How much does a National Police Chief make

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National Police Chief

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 Police Chief

Average salary 115 200 kr
Males 115 800 kr
Females 114 700 kr
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What does a Rikspolischef do? – Tasks and work environment

A Rikspolischef has overarching responsibility for leading and developing Swedish police operations at the national level. The role involves designing strategies, ensuring that the police authority achieves its goals, and coordinating work between different departments and regions. Tasks include representing the agency in contacts with government, the public, and international partners, as well as making decisions regarding resource allocation, security, and crisis management. The work environment is often intense, characterized by a high pace, complex decisions, and significant personal responsibility, where leadership and the ability to handle pressurized situations are crucial.

Salary development over time

The salary for a Rikspolischef has shown a clear positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 102,400 SEK per month, increasing to 109 000 SEK in 2023 and further to 115 200 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total increase of approximately 12.5% during the period. The development reflects both increased responsibilities in the role and a general trend of rising compensation for leadership positions within the public sector. The high demand for experienced leaders and the need to attract the right competence to top government positions also contribute to this salary growth.

Rikspolischef salary – comprehensive 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 (average): 693 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 99% of what men do (114 700 SEK/month vs. 115 800 SEK/month)
  • Regional differences: Salary levels may vary, but most positions are located in Stockholm.

Education and qualifications

To become a Rikspolischef, a higher academic degree is usually required, often in law, social sciences, or political science, along with solid experience in the justice system or public administration. The position is appointed by the government, and it is common that applicants have held leadership roles within the police or other authorities. Formal requirements are combined with documented leadership ability and strategic thinking.

  • Formal degree: Law degree or other relevant university education (at least 3–5 years)
  • Leadership training: Internal and external courses in leadership and public governance
  • Practical experience: Extensive experience from police, authorities, or similar leadership roles
  • Prerequisites: Solid background within the justice system or public sector
  • Tips for selection: Strong references and experience in change management are important for reaching the role

A role as a Rikspolischef often involves managing expectations from the government and the public, as well as navigating complex political landscapes. The role therefore requires not only legal and organizational competence but also well-developed diplomatic skills and great resilience.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

A Rikspolischef often receives benefits such as occupational pension, healthcare insurance, wellness allowance, and sometimes a car benefit. Flexible working hours, extra vacation days, and opportunities for professional development are common, along with enhanced leadership support and special security agreements during reorganizations.

Competition and challenges

The competition for the position of Rikspolischef is very high, as there is only one such position in Sweden, and selection is made at the government level. Challenges in the role include balancing political demands with internal change needs, managing media and public expectations, and being able to make quick decisions during societal crises. The role also involves continuously working on long-term strategies to develop police operations, while managing daily operational challenges with great skill.

Tips for those aspiring to become a Rikspolischef

To succeed as a Rikspolischef, it is beneficial to combine strong analytical skills with clear and inclusive leadership. Experience from various parts of the justice system, preferably in different managerial roles, provides a broad understanding of organizational challenges. Being communicative and capable of building trust both internally and externally is crucial, especially in demanding situations. Strategic thinking, combined with resilience and the ability to prioritize under pressure, are qualities often sought after. Continuously developing leadership skills and staying updated on societal trends and legislation increases the chances of reaching the role. Networking and good relationships within the authority world can also be decisive in obtaining the position.

Key facts about Rikspolischef

  • Average salary: 115 200 SEK/month
  • Education level: Higher academic degree (at least 3–5 years)
  • Work environment: High workload, office-based (mainly Stockholm)
  • Gender pay gap: 99% (women/men)
  • Number of positions: Only one Rikspolischef in Sweden

Career paths and future prospects

Previous experience from leadership roles within police, other authorities, or the justice system is often a prerequisite for becoming a candidate for the role of Rikspolischef. After a few years in the role, there may be opportunities to move on to international assignments, such as within the EU or UN, or to other central leadership positions within the public sector. Forecasts indicate that demand for competent leaders in public administration remains stable, and there is a continuous need to recruit managers with broad experience and solid education. According to the Employment Service, there were recently 175 job openings in related professions, indicating a stable job market for qualified public sector leaders.

Frequently asked questions about Rikspolischef

  • What does a Rikspolischef earn?
    - The average salary is 115 200 SEK per month, with variations between 94,800 and 175,300 SEK depending on background and sector.
  • How does one become a Rikspolischef?
    - Usually, a higher academic degree and extensive experience in leadership roles within the justice system or public sector are required.
  • Are there gender pay differences?
    - Yes, women earn on average 99% of what men do at this level.
  • What are the main job responsibilities?
    - Leading the entire police operation, making strategic decisions, and coordinating national police activities.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - Demand for highly qualified leaders in the public sector remains stable according to the Employment Service.
  • What education is required?
    - A higher academic degree, often in law or social sciences, along with leadership training and extensive experience.
  • Where are the positions located?
    - The position is based in Stockholm, but experience from across the country can be advantageous.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-04 18:10:06

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a National Police Chief 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 Police Chief 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 Police Chief has the SSYK code 1112, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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