SSA Secretary

What does an SSA secretary do? – tasks and work environment

An SSA secretary primarily works on coordinating the school's collaboration with working life, often referred to as school-work collaboration. The role involves building bridges between education and the labor market, which includes planning, administering, and executing activities such as internships, site visits, and lectures. The work is usually carried out in close cooperation with school management, teachers, companies, and authorities. The work environment is often office-based but also requires flexibility and good skills in handling meetings and events outside the school. The SSA secretary plays an important role in preparing students for working life and strengthening their opportunities to make well-informed educational and career choices.

Salary development over time

SSA secretaries have experienced stable salary growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,400 SEK per month, increasing to 38 700 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary is 40 100 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 7.2% over three years. The salary increase has been slightly higher than inflation, reflecting ongoing demand for the profession, especially as collaboration between schools and working life is prioritized in the education system. Salary differences between genders are small, and salary development has been steady over time, indicating a relatively balanced labor market. Higher salaries are often found among SSA secretaries with more experience, higher education, and employment in the private sector.

SSA secretary salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 40 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 27,500 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 48,400 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 241 SEK
• Women: 40 200 SEK/month
• Men: 39 600 SEK/month
• Women earn: 101% of men's salaries
• Regional differences: Salary variations occur between metropolitan regions and smaller towns

Education and qualifications

To work as an SSA secretary, post-secondary education in pedagogy, administration, or guidance is usually required. Many have backgrounds as guidance counselors or similar roles within the education sector. Practical experience in school-work collaboration is advantageous, as is good knowledge of the education system and labor market needs.

• Post-secondary education: For example, guidance counseling programs (3 years)
• Courses in administration and project management: Recommended
• Internships or experience in school-work collaboration: Meritorious
• Proficiency in computers and administrative skills: Required
• Knowledge of the education system and labor market: Important

Common benefits and compensation

SSA secretaries are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness grants, flexible working hours, and opportunities for skills development. Other common benefits include subsidized lunches, work tools, and the possibility of remote work depending on the employer.

Competition and challenges

The labor market for SSA secretaries is characterized by balance, with moderate opportunities for employment and unchanged demand according to the latest forecast from the Swedish Public Employment Service. Challenges mainly involve meeting the rapidly changing needs of schools and working life, as well as creating relevant and sustainable collaborations. Competition for positions may be higher in attractive regions, especially where many schools and companies are present. The profession requires good ability to manage multiple contacts and continuously develop networks. Digitalization and changing educational requirements may also influence the role in the future.

Tips for aspiring SSA secretaries

To succeed as an SSA secretary, strong organizational skills are beneficial, as the role often involves managing multiple projects and activities simultaneously. Being communicative is crucial for building relationships with school staff and external contacts, and a professional approach facilitates collaborations. Flexibility and problem-solving skills are important when unforeseen challenges arise, especially related to events and internships. Genuine engagement in youth development helps create meaningful partnerships between schools and the labor market. Staying updated on changes within the education system and labor market is also valuable for providing relevant guidance. Finally, building a broad network during studies can ease future collaboration efforts.

Key facts about SSA secretaries

• Average salary: 40 100 SEK/month
• Salary range: 27,500–48,400 SEK/month
• Educational requirements: Post-secondary education, often guidance counselor degree
• Job market: 434 available jobs nationwide (2024)
• Gender equality: Women earn 101% of men's salaries

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience, an SSA secretary can advance to more strategic roles, such as coordinator for larger school districts, educational leader, or project manager for larger collaboration projects. There are also opportunities to work in policy development within the education sector or specialize in labor market issues. According to the Public Employment Service forecast for guidance counselors, which SSA secretaries belong to, the job market is expected to be balanced with moderate opportunities and unchanged demand over the next five years. The number of available jobs remains stable, and the profession plays an important role in meeting society's needs for collaboration between education and working life.

Frequently asked questions about SSA secretaries

• What does an SSA secretary earn?
  - An SSA secretary has an average salary of 40 100 SEK per month, with a range between 27,500 SEK and 48,400 SEK.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn an average of 40 200 SEK while men earn 39 600 SEK, which means women earn 101% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become an SSA secretary?
  - Post-secondary education is required, often in guidance counseling or administration.
• What are the job responsibilities of an SSA secretary?
  - The role involves coordinating the school's collaboration with working life, planning internships, and maintaining contact with external stakeholders.
• What does the job market look like for SSA secretaries?
  - The job market is considered balanced with moderate opportunities and unchanged demand over the next five years.
• What are the most common benefits?
  - Collective agreements, occupational pension, wellness grants, and opportunities for skills development are common benefits.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Yes, salaries can vary between metropolitan regions and smaller towns, mainly depending on employer structure and demand.