Tingsvärd

What does a court usher do? – Tasks and work environment

A court usher works at Sweden's courts and plays a central role in maintaining order and safety during trials and other legal proceedings. Common tasks include assisting judges, prosecutors, lawyers, and witnesses, conducting security checks, guiding visitors, and handling simpler administrative duties such as mail processing and cleaning. The work environment often involves a fast pace and requires good stress management, especially during larger or high-profile cases. Court ushers typically work in court buildings where security and professionalism are of utmost importance.

Salary development over time

The salary for a court usher has shown a steady upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,200 SEK per month, increasing to 35 400 SEK in 2023 and further to the current level of 37 300 SEK in 2024. This represents a salary increase of approximately 9% over the period, which can be linked to increased demand for qualified personnel in the justice sector and general wage adjustments within the public sector. Salary development is also influenced by work experience, education level, and whether the position is in the public or private sector. Especially for court ushers with longer education and employment in the private sector, salaries can differ significantly from the average.

Court usher salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 37 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 32,900 SEK/month (male, public sector, high school education up to 2 years)
• Highest salary: 41,100 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education at least 3 years)
• Hourly wage: 224 SEK/hour (based on 166 working hours/month)
• Women's average salary: 36 100 SEK/month
• Highest salary for women: 38,100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary for women: 33,300 SEK/month

Education and qualifications

To work as a court usher, a high school diploma is generally required, preferably with a focus on social sciences or law, but some employers also seek post-secondary education in security or administration. Practical experience from service industries, security work, or public administration is meritorious. Good knowledge of Swedish and sometimes English is often required, along with personal suitability and a clean criminal record.

• High school diploma: Recommended in social sciences or law
• Post-secondary education: Security, administration, or law (meritorious, 1–3 years)
• Internship or traineeship: Common when employed in the public sector
• Criminal record: A clean record is a requirement
• Experience in service or security: Highly advantageous

Common benefits and compensations

Court ushers are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowances, extra vacation days, and opportunities for skills development. Some workplaces also provide subsidized lunches, flexible working hours, or employee support related to health and work environment. Additional allowances for unsociable hours may apply for evening or weekend work.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as a court usher varies regionally, but demand is generally stable within the judiciary. Challenges in the profession include managing stressful situations with many people and quickly adapting to changing tasks. Security is central and requires constant vigilance. Since the profession is sometimes part of broader occupational groups, it can be difficult to stand out on the job market, and employers often demand high integrity and reliability. The availability of vacancies can also be affected by changes within the justice system and public budgets.

Tips for aspiring court ushers

To succeed as a court usher, it’s good to combine a structured approach with high social skills. Being attentive and meticulous helps maintain safety and order in court, while communication skills and empathy facilitate interactions with witnesses, parties, and the public. Flexibility is an important trait, as the workday often involves quick shifts between different tasks. A professional demeanor and good stress resilience are highly valued, especially during larger trials. Showing respect for court rules and handling sensitive information discreetly are crucial. Experience from service or security roles provides an advantage and can be decisive in recruitment.

Key facts about Court Ushers

• Average salary: 37 300 SEK/month
• Education level: High school diploma, sometimes post-secondary education
• Work environment: Court building, fast pace, security focus
• Available jobs in the profession: 758 positions
• Gender salary difference: Women earn on average 36 100 SEK/month

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience as a court usher, opportunities may exist to advance to more specialized roles, such as security coordinator, administrative coordinator, or other positions within the judiciary. Some choose to further their education in law or security to take on more qualified tasks. The Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts for the judiciary and legal secretary professions are cautious, due to insufficient data for an accurate demand assessment. Nevertheless, there is a steady number of available jobs in the profession, indicating ongoing demand for competent staff. Those investing in further education and gaining experience have good prospects for a long-term career in the justice sector.

Frequently asked questions about Court Ushers

• What is the average salary of a court usher?
  - A court usher has an average salary of 37 300 SEK per month.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a court usher?
  - The highest salary is 41,100 SEK and the lowest is 32,900 SEK per month, depending on experience, sector, and education.
• Are there gender differences in salary among court ushers?
  - Yes, women earn an average of 36 100 SEK while the overall average is 37 300 SEK.
• What education is required to become a court usher?
  - A high school diploma is required, preferably with a focus on law or social sciences. Post-secondary education is advantageous.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - There are 758 available jobs within the profession, but no exact forecast for court ushers according to the Swedish Public Employment Service.
• What personal qualities are important for a court usher?
  - Attention to detail, stress tolerance, service orientation, and social skills are important qualities.
• Are there regional salary differences for court ushers?
  - Salaries may vary slightly depending on the region and whether the position is within the public or private sector.