Image that illustrates Institutional educator

Institutional educator

36 100 kr

Treatment assistants and social pedagogues etc.

31 800 - 41 500 kr / month

Women earn 98% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Institutional educator

Average salary 36 100 kr
Males 36 500 kr
Females 35 900 kr

What does an institution educator do? – Tasks and work environment

Institution educators work on planning, implementing, and following up on training initiatives for detainees within correctional facilities. The work involves motivating and supporting individuals to participate in adult education, vocational training, or other pedagogical activities that facilitate reintegration into society. Responsibilities also include collaboration with other professional groups, documentation, and evaluation of educational efforts, as well as adapting teaching to individual needs. The work environment is characterized by close cooperation with clients in a security-classified setting where relationship building, structure, and clarity are crucial for success.

Salary development over time

The salary for institution educators has shown stable and positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,200 SEK per month, increasing to 34 800 SEK in 2023 and further to 36 100 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 8.7% over three years. This salary trend reflects an increased demand for specialized pedagogical skills within correctional services as well as general salary adjustments in the public sector. The trend indicates that the important role of the profession in clients’ rehabilitation is increasingly valued, which can also be linked to higher education and experience requirements. Although gender pay gaps persist, they are relatively small compared to many other professions.

Institution educator salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 36 100 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,800 SEK/month (woman, public sector)
  • Highest salary: 41,500 SEK/month (woman, municipal sector, research education)
  • Hourly wage (average): 217 SEK
  • Women: 35 900 SEK (98% of men's salary)
  • Men: 36 500 SEK
  • Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as an institution educator, a post-secondary education in pedagogy, social work, or a similar field is usually required. Many employers seek teaching qualifications, special pedagogical skills, or experience in adult education. Internships or previous work within criminal justice, treatment work, or education are often considered advantageous.

  • Formal education: Post-secondary education in pedagogy, social work, or equivalent (2–4 years)
  • Certifications/courses: Special pedagogy, adult education, or criminal justice courses
  • Internship: Experience from criminal justice, treatment, or adult education is advantageous
  • Prerequisites: High school diploma and relevant work experience or education
  • Tips for choosing: Combine pedagogy with knowledge of social work for broader competence

Institution educators often encounter people in vulnerable life situations, providing a unique insight into human behavior and change processes. The profession offers great opportunities to make a tangible difference and contribute to societal development in a very concrete way. The daily variation and interaction with other professional groups also provide broad experience for those wishing to develop further within criminal justice or the education sector.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to the base salary, institution educators are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, professional development, subsidized lunch, and flexible working hours. Within the public sector, compensation for unsocial hours and extra vacation days may also apply depending on employment conditions.

Competition and challenges

The job market for institution educators is characterized by a balance between supply and demand, with 237 available positions nationwide within the profession. Challenges often include managing complex client cases, adapting education to different conditions, and working in a security-classified environment. Pedagogical patience and the ability to build trust are essential in sometimes challenging contexts. The absence of regional salary differences may lead to competition for positions being evenly spread across the country, but requirements for proper education and experience remain high.

Tips for those who want to become an institution educator

To succeed as an institution educator, it is good to be attentive, structured, and highly motivated to motivate others. Building trustful relationships, facilitated by empathy and good communication skills, is key. Developing your pedagogical skills through relevant education and taking extra courses in social work or criminal justice is recommended. Practical experience from treatment work or adult education provides an advantage when applying for jobs. The ability to handle stress and quickly adapt to changing situations is also crucial, especially in a high-security environment. Engagement and patience will help you make a difference for individuals seeking change. Lastly, being humble and collaborating with other roles within the institution is valuable.

Key facts about institution educators

  • Education level: Post-secondary education in pedagogy or social work
  • Work environment: Security-classified environment within criminal justice
  • Work form: Usually full-time and daytime, sometimes unsocial hours
  • Demand: 237 available jobs nationwide
  • Special skills: Pedagogy, adult education, social work

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an institution educator, opportunities exist to advance to roles such as coordinator, training leader, or supervisor within criminal justice. Experience from the profession is also valuable for further education to become a special educator, treatment coordinator, or work in education development. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast, job opportunities are moderate, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. This provides stable career prospects for those with the right skills. Related professions include treatment assistant, social pedagogue, and adult education teacher.

Common questions about institution educators

  • What does an institution educator earn?
    - The average salary for an institution educator is 36 100 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, education, and employer.
  • What education is required to become an institution educator?
    - Post-secondary education in pedagogy, social work, or equivalent is required, often supplemented with specialized courses and experience.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 98% of what men do in the profession.
  • What is the job market like for institution educators?
    - The job market is balanced, with 237 available positions nationwide within the profession.
  • What are the most common job responsibilities?
    - Planning, implementing, and following up on educational initiatives for detainees within correctional facilities.
  • What benefits are offered besides salary?
    - Common benefits include occupational pension, wellness allowance, professional development, and sometimes overtime pay.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Institutional educator is 41500 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Municipal sector with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 39200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Institutional educator is 31800 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 32400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 28900 kr 31300 kr
25-34 98% 32600 kr 34700 kr
35-44 99% 34300 kr 36500 kr
45-54 100% 34800 kr 37100 kr
55-64 100% 34800 kr 36700 kr
65-68 101% 34800 kr 37000 kr
Snitt 98% 34000 kr 36100 kr
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 Institutional educator has the SSYK code 3411, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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