School secretary, administrative assistant

What does a school secretary, administrative assistant do – tasks and work environment

A school secretary, administrative assistant plays a central role within the school's administrative operations. Tasks include managing student registers, handling personnel administration, financial follow-up, and supporting school leadership and teachers. The role often involves responsibilities for correspondence, invoicing, scheduling, and acting as a contact person for both students and parents. The work environment is primarily office-based and characterized by a fast pace where flexibility and accuracy are crucial to handle both planned and urgent administrative tasks.

Salary development over time

The salary development for school secretaries, administrative assistants has been steady but shows a clear increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,100 SEK per month, which increased to 37 200 SEK in 2023 and further to 38 900 SEK in 2024. The total increase over the period amounts to approximately 7.7%. This positive trend can partly be explained by increased demand for qualified administrative staff in schools and greater responsibilities in line with digitalization and changing administrative routines. Despite this, a salary discrepancy remains between genders, with women earning on average 92 % of men's salaries. Market developments and educational requirements have contributed to keeping salary increases in line with other clerical professions.

School secretary, administrative assistant salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 38 900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 34,000 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 49,300 SEK/month
• Hourly wage: 234 SEK
• Women earn: 38 000 SEK/month
• Men earn: 41 500 SEK/month
• Women/men (%): 92 %
• Regional differences: Some variation depending on employment type and location

Education and qualifications

To work as a school secretary, administrative assistant, a high school diploma with an administrative or economic focus is usually required, often supplemented with post-secondary courses or vocational college education. Employers value experience in administrative work, good IT skills, and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Practical experience and knowledge of school management systems and administrative routines are also advantageous.

• High school diploma: Administrative or economic focus, 3 years
• Post-secondary education: Vocational college 1–2 years or university courses in administration
• IT skills: Good familiarity with digital administrative systems and Office suite
• Practical experience: Meritorious with internships or previous work in school administration
• Courses/certificates: For example, in public administration or economics

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for school secretaries, administrative assistants include occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexitime, opportunities for remote work, and skills development through internal or external training. Some employers also offer subsidized lunch or bicycle benefits.

Competition and challenges

The job market for school secretaries, administrative assistants is characterized by a balance between supply and demand, with 758 available positions in the profession at the latest measurement. Over five years, demand is expected to decrease slightly, mainly due to increased digitalization and automation of administrative processes. This may lead to increased competition for positions and higher demands for digital skills and adaptability. At the same time, the role continues to evolve, requiring ongoing training and flexibility.

Tips for those who want to become a school secretary, administrative assistant

To succeed as a school secretary, administrative assistant, it is good to have a strong sense of order and structure, as the role requires careful handling of both documents and tasks. Being service-oriented facilitates contact with students, teachers, and parents and contributes to a positive work environment. Flexibility is a valuable asset since tasks often vary from day to day, and unexpected situations may arise. Good IT skills and a willingness to learn new digital systems are also advantageous, as technological tools are becoming increasingly important. Communication skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues and school management, while a solution-oriented approach makes it easier to handle problems that may occur daily. Showing initiative and responsibility is appreciated by employers and can open opportunities for further development within the profession.

Key facts about School secretaries, administrative assistants

• Salary range: 34,000–49,300 SEK/month
• Average salary: 38 900 SEK/month
• Education level: High school diploma + vocational college/courses
• Work environment: Office-based, often in a school setting
• Future prospects: Moderate, some decline expected in the long term

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, school secretaries, administrative assistants can develop into more specialized roles such as administrative coordinator, financial administrator, or personnel officer within schools or other public sectors. Opportunities also exist to advance to managerial positions or take responsibility for larger projects. According to the Employment Service's forecast for the group of other clerks, the labor market is currently balanced, but demand is expected to decrease slightly over five years due to increased automation. Nevertheless, there will still be a need for competent administrators in the education sector, especially for those who continuously update their digital skills.

Common questions about School secretaries, administrative assistants

• What does a school secretary, administrative assistant earn?
  - The average salary is 38 900 SEK per month, with a salary range between 34,000 and 49,300 SEK.
• What are the gender differences in salary?
  - Women earn an average of 38 000 SEK and men 41 500 SEK, which means women earn 92 % of men's salary.
• What education is required to become a school secretary, administrative assistant?
  - High school diploma with an administrative focus, often supplemented with vocational college education or relevant courses.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - The demand is moderate today, but a slight decline is expected due to digitalization.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Yes, some variation depending on the workplace and region.
• What are the most common benefits?
  - Occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexitime, and opportunities for skills development are common.
• What career opportunities are available after a few years?
  - Opportunities include roles such as administrative coordinator, financial administrator, or managerial positions.