- Salary statistics
- Safety representative
Safety representative
33 500 - 41 400 kr / month
Transport
Salary progression Safety representative
What does a safety representative do? – Tasks and work environment
A safety representative acts as the employees' representative in matters concerning the work environment and safety. Their main task is to ensure that the employer complies with occupational health and safety laws and that the workplace is safe and secure for all employees. The work involves identifying risks, participating in safety inspections, engaging in dialogue with the employer and union representatives, as well as educating and informing colleagues about safety routines. Safety representatives often work across various industries and environments, but their presence is especially important at larger workplaces or where the risk of accidents is higher.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, safety representatives have experienced clear and positive salary growth. In 2022, the average monthly salary was 34,750 SEK, followed by an increase to 35 700 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary reached 36,500 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 5.1% during the period. This salary increase can be linked to a rising demand for occupational health and safety expertise, especially as legislation develops and employers place greater emphasis on safety. Industries with higher risk levels tend to offer more competitive wages to attract and retain competent safety representatives.
Safety representative salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 50 500 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 33,500 SEK/month (female, unspecified education level)
- Highest salary: 41,400 SEK/month (male, secondary education, private sector employee)
- Hourly wage: 304 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Men earn on average 50 500 SEK; highest salary for women is 33,500 SEK
- Regional differences: Data varies depending on labor market and sector
Education and qualifications
Safety representatives are often elected by colleagues and typically do not require specific formal education, but basic knowledge of occupational health and safety legislation and safety work is necessary. Many employers view completed occupational safety training or experience from similar roles positively. Practical work experience and good communication skills are important qualities for success in the role.
- Occupational safety training: Usually 1–3 days, offered by trade unions or employers
- No formal degree required: Selection based on trust and experience
- Practical experience: Previous work experience is highly valued
- Certifications: Possible via occupational safety courses or specialized trainers
- Fiduciary appointment: Elected by colleagues or trade union organization
Many safety representatives experience that the role provides a unique insight into how the workplace functions and the opportunity to influence the work environment directly. This can create valuable networks and open doors to other leadership roles within the organization.
Common benefits and compensations
Safety representatives often have access to training in occupational health and safety, as well as opportunities to participate in networks and conferences. Some employers also offer special compensation for the extra responsibility, in addition to regular salary. Other common benefits may include wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and opportunities for personal development through leadership programs.
Competition and challenges
The competition for the role of safety representative is often low, as the role is based on trust and engagement rather than formal competence. Challenges can be significant, especially in environments where work environment issues are given low priority or where conflicts between employers and employees are common. Safety representatives need to handle difficult conversations, stand up for colleagues, and sometimes drive change against resistance. The role also requires continuous updating of knowledge as legislation and work environment requirements evolve. The working situation can vary greatly depending on the industry and the size of the workplace.
Tips for those who want to become a safety representative
To succeed as a safety representative, it is good to be attentive, engaged, and have integrity. Showing interest in work environment issues and actively participating in safety efforts at the workplace are a good foundation. It helps to be communicative and able to convey information clearly to both employers and colleagues. Analytical skills assist in identifying risks and finding constructive solutions. Being persistent and able to handle resistance is crucial for advancing work environment issues, especially in challenging situations. Good cooperation skills and trust from colleagues are also important factors for being elected and thriving in the role.
Key facts about Safety Representatives
- Education requirements: No formal degree, occupational safety training recommended
- Work environment: Varies between offices, industry, and construction sites
- Common work form: Fiduciary role alongside regular work
- Demand: 412 job openings in the field according to latest data
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a safety representative, opportunities open for roles such as chief safety officer, occupational health coordinator, or safety specialist. Experience from the role can also lead to leadership positions within HR and safety matters. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, future prospects are stable, with continued demand for safety representatives as requirements for occupational health and safety increase. There are good opportunities for further education, and work experience as a safety representative is attractive to employers across various industries.
Frequently asked questions about Safety Representatives
- What does a safety representative earn?
- A safety representative has an average salary of 50 500 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and sector. - What education is required to become a safety representative?
- Formal education is not required, but occupational health and safety training and work experience are highly meritorious. - How is a safety representative appointed?
- A safety representative is elected by colleagues or appointed by a trade union organization at the workplace. - What are the duties of a safety representative?
- A safety representative monitors the work environment, identifies risks, and engages in dialogue with the employer about safety measures. - Are there regional differences in salary for safety representatives?
- Yes, salaries can vary depending on the labor market, industry, and region. - What personal qualities are important for a safety representative?
- Engagement, integrity, cooperation skills, and communication ability are central qualities.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 34900 kr | 38900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 33900 kr | 36100 kr | |
| Snitt | 84% | 33400 kr | 36500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 34900 kr | 38900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 33900 kr | 36100 kr | |
| Snitt | 84% | 33400 kr | 36500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 34900 kr | 38900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 33900 kr | 36100 kr | |
| Snitt | 84% | 33400 kr | 36500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 37500 kr | 42000 kr | |
| Snitt | 84% | 35100 kr | 40200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 37500 kr | 42000 kr | |
| Snitt | 84% | 35100 kr | 40200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 37500 kr | 42000 kr | |
| Snitt | 84% | 35100 kr | 40200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 84% | 32000 kr | 33500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 84% | 32000 kr | 33500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 84% | 32000 kr | 33500 kr |
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 Safety representative has the SSYK code 4430, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
-
Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest
Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35 -
The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden
Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00