Education Secretary

What does an Education Secretary do? – Tasks and Work Environment

An Education Secretary primarily works with administration and coordination within educational activities, often at universities, colleges, or in municipal adult education. Tasks include planning and monitoring educational programs, handling admissions, preparing course syllabi, and providing support to teachers and students. Contact with authorities, recording grades, and participating in quality assurance are also common. The work environment is generally office-based and characterized by periods of high tempo, especially at semester start and application periods, but also offers good opportunities for independent and structured work.

Salary development over time

The salary for Education Secretaries has experienced steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,100 SEK per month, which increased to 37 200 SEK in 2023 and further to 38 900 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 7.7% over three years, or an average of just over 2.5% per year. This development reflects both general wage increases in the public sector and the rising demand for qualified administrative staff in education. However, salary increases are slightly below some other academic positions, possibly because the profession is still classified as an administrative role rather than a specialist function. Gender pay gaps remain, although the gap has narrowed somewhat compared to previous years.

Education Secretary Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 38 900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 34,000 SEK/month (female, private sector employee)
• Highest salary: 49,300 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, with over 3 years post-secondary education)
• Hourly wage: 234 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
• Women: 38 000 SEK/month
• Men: 41 500 SEK/month
• Women earn: 92% of what men do

Education and Qualifications

To work as an Education Secretary, a minimum post-secondary education is usually required, often focusing on administration, social sciences, or pedagogy. Many employers also seek experience in handling cases, documentation, and working with digital systems. Practical experience from the education sector or public administration is highly valued, as well as strong communication and analytical skills.

• Formal degree: Bachelor's degree (3 years) in relevant fields such as administration, social sciences, or education sciences
• Certifications/courses: Courses in public administration or project management are advantageous
• Internship/experience: Internship or work experience in educational administration
• Prerequisites: Good computer skills and experience with administrative IT systems
• Tips for selection: Engagement in student unions or education committees can provide valuable experience

Common Benefits and Compensation

Education Secretaries are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness grants, flexitime, and opportunities for remote work. Other common benefits include holiday pay, professional development, and sometimes subsidized lunches or exercise activities. The extent of benefits varies slightly depending on whether employment is in the public sector, state, municipality, or private training providers.

Competition and Challenges

The competition for positions as an Education Secretary is generally moderate but can vary between regions and employers. According to the Employment Service's forecasts, demand is at a medium level but is expected to decrease slightly over the next five years, partly due to increased digitization and automation of administrative tasks. The main challenges in the profession include handling large amounts of information, meeting high standards of accuracy, and quickly adapting to changing routines and regulations. For those who are flexible and technologically skilled, there are good opportunities for continued development.

Tips for those aspiring to become an Education Secretary

To succeed as an Education Secretary, it is good to combine analytical skills with accuracy and good cooperation skills. Gaining early experience in administrative work, such as through internships or part-time jobs, provides a solid foundation and understanding of the profession's demands. Communication skills are crucial since the role involves frequent contact with students and colleagues, and a service-oriented approach facilitates teamwork. An interest in educational issues and curiosity about new digital tools makes adapting to change easier. Structured work methods and the ability to prioritize tasks help manage periods of high workload. Engaging in development projects or quality assurance can also create further career opportunities in the long run.

Key Facts about Education Secretary

• Average salary: 38 900 SEK/month
• Salary range: 34,000–49,300 SEK/month
• Education level: Bachelor's degree recommended
• Work environment: Office-based, often at universities or municipalities
• Demand: Moderate, but expected to decline over 5 years

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After three to five years as an Education Secretary, there are opportunities to advance to more qualified administrative roles, such as education manager, coordinator, or case officer responsible for larger educational programs. Some choose to specialize in areas like quality work, study administration, or digital development. According to the Employment Service's forecast for other case officers, the labor market is balanced, but demand is expected to decrease nationally over the next five years, mainly due to automation and efficiency improvements in administrative processes. Despite this, there remains a need for qualified personnel, especially at larger institutions and within municipal adult education. Currently, there are 758 job openings in this profession, indicating ongoing mobility and opportunities for new positions.

Frequently Asked Questions about Education Secretaries

• What does an Education Secretary earn?
  - The average salary is 38 900 SEK per month, but it can vary between 34,000 and 49,300 SEK depending on experience, education, and employer.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, men earn on average 41 500 SEK while women earn 38 000 SEK, which means women earn 92% of men's salaries.
• What education is needed to become an Education Secretary?
  - A bachelor's degree in administration, social sciences, or similar is recommended, along with experience in administrative work.
• What career opportunities are available?
  - After a few years, you can advance to roles such as education manager, coordinator, or specialize in areas like quality work.
• What is the state of the job market?
  - The job market is balanced, but demand is expected to decrease slightly over the next five years according to the Employment Service.
• What is a typical hourly wage for an Education Secretary?
  - The average hourly wage is 234 SEK (based on full-time work).
• Which workplaces hire Education Secretaries?
  - Common employers include universities, colleges, municipalities, and private training providers.