National telephone operator

What does a Rikstelefonist do? – Tasks and work environment

A rikstelefonist works with forwarding phone calls, providing information, and guiding both internal and external contacts within organizations, authorities, and companies. Tasks include quickly and accurately connecting calls, handling inquiries via phone and sometimes email or other channels, and assisting with simpler administrative duties. Operators are often the organization's first point of contact and play an important role in creating a professional impression for visitors and callers. The work environment is typically office-based, often in open-plan offices or dedicated switchboards, where the pace can be high and workload varies depending on the time of day and season.

Salary development over time

The salary for rikstelefonists has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,600 SEK per month, rising the following year to 29 000 SEK. In 2024, the average salary has continued to rise to 29 800 SEK, which is approximately an 8% increase since 2022. This positive trend can partly be explained by overall wage developments in the labor market and increased demand for service-oriented roles. Despite digitalization, there is still a need for operators, especially in the public sector and larger organizations where personal service is highly valued. Variations in wage increases may also depend on regional differences and between private and public employers.

Rikstelefonist salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 29 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 27,700 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, high school education)
• Highest salary: 34,600 SEK/month (male, public sector, high school education)
• Hourly wage: 179 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 92% of what men do (men 31 700 SEK, women 29200 SEK)
• Regional differences: Salary levels can vary between urban and rural areas, but exact figures are not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a rikstelefonist, a high school education is usually required, preferably with a focus on administration or service. Some employers also require specific courses in customer service, communication, or telephony. Practical experience from service roles or administrative positions is often advantageous and can be decisive in recruitment. In addition to formal education, personal suitability and good communication skills are emphasized.

• High school education: 3 years, preferably with a focus on administration or service
• Courses in customer service and telephony: Recommended to increase competitiveness
• Internship or experience: Meritorious from other service professions
• Communication skills: Important for the role
• IT skills: Basic computer skills are in demand

Common benefits and compensations

Rikstelefonists are often offered collective agreement-regulated benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, and paid vacation. Subsidized lunches or access to staff dining facilities are common, sometimes including flexible working hours and remote work options depending on the employer. Some workplaces also provide opportunities for skills development through internal courses or training, especially in customer service and IT systems.

Competition and challenges

The profession as a rikstelefonist is characterized by a relatively stable job market, but competition for positions can vary depending on the region and employer. Digitalization and automated switchboard services have reduced the number of traditional operator roles, which increases demands for flexibility and the ability to handle multiple communication channels. At the same time, personal service is highly valued in many organizations, especially in the public sector and larger companies. Challenges include a fast pace, high availability requirements, and the need to quickly resolve problems or manage stressful situations. For those wishing to develop in the role, it is important to continuously strengthen technical and communicative skills.

Tips for those who want to become a Rikstelefonist

To succeed as a rikstelefonist, it is good to combine strong service skills with resilience and clear communication. A first step is to familiarize yourself with basic IT and telephony systems, as technical understanding often facilitates daily work. Training in active listening and the ability to quickly adapt to different types of questions is a big advantage, especially when the pace is high. Precision and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously are appreciated by employers and contribute to a smooth workday. A positive attitude and interest in people make it easier to build good relationships with colleagues and customers. Finally, it is wise to take advantage of opportunities for further education in customer service and communication to enhance your profile in the job market.

Key facts about Rikstelefonist

• Average salary: 29 800 SEK/month
• Education level: High school (3 years)
• Work environment: Office-based, often in open landscapes
• Demand: 758 job openings in Sweden
• Gender difference: Women earn 92% of men's salary

Career paths and future prospects

After several years of experience as a rikstelefonist, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as team leader for the operator group, administrator, or move further into customer service or support roles. For those seeking a broader career path, further education can lead to roles within HR, reception, or internal communication. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate continued stable demand for skilled operators, especially in the public sector and larger companies where personal service is central. Despite some competition from digital solutions, there remains a continuous need for personal contact in many organizations, providing good future prospects for the profession.

Common questions about Rikstelefonist

• What is the average salary of a Rikstelefonist?
  - The average salary is 29 800 SEK per month.
• How large is the salary difference between men and women?
  - Men earn 31 700 SEK and women 29200 SEK, which means women earn 92% of men's salary.
• What education is required to become a Rikstelefonist?
  - High school education, preferably with a focus on administration or service, is recommended.
• Are there significant regional salary differences?
  - Salary levels can vary between urban and rural areas, but exact figures are not available.
• What are the future prospects for Rikstelefonists?
  - The outlook is stable, with 758 job openings in Sweden.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a Rikstelefonist?
  - The highest salary is 34,600 SEK (male, public sector), and the lowest is 27,700 SEK (female, private sector).