- Salary statistics
- Chief of Staff, State Administration salary
Chief of Staff, State Administration salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
54 100 - 168 000 SEK / month
Women earn 101% of what men do.
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Salary progression Chief of Staff, State Administration
What does a department head in government administration do? – Duties and work environment
A department head in government administration is responsible for coordinating and leading strategic support to agency management. The role involves ensuring that the organization's overall goals are met, leading the department's work, and advising the director-general or agency head. Tasks often include planning, follow-up, security work, communication, legal issues, and crisis management. The environment is often characterized by high pace, complex issues, and close collaboration with other managers and experts within the agency. The work is mainly office-based and requires high integrity, analytical skills, and experience handling confidential information.
Salary development over time
The salary for a department head in government administration has shown some variation over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 70,200 SEK per month, increasing the following year to 72 900 SEK in 2023, which represents about a 5% increase. In 2024, the average salary has slightly decreased to 74 600 SEK, which may be explained by changes in management structure, new hires, or retirements. Despite this slight decline, the profession remains highly ranked in salary among government leadership roles. Market demand for qualified leaders in the public sector, combined with increased requirements for governance and transparency, has contributed to maintaining high salary levels over time.
Department head in government administration salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 74 600 SEK/month
- Lowest salary (man): 50,000 SEK/month
- Lowest salary (woman): 53,900 SEK/month
- Highest salary (man): 156,100 SEK/month
- Highest salary (woman): 131,700 SEK/month
- Hourly wage (average): 439 SEK
- Women earn: 101% of men's salary (75 200 SEK vs 74 200 SEK)
Education and qualifications
To become a department head in government administration, a university degree in fields such as political science, law, economics, or social sciences is typically required. Many employers also seek several years of experience in qualified management or coordination roles, preferably from the public sector. Additional training in leadership, project management, and administrative law is often advantageous.
- Academic degree: Political science, law, or economics, at least a bachelor's level (3 years)
- Leadership training: Courses in strategic leadership and organizational development
- Experience: Several years of work experience in qualified roles within the public sector
- Certifications: Project management (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP) can be advantageous
- Prerequisites: Documented ability to lead and coordinate complex operations
Working as a department head in government administration often means being the link between agency management and specialists – a role where communication and diplomacy are crucial for successfully driving change in large organizations.
Common benefits and compensations
Common benefits for department heads in government administration include extra vacation days, pension contributions often exceeding those in the private sector, wellness allowances, and opportunities for flexible working hours and remote work. Occupational pension and health insurance are common, as well as subsidized lunches and professional development opportunities.
Competition and challenges
The competition for roles as a department head in government administration is intense, as these are highly qualified positions with great responsibility. Challenges often involve balancing political demands with long-term operational goals, leading change initiatives, and managing crises while maintaining security and legality. Changes in legislation and increased digitalization requirements mean the role is constantly evolving. Additionally, there are high demands for crisis management and rapid adaptation to societal changes. Many employers seek leaders who are both strategic and pragmatic, capable of building strong teams and fostering trust within the organization.
Tips for aspiring department heads in government administration
To succeed as a department head in government administration, it is beneficial to combine analytical skills with pragmatic leadership and strong communication abilities. Proactively building networks and understanding the agency’s strategic challenges improves decision-making. The ability to prioritize and delegate is essential, especially during stressful periods when many issues demand quick responses. High integrity and the ability to handle sensitive information are also central, as the role often involves access to confidential matters. Those who are solution-oriented and curious about societal development have good opportunities to grow and thrive. Continuously furthering education and staying updated on administrative law and leadership is a concrete way to strengthen one's position in the job market.
Key facts about department heads in government administration
- Average salary: 74 600 SEK/month
- Salary range: 50,000–156,100 SEK/month
- Education requirements: Academic degree (political science, law, economics)
- Work environment: Office-based, high pace, strategic responsibility
- Demand: 175 job openings in the current profession
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a department head in government administration, career opportunities include roles such as director-general, division head, or other strategic leadership positions within the public sector. For those seeking broader experience, working as a consultant in organizational development or taking on leadership roles in larger municipal or regional administrations is possible. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, demand for qualified management and planning executives remains high, especially with increasing demands for efficiency and digitalization. Those combining broad leadership experience with specialist skills in areas such as crisis preparedness or law have particularly good future prospects.
Frequently asked questions about department heads in government administration
- What is the salary of a department head in government administration?
- The average salary is 74 600 SEK/month, but it can vary between 50,000 SEK and 156,100 SEK depending on experience, education, and sector. - What education is required to become a department head?
- An academic degree in political science, law, or economics, along with leadership experience in the public sector, are common requirements. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn on average 101% of men's salaries in the profession. - What does the job market look like for department heads?
- There is continued strong demand, with 175 job openings within the profession according to recent data. - What are the biggest challenges in the role?
- Balancing political and operational demands, leading change initiatives, and managing crises and confidentiality. - What benefits are common?
- Extra vacation days, occupational pension, wellness allowances, and flexible work options. - How large is the salary spread?
- The salary spread is large, with the lowest at 50,000 SEK/month and the highest at 156,100 SEK/month.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 46200 kr | 50900 kr |
| 35-44 | 105% | 63000 kr | 66000 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 76700 kr | 78500 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 81300 kr | 83100 kr |
| 65-68 | 82900 kr | 84100 kr | |
| Snitt | 101% | 72300 kr | 74600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 87% | 35600 kr | 46500 kr |
| 25-34 | 101% | 42900 kr | 49600 kr |
| 35-44 | 106% | 60600 kr | 62700 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 73400 kr | 74300 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 79800 kr | 80700 kr |
| 65-68 | 84% | 84900 kr | 85400 kr |
| Snitt | 105% | 70100 kr | 71900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 87% | 35600 kr | 46500 kr |
| 25-34 | 102% | 42700 kr | 49500 kr |
| 35-44 | 104% | 57600 kr | 60000 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 68200 kr | 69200 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 71900 kr | 72800 kr |
| 65-68 | 86% | 71200 kr | 71300 kr |
| Snitt | 104% | 63900 kr | 65800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 59800 kr | 60900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 97% | 83700 kr | 84400 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 88100 kr | 88700 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 90700 kr | 91400 kr |
| 65-68 | 91% | 89800 kr | 90400 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 88600 kr | 89300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 102% | 95900 kr | 97200 kr |
| 45-54 | 93% | 113200 kr | 115200 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 123100 kr | 125300 kr |
| 65-68 | 68% | 139700 kr | 141800 kr |
| Snitt | 92% | 119300 kr | 121400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 93% | 50800 kr | 52700 kr |
| 35-44 | 108% | 66300 kr | 70600 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 83100 kr | 86500 kr |
| 55-64 | 108% | 83900 kr | 87100 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 75900 kr | 79300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 93% | 50800 kr | 52700 kr |
| 35-44 | 108% | 66300 kr | 70600 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 83100 kr | 86500 kr |
| 55-64 | 108% | 83900 kr | 87100 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 75900 kr | 79300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 45600 kr | 51200 kr |
| 35-44 | 105% | 61300 kr | 64700 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 77500 kr | 80200 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 80200 kr | 82600 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 71100 kr | 74200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 87% | 35700 kr | 48700 kr |
| 25-34 | 101% | 41900 kr | 49400 kr |
| 35-44 | 106% | 57900 kr | 61100 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 72600 kr | 74200 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 78800 kr | 80300 kr |
| 65-68 | 84% | 94200 kr | 94800 kr |
| Snitt | 105% | 67400 kr | 70200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 87% | 35700 kr | 48700 kr |
| 25-34 | 102% | 41700 kr | 49300 kr |
| 35-44 | 104% | 55400 kr | 58900 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 67600 kr | 69300 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 71400 kr | 72900 kr |
| 65-68 | 86% | 77900 kr | 78100 kr |
| Snitt | 104% | 61500 kr | 64600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 63200 kr | 63200 kr | |
| 35-44 | 97% | 85400 kr | 86000 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 87600 kr | 88400 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 90700 kr | 91800 kr |
| 65-68 | 91% | 94300 kr | 94800 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 88700 kr | 89600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 102% | 94800 kr | 96300 kr |
| 45-54 | 93% | 117000 kr | 119400 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 127900 kr | 131000 kr |
| 65-68 | 68% | 175400 kr | 178100 kr |
| Snitt | 92% | 124200 kr | 126900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 93% | 51400 kr | 54000 kr |
| 35-44 | 108% | 65200 kr | 68800 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 83400 kr | 87300 kr |
| 55-64 | 108% | 81800 kr | 85300 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 75700 kr | 79200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 93% | 51400 kr | 54000 kr |
| 35-44 | 108% | 65200 kr | 68800 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 83400 kr | 87300 kr |
| 55-64 | 108% | 81800 kr | 85300 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 75700 kr | 79200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 47700 kr | 50200 kr |
| 35-44 | 105% | 65500 kr | 68000 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 75700 kr | 76600 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 82900 kr | 83700 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 73900 kr | 75200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 87% | 35300 kr | 42200 kr |
| 25-34 | 101% | 45900 kr | 50100 kr |
| 35-44 | 106% | 63900 kr | 64800 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 74000 kr | 74400 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 80800 kr | 81200 kr |
| 65-68 | 84% | 78800 kr | 79200 kr |
| Snitt | 105% | 73000 kr | 73600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 87% | 35300 kr | 42200 kr |
| 25-34 | 102% | 45800 kr | 50000 kr |
| 35-44 | 104% | 60600 kr | 61400 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 68800 kr | 69100 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 72500 kr | 72700 kr |
| 65-68 | 86% | 67600 kr | 67600 kr |
| Snitt | 104% | 66500 kr | 67200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 97% | 82700 kr | 83300 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 88400 kr | 88900 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 90800 kr | 91200 kr |
| 65-68 | 91% | 85800 kr | 86500 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 88500 kr | 89100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 102% | 96900 kr | 98100 kr |
| 45-54 | 93% | 109800 kr | 111400 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 119100 kr | 120700 kr |
| 65-68 | 68% | 119300 kr | 121000 kr |
| Snitt | 92% | 115100 kr | 116700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 93% | 49600 kr | 50300 kr |
| 35-44 | 108% | 68600 kr | 74500 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 82200 kr | 84600 kr |
| 55-64 | 108% | 89900 kr | 92300 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 76500 kr | 79700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 93% | 49600 kr | 50300 kr |
| 35-44 | 108% | 68600 kr | 74500 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 82200 kr | 84600 kr |
| 55-64 | 108% | 89900 kr | 92300 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 76500 kr | 79700 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 Chief of Staff, State Administration has the SSYK code 1230, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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