- Salary statistics
- Professional military salary
Professional military salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
32 800 - 70 000 SEK / month
Women earn 94% of what men do.
Militärt arbete
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Salary progression Professional military
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 30 400 kronor in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 35 800 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 94% of men's salaries.
Professional soldier salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 35 800 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 94% 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.
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 94% 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 35 800 kronor per month. - How do salary differences between men and women look?
- Men earn an average of 36 200 kronor and women 33 800 kronor per month, which means women earn 94% 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.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 96% | 27200 kr | 34500 kr |
| 25-34 | 93% | 28800 kr | 38400 kr |
| 35-44 | 31200 kr | 40900 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 27800 kr | 35800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 96% | 27200 kr | 34500 kr |
| 25-34 | 93% | 28800 kr | 38400 kr |
| 35-44 | 104% | 31200 kr | 40900 kr |
| 45-54 | 83% | 34700 kr | 44500 kr |
| 55-64 | 108% | 35000 kr | 40500 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 27800 kr | 35800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 96% | 27200 kr | 34500 kr |
| 25-34 | 93% | 28800 kr | 38400 kr |
| 35-44 | 104% | 31200 kr | 40900 kr |
| 45-54 | 83% | 34700 kr | 44500 kr |
| 55-64 | 108% | 35000 kr | 40500 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 27800 kr | 35800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 96% | 27200 kr | 34800 kr |
| 25-34 | 93% | 28800 kr | 38700 kr |
| 35-44 | 30800 kr | 40800 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 27900 kr | 36200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 96% | 27200 kr | 34800 kr |
| 25-34 | 93% | 28800 kr | 38700 kr |
| 35-44 | 104% | 30800 kr | 40800 kr |
| 45-54 | 83% | 34800 kr | 45000 kr |
| 55-64 | 108% | 34500 kr | 40100 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 27900 kr | 36200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 96% | 27200 kr | 34800 kr |
| 25-34 | 93% | 28800 kr | 38700 kr |
| 35-44 | 104% | 30800 kr | 40800 kr |
| 45-54 | 83% | 34800 kr | 45000 kr |
| 55-64 | 108% | 34500 kr | 40100 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 27900 kr | 36200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 96% | 27200 kr | 33300 kr |
| 25-34 | 93% | 28900 kr | 36000 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 27600 kr | 33800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 96% | 27200 kr | 33300 kr |
| 25-34 | 93% | 28900 kr | 36000 kr |
| 35-44 | 104% | 35300 kr | 42400 kr |
| 45-54 | 83% | 32600 kr | 37400 kr |
| 55-64 | 108% | 38600 kr | 43400 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 27600 kr | 33800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 96% | 27200 kr | 33300 kr |
| 25-34 | 93% | 28900 kr | 36000 kr |
| 35-44 | 104% | 35300 kr | 42400 kr |
| 45-54 | 83% | 32600 kr | 37400 kr |
| 55-64 | 108% | 38600 kr | 43400 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 27600 kr | 33800 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 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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