Activity leader, guide

What does an activity leader, guide do? – tasks and work environment

An activity leader, guide plans, leads, and conducts various types of activities and experiences for groups or individuals. The tasks vary depending on the field but can include guiding tourists, theme walks, outdoor activities, or educational sessions for school classes and companies. The role often involves responsibility for safety, logistics, and creating a positive and educational experience for participants. The work environment is dynamic and may involve outdoor work in changing weather, travel, and flexible hours, especially during peak seasons and weekends.

Salary development over time

The salary for an activity leader, guide has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 28,200 SEK per month, rising to 28 500 SEK in 2023. A clearer increase is seen between 2023 and 2024, when the average reached 30 200 SEK. This corresponds to a total increase of about 7% during the period, with the largest part occurring in the last year. The salary trend can partly be explained by increased demand for experience-based services and activities, as well as an elevation of the profession's skill requirements and responsibilities. The market is also affected by seasonal variations and regional differences, with larger cities and popular tourist areas often offering slightly higher salaries.

Activity leader, guide salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 30 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 27,700 SEK/month (female, high school education, 3 years)
• Highest salary: 33,600 SEK/month (female, public sector, high school education up to 2 years)
• Hourly wage: 181 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
• Gender differences: Men 30 800 SEK, women 29 900 SEK (women earn 97% of men's salary)

Education and qualifications

To work as an activity leader, guide, a high school education in tourism, leisure, or pedagogy is usually required. Many employers also value experience from similar roles, language skills, and the ability to manage groups and lead activities. Further education, certifications, and specialized courses can be advantageous depending on the employer’s focus and requirements.

• High school education: Tourism, leisure, or pedagogy (2–3 years)
• Specialized courses: Guiding techniques, first aid, safety
• Internships: Commonly, internships or trainee positions during studies
• Language skills: English and additional languages are often advantageous
• Certifications: For example, nature guide, mountain leader, or similar depending on the field

Common benefits and compensations

Typical benefits for activity leaders and guides include overtime pay for evening and weekend work, wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes access to staff accommodation during seasonal work. Some employers also offer training opportunities, free entry to activities, and travel expenses related to work.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as activity leaders and guides varies by season, region, and activity area. During peak season, especially in tourism and outdoor activities, demand for labor is higher and job opportunities are more numerous. At the same time, the work can be physically demanding, involve irregular hours, and require a high level of responsibility and social skills. Limited permanent positions and a high proportion of seasonal work can pose challenges for those seeking long-term stability.

Tips for those wanting to become an activity leader, guide

To succeed as an activity leader, guide, it is good to combine service skills with strong communication abilities, as much of the work involves creating safety and engagement within the group. Being flexible and resilient during weather changes or unforeseen situations is beneficial, while initiative and responsibility are key when planning and executing activities. Language skills and a genuine interest in people open more opportunities, especially within international tourism. Gaining experience through internships or volunteer work also provides valuable credentials and insights. Maintaining a positive attitude and good teamwork skills are often appreciated by employers and participants alike.

Key facts about activity leaders, guides

• Educational level: High school education (2–3 years), often supplemented with specialized courses
• Work environment: Varied, often outdoors and with irregular hours
• Employment type: Seasonal or hourly employment is common
• Demand: Approximately 550 job openings within the profession
• Gender distribution: Slightly less salary difference, women earn 97% of men's salary

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, many activity leaders and guides develop broad skills that can lead to roles such as responsible for larger groups, coordinators, or trainers within tourism and leisure activities. Specialization in areas like nature guiding, event management, or educational work is possible, as well as further training to become tour guides or project managers. According to the latest forecast from the Employment Service, no specific assessment is made for activity leaders, guides due to limited statistical data, but the overall demand within the profession remains stable with about 550 reported job openings. The market is influenced by seasonal variations and economic cycles, which can lead to periods of increased competition for positions.

Frequently asked questions about activity leaders, guides

• What does an activity leader, guide earn?
  - An activity leader, guide has an average salary of 30 200 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, education, and employer.
• What education is required to become an activity leader, guide?
  - Usually, high school education in tourism, leisure, or pedagogy, along with relevant courses and internships.
• Are there significant salary differences between men and women?
  - The salary gap is relatively small; women earn approximately 97% of what men do within the profession.
• What is the job market like for activity leaders, guides?
  - Demand is stable with around 550 job openings, but employment is often seasonal or hourly-based.
• What personal qualities are important in this profession?
  - Social skills, flexibility, responsibility, and good communication are especially important to succeed as an activity leader, guide.
• How high can the salary become as an activity leader, guide?
  - The highest reported salary is 33,600 SEK per month.
• What are the most common work environments?
  - Often outdoors, with flexible and sometimes irregular hours depending on season and activity.