environment: Office-based, often in leadership roles
  • Available jobs in the profession: 175
  • Gender pay gap: Women earn 99% of men’s salary

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After 3–5 years in the role of National Librarian, career opportunities can open within other leadership positions in the cultural sector, government agencies, or international organizations. It is common to advance to roles such as Director-General, Cultural Director, or government advisor. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, demand for qualified leaders in the public sector remains stable, though the number of positions is limited. Digitalization and changing information habits create new challenges but also opportunities for development in the profession. The prognosis indicates that experience in change management and international cooperation will become increasingly important in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions About the National Librarian

  • What does a National Librarian earn?
    - The average salary is 115 200 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, education, and sector.
  • What education is required to become a National Librarian?
    - A master's degree in library and information science and leadership experience are usually necessary.
  • Are there gender differences in the salaries of National Librarians?
    - Women earn 99% of what men do in the profession.
  • What is the job market like for National Librarians?
    - Few positions are available, but demand for leadership skills remains high.
  • What do the duties of a National Librarian entail?
    - The main tasks include strategic leadership, organizational development, and national coordination of libraries.
  • How has the salary developed?
    - Salaries have increased by approximately 12.5% over the past three years, from 102,400 SEK to 115 200 SEK on average.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-04 17:58:10

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a National Librarian is 175300 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Municipal sector with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 166900 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a National Librarian is 94800 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 108400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
45-54 99% 107900 kr 109000 kr
55-64 100% 116900 kr 118300 kr
Snitt 99% 113800 kr 115200 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 National Librarian has the SSYK code 1112, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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