Officer on duty, Swedish Customs

What does a Duty Officer at the Swedish Customs do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Duty Officer at the Swedish Customs is responsible for leading and coordinating operational activities within customs control and surveillance assignments. The role involves handling urgent matters, making decisions on interventions, and providing operational support to customs inspectors and other staff during ongoing shifts. The work environment is characterized by a high tempo, quick decision-making, and a clear focus on security, often in close collaboration with other authorities and in situations demanding confidentiality and integrity. Duty Officers typically work shifts, which means working both day and night, and much of the time is spent at a control center or on-site in the field depending on operational needs.

Salary Development Over Time

The salary for a Duty Officer at the Swedish Customs has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 38,300 SEK per month, followed by 38 800 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary increased to 41,000 SEK, representing an approximate 7 percent increase over the period. This positive salary trend can be linked to increased demand for security expertise, higher leadership requirements within the agency, and general efforts to enhance the attractiveness of public sector roles. Gender differences persist but have decreased somewhat as the agency works toward equal pay. The highest salaries are found among private sector workers with secondary education, while public sector roles and shorter post-secondary education often offer somewhat lower levels.

Duty Officer Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 41,000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 38,500 SEK/month (female, public sector, post-secondary education shorter than 3 years)
• Highest salary: 46,100 SEK/month (male, private sector, secondary education up to 2 years)
• Hourly wage (average): 246 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Men 42 000 SEK, women 39 600 SEK (women earn 94% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Data on regional variations are limited, but metropolitan areas tend to have slightly higher salaries.

Education and Qualifications

To become a Duty Officer at the Swedish Customs, a post-secondary education in a relevant field is usually required, often complemented by internal leadership training and experience in customs operations or similar security work. The position demands strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and good knowledge of legislation related to customs, smuggling, and border control. Practical experience from operational work within the Swedish Customs is often advantageous and may sometimes be a requirement for qualification at the supervisory level.

• Formal education: Post-secondary education in security, law, or social sciences (typically 2–3 years)
• Internal training: Customs' own leadership and supervisory training programs
• Work experience: Several years of operational experience within customs or other authorities
• Certifications: Courses in crisis management and official authority procedures can be advantageous
• Personal suitability: High integrity, stress resilience, and good communication skills

Common Benefits and Compensation

Typical benefits for Duty Officers at the Swedish Customs include overtime pay for working evenings, nights, and weekends, wellness contributions, occupational pension, and opportunities for skills development through internal and external training. Many employees also have access to subsidized lunches, advantageous insurance schemes, and sometimes extra vacation days depending on employment type and location.

Competition and Challenges

The job market for Duty Officers at the Swedish Customs is characterized by relatively limited competition, as the role requires specialized education and several years of operational experience. The number of available positions varies over time, but currently, there are 191 open positions within the group. Challenges in the profession include high demands on availability, quick decision-making in pressured situations, and the need for continuous training. Since operational tasks are often classified for security reasons, the employee must also pass security clearance and have a clean background.

Tips for Aspiring Duty Officers at the Swedish Customs

To succeed as a Duty Officer at the Swedish Customs, it is beneficial to have strong analytical skills and a sense of order, as the work requires quick assessment and prioritization of various events. Developing good communication skills is crucial, as the role involves teamwork and leadership. Engagement with societal issues and integrity help build trust internally and externally. Gaining relevant internships and experience in operational roles within the Swedish Customs or related agencies is advantageous. Resilience and flexibility are important, especially considering shift work and unforeseen situations. Staying updated on laws and current security issues can give an edge in recruitment. Lastly, actively pursuing further education and certifications in crisis management and official procedures can strengthen your competence.

Key Facts about Duty Officer at the Swedish Customs

• Average salary: 41,000 SEK/month
• Educational requirements: Post-secondary education and internal supervisory training
• Work environment: Shift work, often high tempo, decision-making under pressure
• Number of available jobs: 191 within the group
• Gender distribution: Women earn 94% of men's salary

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After 3–5 years in the role of Duty Officer, there are opportunities to advance to higher supervisory roles, such as section manager or operational leader within the Swedish Customs. Other career paths include specialization in intelligence work, training responsibilities, or coordination of national operations. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate a stable demand for security and surveillance personnel, although specific future assessments for this role are limited due to data constraints. The profession offers good development opportunities for those interested in leadership and official authority work.

Frequently Asked Questions about Duty Officer at the Swedish Customs

• What is the salary of a Duty Officer at the Swedish Customs?
  - The average salary is 41,000 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, gender, and sector.
• What education is required to become a Duty Officer at the Swedish Customs?
  - Post-secondary education and internal leadership training, along with several years of operational experience, are required.
• What is the work environment like for a Duty Officer?
  - The work is conducted in shifts, often at a high tempo, with significant responsibility for urgent decisions.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, men earn on average 42 000 SEK and women 39 600 SEK, meaning women earn 94% of men's salaries.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - Prognoses are uncertain due to limited data, but the need for security personnel remains stable.
• What are the most common benefits?
  - Overtime allowances, wellness contributions, occupational pension, and skills development.
• How many job openings are there in this profession?
  - Currently, there are 191 available positions within the group of customs and coast guard officers.