Elderly educator

What does an elder pedagog do? – Tasks and work environment

An elder pedagog works to support and develop the quality of life for the elderly, often through pedagogical efforts, guidance, and advice within elder care. Tasks may include training staff, coordinating activities, working with family support, or leading projects to promote participation and well-being among seniors. Elder pedagogs are active within municipal elder care, private care providers, or interest organizations, and the work environment is characterized by close contact with both service users and colleagues in interdisciplinary teams. The work often involves a combination of administrative tasks, practical support, and pedagogical leadership.

Salary development over time

The average monthly salary for elder pedagogs has shown a stable and positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average was 33,200 SEK, which increased to 34 800 SEK in 2023 and further to 36 100 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 8.7% during the period, slightly higher than many other professions within the healthcare and social care sector. The salary increase can largely be explained by a rising demand for specialized competence within elder care, and the educational level is expected to be higher than for many related roles. The trend indicates a continued willingness to invest in quality and competence in pedagogical work with the elderly, although salary levels are still influenced by budget constraints in public sector operations.

Elder pedagog salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 36 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,800 SEK (female, government sector)
• Highest salary: 41,500 SEK (female, municipal sector, research education)
• Hourly wage: 217 SEK/hour
• Women: 35 900 SEK/month (98% of men's salary)
• Men: 36 500 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary between regions, often slightly higher in metropolitan areas.

Education and qualifications

To work as an elder pedagog, a post-secondary education with a social, pedagogical, or behavioral science focus is usually required. Many choose to pursue vocational college or university programs in the field, often combined with internships and specialized courses on aging and elderly care. Practical experience from elder care, guidance, or education is highly valuable and may be a requirement for some employers.

• Education: Vocational college (2 years) or university education (3 years) with pedagogical or social focus
• Certifications: Possibility to supplement with certificates in guidance, dementia care, or family support
• Internships: Mandatory internships or trainee periods are often included in the education
• Prerequisites: High school diploma, preferably with a focus on healthcare or behavioral sciences
• Tips: Volunteering or experience in elder care provides competitive advantages

Common benefits and compensations

Elder pedagogs often have access to collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, professional development, and subsidized lunches or employee discounts. Flexitime, remote work options, and extra vacation days may be available, especially within municipal and government sectors.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as an elder pedagog is assessed as moderate, meaning there is neither a shortage nor an oversupply of qualified candidates. A challenge is that the job title is sometimes used across different parts of elder care, which can lead to variation in tasks and requirements between employers. Digitalization and new working methods place new demands on pedagogical competence and adaptability. Although demand is expected to remain unchanged in the coming years, changes in legislation or funding could affect the job market in the long term. To stand out, continuous further education and staying updated on new methods and research are crucial.

Tips for aspiring elder pedagogs

To succeed as an elder pedagog, it is beneficial to combine pedagogical skills with a genuine interest in supporting and inspiring the elderly. Being empathetic and attentive facilitates communication with both service users and relatives, while an analytical mindset helps identify needs and tailor interventions. Flexibility is valuable, especially when tasks vary between training, guidance, and practical support. Gaining practical experience early through internships or volunteer work makes it easier to establish oneself in the profession. Good teamwork skills facilitate work in interdisciplinary teams, and it is wise to continuously seek new knowledge—such as digital aids or new pedagogical methods. Last but not least, patience and perseverance are required to drive change and achieve long-term results in elder care.

Key facts about elder pedagog

• Education level: Post-secondary education, often vocational college or university
• Work environment: Often in municipal elder care, educational settings, or projects
• Work form: Full-time, sometimes flexitime or part-time
• Demand: Moderate, with an unchanged prognosis according to the Swedish Public Employment Service
• Special skills: Pedagogy, guidance, and digital inclusion

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an elder pedagog, there are good opportunities to advance to roles such as operations developer, training manager, or unit manager within elder care. Many choose to deepen their expertise in guidance, digitalization, or work strategically with family support and quality development. The prognosis from the Swedish Public Employment Service shows that opportunities for employment are moderate and that demand for the profession is expected to be unchanged over the next five years. Currently, there are 237 job openings for social pedagogs and treatment assistants, indicating a stable job market. Those combining pedagogical skills with digital abilities and experience in change management have particularly good chances for career development.

Frequently asked questions about elder pedagog

• What does an elder pedagog earn?
  - The average salary is 36 100 SEK per month, with variations between 31,800 SEK and 41,500 SEK depending on experience, education, and sector.
• What is the job market like for elder pedagogs?
  - Opportunities are assessed as moderate and the job market is in balance according to the Swedish Public Employment Service.
• What education is required to become an elder pedagog?
  - Usually, a post-secondary education at a vocational college or university with a pedagogical or social focus is required.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 98% of what men do in the profession.
• What career opportunities are available for elder pedagogs?
  - Opportunities exist to advance to roles such as operations developer, training manager, or manager within elder care.
• What is the hourly wage for elder pedagogs?
  - The average hourly wage is 217 SEK for hourly-paid employees.
• Do elder pedagogs mainly work in the public or private sector?
  - The majority work within municipal elder care, but there are also positions within private organizations and projects.