How much does a Parish educator make

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Parish educator

31 900 kr

Recreation leaders etc.

27 400 - 37 600 kr / month

Women earn 102% of what men do.

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Salary progression Parish educator

Average salary 31 900 kr
Males 31 500 kr
Females 32 100 kr
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What does a parish educator do? – Tasks and work environment

A parish educator primarily works within the Church of Sweden or other faith communities and has pedagogical responsibility for children, youth, and adults in the congregation. Tasks include planning and implementing teaching, leadership in groups such as confirmands, youth groups, and children’s groups, as well as developing the congregation’s educational activities. The educator collaborates closely with priests, deacons, and other staff to create meaningful activities and meeting places. The work environment is varied and can include office work and meetings, activities in church facilities, outdoor activities, and trips with groups.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salaries for parish educators have steadily increased. In 2022, the average salary was 29,600 SEK per month, which increased to 30 600 SEK in 2023, representing an increase of about 3.4%. In 2024, this positive trend continued with an average salary of 31 900 SEK, a further increase of approximately 4.2% from the previous year. This salary growth reflects an increased demand for pedagogical skills within church activities and a general higher focus on education levels and qualified leadership in congregations. Salary increases are in line with the overall development in public and non-profit sectors where pedagogical work is increasingly valued.

Parish educator salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 31 900 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 27,400 SEK/month (male), 28,000 SEK/month (female)
  • Highest salary: 37,600 SEK/month (male), 35,700 SEK/month (female)
  • Hourly wage (average): 192 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 102% of what men do (32 100 SEK/month vs 31 500 SEK/month)
  • Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as a parish educator, a university degree in theology, pedagogy, or equivalent with a church-related focus is usually required. The education combines theoretical studies with practical training and often includes religious studies and pedagogical components. Certification as a parish educator requires approved education according to the Swedish Church’s guidelines and sometimes experience working with children and youth.

  • Church musician or parish educator degree: 3-year university program
  • Additional courses: Theology, pedagogy, and leadership
  • Practical training: Mandatory supervised practice within the congregation
  • Prerequisites: High school diploma and sometimes a church-specific reference
  • Certification: Approved by bishop or diocesan chapter upon employment

Many parish educators have opportunities to influence and develop their own methods and projects. Creativity and innovation are often appreciated, especially when reaching new target groups or creating inclusive activities.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for parish educators include pension schemes, wellness allowances, generous vacation policies, and opportunities for professional development. Many employers also offer flexible hours, subsidized meals, and support for further education. Working in the non-profit sector often provides a strong sense of community and influence over the work environment and hours.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a parish educator is moderate according to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s current forecast, with approximately 237 available jobs nationwide. Challenges in the profession include adapting to societal changes where the church’s role is evolving, and engaging young people in the congregation. Parish educators need to be flexible in their work methods and adapt activities to new needs and digital solutions. The profession also requires managing varying work hours and sometimes high expectations from both the congregation and relatives.

Tips for those who want to become a parish educator

To succeed as a parish educator, it is beneficial to be communicative and attentive, as much of the work involves meeting people of different ages and life situations. Having strong engagement and a desire to develop oneself and the activities is important, especially when creating new activities and meeting places. An educational approach and the ability to work independently facilitate planning and leading groups. Collaboration skills are crucial, as the work often takes place in teams with other professionals within the congregation. Finally, being flexible and open to change is an advantage, as tasks can vary depending on the congregation’s needs and current projects.

Key facts about parish educators

  • Education level: University degree, often 3 years
  • Work environment: Church, congregation, and office
  • Job openings: Approximately 237 nationwide (2024)
  • Gender distribution: Even, with slightly higher salaries for women
  • Occupational group: Leisure coordinators, etc.

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a parish educator, there are opportunities to advance to leadership roles, such as coordinator of pedagogical activities or responsible for larger projects within the congregation. Some move on to positions as parish managers or work with training and development at regional levels. The forecast for the future job market is unchanged, with moderate opportunities and a continued balance between supply and demand. Since the profession is part of a larger occupational group, competition may vary locally, but the need for pedagogical skills within the church is expected to remain stable in the coming years.

Frequently asked questions about parish educators

  • What does a parish educator earn?
    - The average salary is 31 900 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience and employment type.
  • What education is required to become a parish educator?
    - A three-year university degree in theology, pedagogy, or equivalent is required, often with a church-oriented focus and practical training.
  • How do gender differences in salary look?
    - Women earn on average 102% of what men do, which amounts to 32 100 SEK compared to 31 500 SEK for men.
  • Are there good job opportunities?
    - Job opportunities are moderate with approximately 237 available positions nationwide.
  • What are the job responsibilities of a parish educator?
    - Planning and conducting teaching, leadership in groups, and developing the pedagogical activities within the congregation.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for a parish educator?
    - The highest salary is 37,600 SEK (male), 35,700 SEK (female); the lowest is 27,400 SEK (male), 28,000 SEK (female).
  • What benefits are typically included?
    - Pension schemes, wellness allowances, professional development, and flexible working hours are common benefits.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-11 00:16:21

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Parish educator is 37600 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Municipal sector with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 35700 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Parish educator is 27400 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 28000 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 100% 24600 kr 26300 kr
25-34 100% 29600 kr 31000 kr
35-44 101% 32100 kr 33100 kr
45-54 101% 32900 kr 33600 kr
55-64 100% 33500 kr 34200 kr
65-68 33900 kr 34700 kr
Snitt 102% 30700 kr 31900 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
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 Parish educator has the SSYK code 3423, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

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