Daycare

What does a Daycare Provider do? – Tasks and work environment

A Daycare Provider works with caring for and stimulating children in their home environment or in dedicated family daycare homes. Tasks include planning and carrying out educational activities, providing care, offering security, and supporting children's development and social interactions. An important part of the role is also collaborating with parents and documenting daily activities. The work environment is often flexible but requires structure and the ability to manage multiple children of different ages simultaneously, demanding high levels of patience and organizational skills.

Salary development over time

The salary for a Daycare Provider has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 25,800 SEK per month, increasing to 26 600 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has continued to rise to 27 500 SEK. The total increase amounts to approximately 6.6% over three years. This salary development reflects an increased demand for trained staff in childcare as well as some adjustments for inflation. Despite salary increases, the profession remains relatively low-paid compared to other pedagogical roles, which may be due to educational requirements and competition within the sector. Regional differences and employer sector also influence salary levels for Daycare Providers.

Daycare Provider salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 27 500 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 23,900 SEK/month (male, private sector, high school education 3 years)
• Highest salary: 28,900 SEK/month (female, government sector, high school education up to 2 years)
• Hourly wage: 165 SEK/hour
• Women earn: 27 600 SEK/month (105% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 26 300 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Salary levels vary depending on location and employer

Education and qualifications

To work as a Daycare Provider, a high school education focusing on children and leisure or equivalent competence is generally required. Employers often value practical experience and personal suitability as highly as formal education. In addition to basic education, supplementary courses in pedagogy or childcare may be advantageous. Internships or introductory positions are often available for newcomers to the profession.

• High school education: Child and leisure program (3 years)
• Additional courses: Pedagogy, child development, first aid
• Internships: Often mandatory during education or employment
• Prerequisites: Good Swedish language skills in speech and writing, criminal record extract
• Tips: Employers value experience working with children and teamwork skills

Common benefits and compensations

Daycare Providers are often covered by collective agreements that include occupational pension, insurance, and paid vacation. Many also receive wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes meal allowances when working from home. Further training and professional development may also be offered as part of employment.

Competition and challenges

The job market for Daycare Providers is characterized by high competition and a certain surplus of labor. Nationally, opportunities for new employment are limited, and the Swedish Public Employment Service forecasts that demand will remain unchanged over five years. One reason is that more children are placed in preschools rather than family daycare homes, reducing the need for Daycare Providers. At the same time, high demands are placed on flexibility, responsibility, and meeting different children's needs. Long-term, the profession may be affected by political changes in childcare policies.

Tips for those who want to become a Daycare Provider

To succeed as a Daycare Provider, it is beneficial to have a genuine interest in children's development and a lot of patience, as daily routines can be both intense and unpredictable. Being attentive and communicative is crucial, especially in interactions with children and parents. Good organizational skills facilitate planning activities and managing multiple children with different needs. Flexibility is important since tasks may vary and require quick adjustments. Demonstrating responsibility and reliability creates security for both children and families. For those looking to develop in the profession, taking initiative for further training and networking within childcare is recommended. Finally, being creative and able to find new ways to stimulate and engage children in everyday activities is an advantage.

Key facts about Daycare Providers

• Salary range: 23,900–28,900 SEK/month
• Gender salary difference: Women earn 105% of men's salaries
• Education level: High school education with a focus on children and leisure
• Work environment: Home environment or family daycare, small groups
• Demand: Limited opportunities for new work, 237 job openings nationwide

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Daycare Provider, there are opportunities to develop within pedagogical professions, such as preschool assistant, childcare assistant, or team leader in childcare. Some choose to further their education to become preschool teachers or take on more administrative responsibilities. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, prospects are limited, with few new jobs and an oversupply of applicants. Over five years, demand is expected to remain unchanged, meaning competition for available positions will likely continue. Those wishing to increase their chances of employment are advised to pursue further education in pedagogy and specialization in specific needs or age groups.

Common questions about Daycare Providers

• What does a Daycare Provider earn?
  - A Daycare Provider has an average salary of 27 500 SEK per month.
• What are the salary differences between men and women?
  - Women earn an average of 27 600 SEK and men 26 300 SEK, which means women earn 105% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a Daycare Provider?
  - High school education with a focus on children and leisure is most common, sometimes supplemented with short courses.
• What is the job market like for Daycare Providers?
  - There are limited opportunities for new employment and a surplus of applicants according to the Swedish Public Employment Service.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for Daycare Providers?
  - The highest salary is 28,900 SEK and the lowest 23,900 SEK per month.
• What benefits are common?
  - Occupational pension, insurance, wellness allowance, and sometimes meal allowances or work clothing are common benefits.
• How many job openings are available?
  - There are 237 job openings nationwide within the profession.