Specialist officer, arms

42 100 kr

Specialist officers

35 300 - 55 900 kr / month

Women earn 91% of what men do.

Militärt arbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Specialist officer, arms

Average salary 42 100 kr
Males 42 600 kr
Females 38 800 kr

What does a specialist officer in the army do? – Tasks and work environment

Specialist officers in the army play a central role within the Swedish Armed Forces, responsible for advanced military expertise and training within their specialist area. Tasks vary depending on specialization but often include personnel management, soldier training, planning and executing exercises, as well as technical maintenance or logistics. They act as key links between soldiers and senior officers, responsible for conveying knowledge and maintaining high-quality operations. The work environment is often field-based, with outdoor exercises, shift work, and sometimes international missions, requiring physical endurance and good stress resilience.

Salary development over time

The salary for a specialist officer in the army has shown positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,600 SEK per month, rising to 39 800 in 2023. The latest data from 2024 indicates an average monthly salary of 42 100, representing an increase of approximately 12% over a three-year period. This salary increase reflects both a rising demand for military expertise and the Armed Forces' ambition to retain and develop qualified personnel. Salary improvements are also linked to increased requirements for education, specialized experience, and the geopolitical security situation demanding higher competence levels.

Specialist officer in the army salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 42 100 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 35,300 SEK/month (woman, high school education)
  • Highest salary: 55,900 SEK/month (man, research degree, private sector employee)
  • Hourly wage: 253 SEK
  • Women: 38 800 SEK/month (91% of men's salary)
  • Men: 42 600 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Vary, but generally higher salaries in metropolitan areas compared to other regions

Education and qualifications

To work as a specialist officer in the army, both basic military training and a specialized officer training are required. Entry into the profession usually begins with conscription or military basic training, followed by selection and admission to the specialist officer program. The training is comprehensive, combining theoretical studies with practical service within the chosen specialty. Prerequisites and training duration may vary depending on specialization and prior experience.

  • Specialist officer training: 1.5 years after basic training
  • Basic military training: 9–12 months
  • Prerequisites: High school diploma, approved conscription or equivalent
  • Internship/trainee: Included as part of the training
  • Certifications/courses: Opportunities for further education within the chosen specialist area

Many specialist officers in the army gain international experience through missions in UN- or NATO-led operations. This offers unique opportunities for personal development, networking, and insight into multinational cooperation.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and allowances

Specialist officers in the army often enjoy generous benefits such as extra vacation days, wellness allowances, favorable pension agreements, and compensation for unsociable working hours. Service abroad or at special locations can provide additional allowances, and there are opportunities for skills development and further training within the Swedish Armed Forces.

Competition and challenges

The demand for specialist officers in the army is stable, with 39 vacancies according to the latest statistics. Competition for the most attractive positions can be high, especially within niche specialties. Challenges in the profession include high physical demands, mental resilience, and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure. Continuous development and adaptation to new technology and changing defense needs are essential. Work-life balance can be challenging at times due to shift work and readiness requirements.

Tips for aspiring specialist officers in the army

To succeed as a specialist officer in the army, it is beneficial to combine goal-orientedness with a strong sense of responsibility and a desire for continuous development. Being communicative and able to collaborate effectively with others is crucial, especially in leading groups and training soldiers. Physical endurance and stress resilience are important qualities, as the job often involves demanding exercises and rapid adjustments. Flexibility and openness to new knowledge facilitate adaptation to changing tasks and technological advancements. Good judgment and decision-making under pressure contribute to creating safety and structure within operations. Finally, showing engagement and loyalty to colleagues and the Swedish Armed Forces' mission is highly valued.

Key facts about specialist officers in the army

  • Education level: Specialist officer training (1.5 years after basic training)
  • Work environment: Field-based and varied, often outdoors and shift work
  • Demand: 39 vacancies according to latest statistics
  • Typical employment type: Permanent employment within the Swedish Armed Forces
  • Gender distribution: Mostly men, but the proportion of women is increasing

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a specialist officer in the army, there are good opportunities for advancement within the Swedish Armed Forces. Many move on to higher specialist positions, instructor roles, or take responsibility for larger groups and technical development. There are also pathways to become an officer through further education. Forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicate continued stable demand, especially given the increased focus on security policy and investments in defense personnel. Experienced and further-educated specialist officers are attractive both nationally and for international missions.

Frequently asked questions about specialist officers in the army

  • What does a specialist officer in the army earn?
    - The average salary is 42 100 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience, education, and sector.
  • How does one become a specialist officer in the army?
    - By completing basic military training and then specialist officer training (1.5 years).
  • Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
    - Yes, women earn on average 91% of what men do in the profession.
  • What are the job responsibilities of a specialist officer?
    - Personnel management, soldier training, technical maintenance, and planning exercises.
  • What career paths are available after a few years?
    - Progression to higher specialist roles, instructor, technical expert, or further education to become an officer.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - Demand is stable with many vacancies and increased investments in defense.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Specialist officer, arms is 55900 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 49000 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Specialist officer, arms is 35300 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 37200 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 99% 30100 kr 32000 kr
25-34 100% 35500 kr 37800 kr
35-44 41200 kr 43600 kr
45-54 45100 kr 47400 kr
55-64 48300 kr 50300 kr
Snitt 91% 39900 kr 42100 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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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 Specialist officer, arms has the SSYK code 210, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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