How much does a Professional military make

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Professional military

30 400 kr

Soldiers etc.

27 700 - 34 900 kr / month

Women earn 96% of what men do.

Militärt arbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Professional military

Average salary 30 400 kr
Males 30 600 kr
Females 29 500 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 7 Vacant jobs ->

What does a Professional Soldier do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A professional soldier works to defend the country, maintain security, and participate in both national and international missions. Tasks vary depending on position and specialization but often include military training, exercises, leadership, weapon handling, and collaboration in groups. Service may involve patrols and security, planning operations, or training other soldiers. The work environment is often challenging and physically demanding, with periods of increased workload during exercises or missions, both within and outside Sweden's borders.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salaries for professional soldiers have steadily increased. In 2022, the average salary was 26,800 kronor, then rose to 28 400 kronor in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 30 400 kronor, representing a total increase of approximately 13.4% during this period. This positive salary trend is linked to increased defense investments, higher skill requirements, and a growing need for personnel in response to global developments. Demand for professional soldiers has increased, positively impacting salaries. Despite the growth, differences between genders remain, with women earning on average 96% of men's salaries.

Professional soldier salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 30 400 kr/month
  • Lowest salary: 27,700 kr/month (men), 29,200 kr/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 34,900 kr/month (men), 33,200 kr/month (women)
  • Hourly wage: 183 kr
  • Gender differences: Women earn 96% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as a professional soldier, completed basic training with conscription or equivalent military education is required. Further training and specialization within the Swedish Armed Forces may follow, depending on the position and desired career path. Physical and mental suitability are also crucial and tested through specific entrance exams.

  • Basic training: Conscription or military basic training (6–12 months)
  • Further training: Specialist courses within the Swedish Armed Forces
  • Certifications: Internal military qualifications and weapon training
  • Prerequisites: Good physical and mental health, Swedish citizenship
  • Practical experience: Field exercises and active service

Many professional soldiers have the opportunity to participate in international missions, providing unique experiences of cooperation with other countries' armed forces and enhancing both professional and personal development.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and allowances

Professional soldiers often enjoy benefits such as extra vacation, wellness allowances, free work clothing, accommodation during exercises and missions, as well as access to healthcare and dental care. Service abroad or in other locations may also include per diems, allowances for unsocial hours, and compensation for international deployments.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as a professional soldier varies depending on the role and region, but there is generally steady demand for trained personnel. Challenges often include high physical and mental demands, the need for continuous training, and adapting to changing security situations. The military work environment requires discipline, teamwork, and the ability to handle stressful situations. Relocations and international service can also be demanding for individuals and families. Passing selection tests and training exercises is essential for success in the profession.

Tips for those interested in becoming a professional soldier

To succeed as a professional soldier, good physical fitness is important, as the role demands strength, endurance, and quick recovery. Discipline and reliability are key traits, as tasks often involve significant responsibility and teamwork. The ability to adapt to new situations and be flexible under changing conditions is vital, as is clear communication and following instructions. Showing initiative and engagement during training and exercises can lead to specialization and advancement. Mental stability and stress resilience are also beneficial during missions under pressure. Finally, an interest in technology and equipment is advantageous, as many roles involve handling advanced materiel.

Key facts about a Professional Soldier

  • Education level: Military basic training (6–12 months)
  • Work environment: Field-based, often physically and mentally demanding
  • Work type: Full-time, sometimes shift work or on-call
  • Demand: 39 job openings in the current profession
  • Gender distribution: Women earn 96% of men's salaries

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a professional soldier, opportunities exist to advance to leadership roles, such as squad leader, platoon commander, or instructor within the Swedish Armed Forces. Further education and specialization in areas like technology, intelligence, logistics, or international operations are also possible. Forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicate continued strong demand for professional soldiers, especially given increased defense funding and changing security environments. Those with experience and further training can also pursue civilian security roles or leadership positions within government agencies and private security companies.

Frequently asked questions about a Professional Soldier

  • What is the average salary of a Professional Soldier?
    - A professional soldier earns an average of 30 400 kronor per month.
  • How do salary differences between men and women look?
    - Men earn an average of 30 600 kronor and women 29 500 kronor per month, which means women earn 96% of men's salaries.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for a Professional Soldier?
    - The highest salary is 34,900 kronor per month for men and 33,200 kronor for women. The lowest is 27,700 kronor (men) and 29,200 kronor (women).
  • What education is required to become a Professional Soldier?
    - Basic training with conscription or equivalent military education is required, along with approved physical and mental tests.
  • Are there many job openings for a Professional Soldier?
    - Yes, currently there are 39 job openings within the profession in Sweden.
  • What are the most common benefits for professional soldiers?
    - Benefits include extra vacation, wellness allowances, free work clothing, accommodation during missions, and access to healthcare and dental care.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 13:19:19

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Professional military is 34900 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 33200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Professional military is 27700 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 29200 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 99% 26000 kr 29000 kr
25-34 94% 27600 kr 33000 kr
35-44 29200 kr 35600 kr
Snitt 96% 26600 kr 30400 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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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 Professional military has the SSYK code 310, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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