- Salary statistics
- Foreign Council salary
Foreign Council salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
96 100 - 168 300 SEK / month
Women earn 99% of what men do.
Chefer & ledare
Related tools
Salary progression Foreign Council
What does an Utrikesråd do? – Tasks and Work Environment
An Utrikesråd is responsible for leading and developing Sweden's foreign policy at the highest level within the Government Offices and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Tasks include strategic advising, negotiations with other countries and international organizations, as well as representing Sweden diplomatically. The role also involves analyzing global trends, providing the government with decision-making support, and coordinating efforts with ambassadors and other diplomats. The work environment is characterized by a fast pace, complex issues, and a high level of responsibility for Sweden's international relations.
Salary Development Over Time
Over the past three years, the average salary for an Utrikesråd has increased from 102,400 SEK in 2022 to 115 200 SEK in 2023 and further to 119 600 SEK in 2024. This development corresponds to a total increase of approximately 12.5% over three years, representing a significant salary growth compared to many other managerial roles within the public sector. The increase can partly be explained by increased international demand for experienced diplomats and higher requirements for strategic leadership in a changing world. Additionally, inflation adjustments and skills shortages in higher government administration have contributed to raising salaries further. The trend indicates a continued strong valuation of the role, where competence and experience are rewarded in salary setting.
Utrikesråd Salary – Complete Overview
- Average salary: 119 600 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 94,800 SEK/month (men), 108,400 SEK/month (women)
- Highest salary: 175,300 SEK/month (men), 166,900 SEK/month (women)
- Hourly wage: 693 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Women earn 99% of what men do (118 800 SEK/month vs 120 500 SEK/month)
- Regional differences: Data on regional variations is unavailable
Education and Qualifications
To work as an Utrikesråd, a university degree in law, political science, or economics is usually required, often complemented by several years of experience in qualified work within the Government Offices or the foreign service. Many have completed the Ministry for Foreign Affairs' diplomatic program or equivalent international training. In-depth knowledge of international relations, negotiation techniques, and leadership is crucial for success in the role.
- Formal degree: Law degree, political science or economics (at least 3–5 years)
- Diplomat program / trainee: MFA's diplomat program (2 years)
- Experience requirement: Several years of leadership experience in the public sector or international activities
- Language skills: Fluent English and at least one additional foreign language
- Additional merits: International assignments and specialization in international law or politics
Many Utrikesråd have experience working abroad and often have built international networks early in their careers. This global presence provides a unique insight into other cultures and political systems, which is invaluable in daily work.
Common Benefits and Compensation
Utrikesråd are often offered extensive benefits beyond their base salary, such as occupational pension, extra vacation days, and opportunities for international assignments with associated benefit agreements. Travel, representation, and further training are usually part of the role. Special allowances may also apply for work in high-risk areas or when relocating abroad.
Competition and Challenges
The competition for positions as Utrikesråd is very fierce, as the number of available positions is limited while requirements for experience and competence are high. The main challenges include balancing an intense work environment with high expectations for strategic leadership, as well as managing rapid changes in the global context. The ability to build and maintain international relations is crucial, as is the ability to quickly analyze and act on global crises. Additionally, integrity and the capacity to make decisions under pressure are essential, especially during sensitive negotiations or when Sweden's interests are at stake.
Tips for Aspiring Utrikesråd
To succeed as an Utrikesråd, it is helpful to combine analytical ability with a genuine interest in international issues and politics. Building a broad network during studies and seeking internships or trainee positions within the Government Offices provides a valuable advantage. Communication skills are vital, especially in diplomatic contexts where clarity and responsiveness are often key to success. A persistent and flexible personality aids in adapting to rapid changes and a high pace. Continually furthering your education and staying updated on global trends strengthens competitiveness. Integrity and the ability to handle confidential information are also central, as well as demonstrating leadership and decisiveness in complex situations.
Key Facts about Utrikesråd
- Average salary: 119 600 SEK/month
- Educational level: University degree and diplomat program
- Work environment: Strategic, international, and high-paced
- Typical employment: Permanent position in the public sector
- Demand: 175 job openings in 2024
Career Paths and Future Prospects
After three to five years as an Utrikesråd, there are opportunities to advance to higher managerial positions within the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, such as ambassador or director general for international agencies. Some choose to move on to international organizations or work as experts within the EU or UN. According to the Public Employment Service, the demand for experienced leaders in foreign policy remains stable, although the number of positions is relatively small. Digitalization and geopolitical changes impose new requirements for skills development, but individuals with broad experience and the right specialization have good future prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions about Utrikesråd
- What does an Utrikesråd earn?
- The average salary for an Utrikesråd is 119 600 SEK per month. - What education is required to become an Utrikesråd?
- Typically, a university degree in law, political science, or economics, along with completion of the MFA's diplomat program. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn on average 99% of what men do in the profession. - What is the job market like for Utrikesråd?
- Demand is stable with 175 job openings according to recent statistics. - What benefits are usually offered?
- Common benefits include occupational pension, extra vacation days, international assignments, and further training. - What is the highest and lowest salary for an Utrikesråd?
- The highest salary is 175,300 SEK and the lowest 94,800 SEK per month, depending on experience, education, and sector. - What personal qualities are important in the profession?
- Analytical ability, communication skills, integrity, and perseverance are central qualities.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 102% | 113100 kr | 114500 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 120700 kr | 122300 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 117900 kr | 119600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 89% | 105200 kr | 108200 kr |
| 45-54 | 102% | 113200 kr | 114500 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 121800 kr | 123500 kr |
| 65-68 | 100% | 123100 kr | 127400 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 118500 kr | 120300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 96% | 114100 kr | 115600 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 124000 kr | 126300 kr |
| 65-68 | 103% | 120500 kr | 124900 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 120800 kr | 123200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 90% | 104400 kr | 107400 kr |
| 45-54 | 103% | 109700 kr | 110700 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 115200 kr | 116000 kr |
| 65-68 | 105% | 121600 kr | 125400 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 112500 kr | 113600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 158500 kr | 161100 kr | |
| 55-64 | 97% | 159000 kr | 160400 kr |
| 65-68 | 170100 kr | 174100 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 160000 kr | 162100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 102% | 111700 kr | 113300 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 122000 kr | 123700 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 118500 kr | 120500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 89% | 108500 kr | 113800 kr |
| 45-54 | 102% | 111700 kr | 113100 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 122200 kr | 123900 kr |
| 65-68 | 100% | 123900 kr | 127500 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 118600 kr | 120600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 96% | 116500 kr | 117700 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 124400 kr | 126600 kr |
| 65-68 | 103% | 120500 kr | 123500 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 121700 kr | 123800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 90% | 107300 kr | 113200 kr |
| 45-54 | 103% | 107300 kr | 108800 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 114500 kr | 115500 kr |
| 65-68 | 105% | 118600 kr | 123800 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 111500 kr | 113400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 97% | 160600 kr | 162400 kr |
| 65-68 | 170100 kr | 174100 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 161700 kr | 163800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 102% | 114400 kr | 115600 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 119500 kr | 120900 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 117200 kr | 118800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 89% | 101200 kr | 101300 kr |
| 45-54 | 102% | 114700 kr | 115800 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 121500 kr | 123000 kr |
| 65-68 | 100% | 121700 kr | 127400 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 118400 kr | 120000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 96% | 111700 kr | 113500 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 123700 kr | 126000 kr |
| 65-68 | 103% | 120500 kr | 127000 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 120000 kr | 122600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 90% | 101200 kr | 101300 kr |
| 45-54 | 103% | 112000 kr | 112500 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 116000 kr | 116500 kr |
| 65-68 | 105% | 129600 kr | 129600 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 113400 kr | 113900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 160000 kr | 162900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 97% | 156000 kr | 156900 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 158200 kr | 160200 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 Foreign Council has the SSYK code 1112, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
-
University Director at Malmö University
General, county and municipal directors etc.
Tue, 23 Jun 2026 - 00:25 -
Municipal Manager for Lysekil Municipality
General, county and municipal directors etc.
Mon, 22 Jun 2026 - 23:35 -
Municipal Director for Lysekil Municipality
General, county and municipal directors etc.
Fri, 19 Jun 2026 - 00:25 -
Director of the Polar Research Secretariat
General, county and municipal directors etc.
Thu, 18 Jun 2026 - 23:55 -
Director for Property and Investment South
General, county and municipal directors etc.
Thu, 18 Jun 2026 - 12:11
Compare salary, work tasks and job outlook in adjacent occupations to find roles with similar skills or pay levels.
-
Nature Conservation Director salary
Average salary: 74 600 SEK/month • Chefer & ledare
Administrative and planning managers
Compare with Foreign Council
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 15:01 -
Average salary: 58 000 SEK/month • Chefer & ledare
Managers in forestry and agriculture etc.
Compare with Foreign Council
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 08:11 -
Organization manager, organization salary
Average salary: 59 400 SEK/month • Chefer & ledare
Executive officers in interest organizations
Compare with Foreign Council
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 12:12 -
Average salary: 74 600 SEK/month • Chefer & ledare
Administrative and planning managers
Compare with Foreign Council
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 15:56 -
Average salary: 119 600 SEK/month • Chefer & ledare
General, county and municipal directors etc.
Compare with Foreign Council
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 20:36 -
Average salary: 119 600 SEK/month • Chefer & ledare
General, county and municipal directors etc.
Compare with Foreign Council
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 22:23