City Secretary

What does a City Secretary do? – Tasks and work environment

A City Secretary is responsible for assisting the political leadership within a municipality or city with qualified legal and administrative services. The tasks often include preparing cases for political decisions, developing decision bases, recording minutes at meetings, and coordinating and following up on political decisions and projects. The role involves close cooperation with both politicians and civil servants and requires high integrity, discretion, and the ability to handle complex issues. The work mainly takes place in an office setting and is characterized by a fast pace and varied tasks, where quick adjustments and prioritizations are common.

Salary development over time

The salary for a City Secretary has shown a clear increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 55,300 SEK per month, rising the following year to 57 000, which corresponds to an increase of about 3.1%. Between 2023 and 2024, the salary increase continued, with a new average of 60 800 – an increase of an additional 6.7%. This trend reflects an increased demand for qualified legal and administrative expertise in the public sector, as well as effects of collective bargaining, inflation, and the need to attract and retain experienced employees. Salary development is also linked to the individual's education level, experience, and type of employer, with private sector employees often earning slightly higher salaries.

City Secretary salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 60 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 49,300 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, high school education)
• Highest salary: 76,400 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Hourly wage (average): 366 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 58 300 SEK, men 65 400 SEK – women reach 89% of men's salaries
• Regional differences: Salaries vary depending on region and employer, with metropolitan areas often offering higher wages

Education and qualifications

To work as a City Secretary, a university degree in law, political science, social sciences, or public administration is usually required. Many employers also look for experience in the public sector or similar administrative roles. In addition to formal education, good communication skills and understanding of political processes are highly valued.

• Formal degree: Bachelor's or master's degree in law, political science, or public administration (3–5 years)
• Meritorious courses: Public law, administrative law, political governance
• Internship/trainee: Internships in the public sector or municipal administration are often advantageous
• Prerequisites: University eligibility and documented experience in qualified administrative work
• Tips for choosing: Engage early in student organizations or municipal youth councils to build networks and understanding of the field

Common benefits and compensations

City Secretaries are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexitime, and opportunities for remote work. Other common benefits may include professional development, subsidized lunches, and extra vacation days depending on the employer and employment type.

Competition and challenges

The job market for City Secretaries is characterized by relatively high competition, especially in larger cities where many seek administrative roles within the public sector. Since the position is often filled internally or through networks, both formal credentials and good knowledge of the political organization are required. Challenges in the profession often involve balancing different interests, managing rapid changes in political priorities, and maintaining high quality despite time pressure. The demands for discretion and accuracy are high, while flexibility is needed to handle unexpected issues and urgent matters.

Tips for aspiring City Secretaries

To succeed as a City Secretary, it is good to combine analytical skills with strong communication abilities and a genuine interest in societal issues. Being meticulous and structured facilitates handling complex cases, while flexibility and resilience are needed to meet rapid changes. A professional demeanor and high integrity build trust with both politicians and colleagues. It is also advantageous to actively build networks within the public sector and continuously develop knowledge of legal and administrative processes. Showing initiative and being solutions-oriented are appreciated in a role where independent work is common.

Key facts about City Secretaries

• Average salary: 60 800 SEK/month
• Salary range: 49,300–76,400 SEK/month
• Education level: Bachelor's or higher in law/social sciences
• Typical work environment: Office-based, often in municipal or city halls
• Demand: 758 job openings in the field (May 2024)

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a City Secretary, opportunities open for roles such as chief of staff, department head, or other leadership positions within public administration. Some choose to work further as experts or advisors within political bodies, while others move on to government agencies or private consulting firms focusing on the public sector. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that it is difficult to give an exact assessment of future prospects for City Secretaries, as the profession is part of a broader group of administrative and organizational lawyers. However, the number of available positions and the increasing complexity of public administration suggest that demand for qualified City Secretaries remains stable.

Frequently asked questions about City Secretaries

• What is the average salary of a City Secretary?
  - The average salary for a City Secretary is 60 800 SEK per month.
• What does the salary range look like for the profession?
  - Salaries range between 49,300 SEK and 76,400 SEK per month depending on education, experience, and employer.
• Are there gender differences in salary for City Secretaries?
  - Yes, women earn on average 58 300 SEK, while men earn 65 400 SEK; women reach 89% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a City Secretary?
  - A Bachelor's or higher degree in law, political science, or public administration is usually required.
• What are the future prospects for City Secretaries?
  - The Employment Service makes no specific forecast, but there are 758 job openings in the field.
• What benefits are common for City Secretaries?
  - Common benefits include occupational pension, flexitime, wellness allowance, and opportunities for remote work.
• Is it possible to advance within the profession?
  - Yes, progressing to managerial or advisory roles within the public sector after some experience is common.