What does a child and youth leader do? – Tasks and working environment
Child and youth leaders work with planning, leading, and implementing leisure activities and supportive services for children and young people. The role is often found within schools, youth centers, church organizations, and non-profit associations. Tasks can range from organizing sports and cultural activities to providing social support and guidance in various life situations. The environment is dynamic and relationship-oriented, often focused on creating safe and developmental contexts for young people. Work is conducted both in groups and individually, requiring the ability to build trusting relationships and handle different social situations.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, child and youth leaders have experienced steady salary growth. In 2022, the average salary was 29,600 SEK per month, increasing to 30 600 SEK in 2023 and reaching 31 900 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total salary increase of approximately 8% over the period. The trend shows a consistent rise, which can be attributed to factors such as inflation, increased demand for social work, and a general focus on the well-being of children and youth in society. Salary development is also influenced by education level and work experience, with leaders holding further education and longer experience often earning higher salaries.
Child and youth leader salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 31 900 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 27,400 SEK
- Highest salary: 37,600 SEK
- Hourly wage: 192 SEK
- Women: 32 100 SEK/month
- Men: 31 500 SEK/month
- Women earn: 102% of men's salary
Education and qualifications
To work as a child and youth leader, a high school education is usually required, preferably within the child and leisure program and/or youth leader training at a vocational college. Many employers prefer candidates with relevant internships or experience working with children and youth. There are also specialized courses at folk high schools or vocational colleges that provide in-depth competence and increase employability.
- High school education: Child and leisure program (3 years)
- Vocational college: Youth leader training (2 years)
- Internship: Experience working with children/youth is often advantageous
- Certifications: Courses in leadership or conflict management can be beneficial
- Personal qualities: Social skills, patience, responsiveness
Child and youth leaders often work closely with the local community and become important adult role models for young people. Many leaders testify that the meeting with youth and the opportunity to make a difference in everyday life make the profession so rewarding.
Common benefits and compensations
In addition to the base salary, child and youth leaders often receive benefits such as wellness allowances, professional development, extra vacation days, and sometimes night shift allowances for work evenings and weekends. Some employers also offer supervision and opportunities for further training within the organization.
Challenges and competition
The job market for child and youth leaders is characterized by balance – neither surplus nor shortage of workforce exists nationally. According to the Employment Service forecast, demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Challenges in the profession often involve meeting the needs of young people in a changing everyday life, managing conflicts, and working preventively against mental health issues. Competition for positions may be higher in larger cities, while smaller towns sometimes struggle to recruit qualified leaders. To stand out in the job market, having both education and experience, as well as good relationship-building skills, is an advantage.
Tips for those who want to become a child and youth leader
To succeed as a child and youth leader, it’s good to have a genuine commitment to young people and their development. Being attentive and adaptable facilitates working with different personalities and situations. Practical experience, such as internships or voluntary engagement, provides valuable insights and strengthens your application. It is also important to work structured and take responsibility, especially regarding planning and executing activities. An open and positive attitude helps create safety and trust within the group. Continuously furthering education in leadership and conflict management is an investment for the future. Lastly, the ability to collaborate with colleagues and external actors is highly valued, as cooperation is often a big part of the role.
Key facts about Child and Youth Leaders
- Education level: High school or vocational college
- Work environment: Schools, youth centers, associations, and churches
- Common work form: Group activities and individual guidance
- Demand: Moderate, stable forecast according to the Employment Service
- Job vacancies: 237 advertised positions in the profession (May 2024)
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, child and youth leaders can advance to coordinators, supervisors, or take responsibility for larger projects within the organization. Some choose to further their education to become social workers, leisure pedagogues, or work with youth activities at a strategic level. According to the Employment Service, the job market is balanced with unchanged demand over the next five years. Opportunities for employment are good, especially for those combining education with experience and developing their leadership skills. In spring 2024, a total of 237 job openings were advertised in the profession, indicating a continued stable job market.
Frequently asked questions about Child and Youth Leaders
- What does a Child and Youth Leader earn?
- A child and youth leader has an average salary of 31 900 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience and workplace.
- What is the hourly wage for a child and youth leader?
- The average hourly wage is 192 SEK based on 166 working hours per month.
- Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
- Yes, women earn on average 32 100 SEK and men 31 500 SEK, which means women earn 102% of men's salaries.
- What education is required to become a child and youth leader?
- The most common is high school within the child and leisure program and/or youth leader training at a vocational college.
- What are the future prospects?
- The Employment Service assesses the job prospects as moderate, with the outlook remaining unchanged over the next five years.
- Where can child and youth leaders work?
- Common workplaces include schools, youth centers, associations, and churches.
- What is the highest and lowest salary for the profession?
- The highest salary is 37,600 SEK (male, municipal sector), and the lowest is 27,400 SEK (male, private sector).
