Secretary

What does a Secretary do? – Tasks and work environment

Secretaries support organizational operations administratively and organizationally at workplaces within both private and public sectors. Typical tasks include document management, meeting scheduling, minute-taking, mail handling, and acting as a contact person for internal and external parties. The role also involves coordinating information, managing archiving, and sometimes handling basic financial tasks. The work environment is often office-based with a focus on order, structure, and service, where digital tools and communication are central parts of daily work.

Salary development over time

The salary for Secretaries has shown stable and positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,000 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 34 300 SEK in 2023 and further to 35 600 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total salary increase of approximately 7.9% over three years, with a particularly clear rise between 2023 and 2024. This development can partly be explained by increased demand for digital skills and administrative competencies, but also by general wage pressure within service professions. Although the job market is expected to become more competitive in the future, wages have so far strengthened, possibly because employers value experience and broad administrative knowledge.

Secretary salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 35 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 27,100 SEK/month (male, government sector)
• Highest salary: 54,200 SEK/month (female, public sector, research education)
• Hourly wage: 214 SEK
• Women/men: women 35 500 SEK (99% of men's salary), men 35 900 SEK
• Regional differences: Salary levels vary depending on work location and sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a Secretary, a high school diploma with an administrative focus is generally required, often supplemented with post-secondary courses or vocational training in administration. Some employers also require experience with specific computer systems or certifications. Practical experience and good language skills are often advantageous and can increase employment opportunities.

• High school diploma: Economics or administrative focus (3 years)
• Vocational college: Administration/Secretary (1–2 years)
• Certifications: Courses in Office suite, document management
• Internship: Meritorious and sometimes required in certain sectors
• Language skills: Swedish and English are often in demand

Common benefits and compensations

Secretaries are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, subsidized lunch, and flexible working hours. Other common compensations include paid overtime, professional development, and sometimes extra vacation days depending on the employer and sector.

Competition and challenges

The job market for Secretaries is characterized by balance, but future projections indicate that demand will decrease within five years. Digitalization and automation of administrative processes mean fewer traditional secretary roles are needed, while demands for digital competence increase. Competition for available positions may therefore become more intense, especially within the public sector where employment is often attractive. To meet these challenges, continuous skills development and the ability to adapt to new tools and working methods are required. Despite this, there are still good opportunities for those who combine experience with technical and language skills.

Tips for those who want to become a Secretary

To succeed as a Secretary, it is good to be meticulous and organized, as planning and order are central parts of the work. Good communication skills facilitate contact with colleagues and external parties, while a service-minded attitude and helpfulness make the workday smoother. Flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to new routines or digital tools are also important, especially in a changing work environment. Discretion and the ability to handle sensitive information build trust and are highly valued qualities. Engagement in further education and staying updated on administrative practices can strengthen competitiveness. Developing good language skills, especially in Swedish and English, can open doors to more workplaces. Finally, an independent work style and initiative are helpful when managing unexpected situations or tasks.

Key facts about Secretaries

• Average salary: 35 600 SEK/month
• Salary range: 27,100–54,200 SEK/month
• Gender differences: Women earn 99% of men's salaries
• Work environment: Office-based, often with digital tools
• Job openings: 758 advertised positions within the profession

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, Secretaries can develop into more specialized roles such as executive secretary, administrative coordinator, or office manager. There are also opportunities to broaden into HR, finance, or project administration, especially for those who pursue further training. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that the job market is in balance but that demand is expected to decline in the long term due to digitalization. Nevertheless, there remains a need for qualified administrators and Secretaries, particularly within larger organizations and the public sector. Those who continually develop their skills and adapt to new work methods will be best prepared for future requirements.

Frequently asked questions about Secretaries

• What is the average salary of a Secretary?
  - A Secretary has an average salary of 35 600 SEK per month.
• Are there significant salary differences between men and women?
  - Women earn 99% of what men do within the profession, with an average salary of 35 500 SEK for women and 35 900 SEK for men.
• What are the future prospects for Secretaries?
  - The job market is balanced, but demand is expected to decrease slightly over the next five years according to the Employment Service.
• What education is required to become a Secretary?
  - A high school diploma with an administrative focus is most common, often supplemented with vocational training or courses in administration.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a Secretary?
  - The highest salary is 54,200 SEK (female, public sector, research education) and the lowest is 27,100 SEK (male, government sector).
• What benefits are common for Secretaries?
  - Common benefits include occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional development.
• How many job openings are there for Secretaries?
  - Currently, there are 758 available positions within the office assistant and secretary profession.