Secretary, Chiefs

What does a Secretary within executive support do? – Tasks and work environment

Secretaries within executive support, often called executive secretaries or CEO assistants, work closely with management and executives to ensure their workday runs efficiently and structured. Tasks typically include managing calendars, planning meetings, arranging travel, taking minutes, handling correspondence, and coordinating and preparing presentations and reports. The role requires a high degree of discretion, accuracy, and the ability to handle many tasks simultaneously. The work environment is usually office-based, often in larger companies or organizations where the pace is fast and professionalism is highly valued. Daily contact with managers, colleagues, and external contacts demands excellent service skills and communication ability.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salary development for secretaries within executive support has shown steady growth. In 2022, the average salary was 37,800 SEK, which increased to 40 200 SEK in 2023 and further to 40 900 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total increase of nearly 8.2% during the period. The salary development can be attributed to increased demand for qualified administrative support and a shift towards more complex responsibilities, raising skill requirements. At the same time, the salary range remains relatively stable compared to other administrative professions, indicating a continued balance between supply and demand in the job market.

Secretary, executive support salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 40 900 SEK/month
• Salary range: 31,000–48,900 SEK/month
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 98% of men's salary
• Regional differences: Salary variations may occur depending on region and sector, with generally higher salaries in the private sector and metropolitan areas.

Education and qualifications

To work as a secretary within executive support, a high school diploma with an administrative or economic focus is usually required, often supplemented with post-secondary courses or training in administration, economics, or communication. Many employers also value experience in similar roles and good IT skills. Practical experience and the ability to handle confidential information are particularly meritorious.

• High school diploma: Economics, administration, or equivalent (3 years)
• Post-secondary courses: Administration, economics, project management (6–24 months)
• Certifications: Office suite, business communication, project administration
• Internship/trainee: Common in larger organizations
• Prerequisites: Excellent knowledge of Swedish and English, as well as IT systems

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to the base salary, secretaries within executive support can often expect benefits such as wellness allowances, subsidized lunch, pension contributions, and opportunities for skills development. In some cases, bonuses linked to company results, flexible working hours, and remote work options are also offered.

Competition and challenges

The job market for secretaries within executive support is characterized by balance, meaning that the number of trained professionals matches the number of available positions. Nationally, opportunities for employment are moderate, and the forecast for the next five years indicates that demand will remain unchanged. One of the biggest challenges is that the role is evolving rapidly with digitalization and increasing demands for advanced administrative skills. To remain competitive, continuous development of digital skills and adaptability to new work methods are necessary.

Tips for those wanting to become a secretary within executive support

To succeed as a secretary within executive support, it is beneficial to combine organizational skills with a high degree of flexibility and service orientation. Being structured helps manage many tasks simultaneously and prioritize quickly. Good communication skills are essential for effective collaboration with managers and colleagues and for handling sensitive information correctly. A proactive approach is appreciated, especially in anticipating managers' needs and solving problems before they arise. Continuously developing IT skills and staying updated on new digital tools can also be a key competitive advantage. Discretion and the ability to handle confidential information are central qualities, as is always meeting the challenges of the workday with professionalism.

Key facts about Secretary, executive support

• Average salary: 40 900 SEK/month
• Salary range: 31,000–48,900 SEK/month
• Gender differences: Women earn 98% of men's salary
• Work environment: Office-based, often close to company management
• Future prospects: Moderate opportunities, balanced job market

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the role of secretary within executive support, there are good opportunities for further development into more specialized tasks, such as administrative coordinator, project manager, or HR assistant. Some advance to executive assistant roles with greater responsibility for projects or team leadership. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, opportunities for employment are moderate moving forward, with a balanced job market and unchanged demand over five years. Currently, there are 758 available jobs in the profession, indicating ongoing demand for competent secretaries within executive support.

Common questions about Secretary, executive support

• What does a Secretary, executive support earn?
  - The average salary is 40 900 SEK per month, with a range between 31,000 and 48,900 SEK depending on experience, education, and sector.
• Are there salary differences between women and men?
  - Women earn on average 98% of what men do, which corresponds to 40 800 SEK for women and 41 600 SEK for men.
• What education is required to become a secretary within executive support?
  - Usually, a high school diploma with an administrative focus and post-secondary courses or experience from similar roles are required.
• What does the job market look like for this profession?
  - The job market is balanced with moderate opportunities, and approximately 758 available jobs within the profession.
• What benefits are common in this profession?
  - Common benefits include wellness allowances, pension contributions, subsidized lunches, and opportunities for skills development.
• How has salary developed over time?
  - Salaries have increased from 37,800 SEK (2022) to 40 900 SEK (2024), a rise of over 8% in three years.
• What are the career opportunities after a few years in the profession?
  - Further development can lead to roles such as administrative coordinator, project manager, or HR assistant.