What does a preschool psychologist do? – Tasks and work environment
A preschool psychologist works to promote children's mental health and development in preschool settings. Tasks include assessments of children's needs, consultation and guidance for staff and guardians, preventive efforts, and early support measures. The role also involves collaboration with other professionals in student health, such as special educators and counselors, and often includes work both on an individual and group level. The work environment is varied and can include both individual consultations and work at different preschools, where flexibility and the ability to work independently are important qualities.
Salary development over time
The salary for preschool psychologists has been steadily positive over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,900 SEK per month, increasing to 45 900 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has continued rising to 47 300 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 7.7% during this period. This development reflects increased demand for psychological expertise in preschool activities, while the educational requirements and responsibilities associated with the role contribute to a stable and competitive salary structure. Salary increases have been evenly distributed between genders and can also be linked to the growing focus on children's mental health in society.
Preschool psychologist salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 47 300 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 33,300 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, secondary education)
- Highest salary: 55,400 SEK/month (male, government sector, postgraduate education)
- Hourly wage: 284 SEK
- Women/men: Women and men earn the same (47 300 SEK)
- Regional differences: No available statistics
Education and qualifications
To work as a preschool psychologist, a licensed psychology degree is required, obtained after completing a five-year university education and one year of practical training (PTP). The profession demands high levels of both theoretical knowledge and practical skills related to child development, psychology, and interdisciplinary teamwork. Specialization in child and adolescent psychology is common and advantageous.
- Psychology degree: University education, 5 years
- Practical training (PTP): 1 year
- License: National Board of Health and Welfare
- Specialization: Courses in child and adolescent psychology recommended
- Prerequisites: Eligibility for university studies (science or social science secondary school program)
Many preschool psychologists work in interdisciplinary teams, which involves close collaboration with educators, special educators, and sometimes social services. This cooperation provides variety in the workday, while also demanding strong communication skills and flexibility.
Common benefits and compensations
Preschool psychologists are usually offered collective pension schemes, generous vacation benefits, and opportunities for further training within employment. Other common benefits include wellness allowances, flexitime, and some options for remote work, depending on the employer and organizational needs.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as a preschool psychologist is relatively low, due to ongoing shortages of licensed psychologists specializing in children and youth. Challenges in the profession often involve managing the large need for psychological expertise in preschools, while workloads can be high and expectations from employers and guardians are significant. Strong prioritization skills and the ability to handle complex cases are essential, especially in environments with limited resources and time. The lack of clear cooperation structures between different authorities can also affect daily work.
Tips for aspiring preschool psychologists
To succeed as a preschool psychologist, it is beneficial to have strong empathy, as the work involves close contact with children and adults in sensitive situations. Good communication skills are crucial for conveying psychological knowledge to educators and guardians in an understandable way. Patience and perseverance are needed, especially when working on change initiatives and preventive efforts that take time to show results. It is also wise to seek internships or summer jobs in child and adolescent psychiatry or student health during studies to gain experience. Flexibility and teamwork skills are important, as work often occurs in multidisciplinary teams. Staying updated on current research and participating in continuing education also provides a solid foundation for meeting the profession's demands and developments.
Key facts about preschool psychologists
- Education level: Psychology degree and license
- Average salary: 47 300 SEK/month
- Work environment: Preschools, student health, and consulting teams
- Demand: 375 job openings in the profession
- Gender salary differences: None
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a preschool psychologist, opportunities open up to take on more specialized or leadership roles, such as coordinator for student health, supervisor for other psychologists, or further training to become a specialist psychologist in children and youth. Many also choose to work in research or develop new methods within preschool activities. The Employment Service does not provide a separate forecast for preschool psychologists, but within the psychology field, there is continued high demand and low competition for positions. There are good prospects for employment, especially in larger municipalities and regions prioritizing children's mental health.
Frequently asked questions about preschool psychologists
- What does a preschool psychologist earn?
- The average salary for a preschool psychologist is 47 300 SEK per month.
- Are there salary differences between women and men?
- No, women and men earn the same within this profession.
- What education is required to become a preschool psychologist?
- Psychology degree (5 years) plus one year of practical training (PTP) and a license from the National Board of Health and Welfare.
- What is the job market like for preschool psychologists?
- There is high demand and low competition, with approximately 375 job openings in the field.
- What are the duties of a preschool psychologist?
- Assessments of children's needs, consultation to staff, preventive work, and collaboration within student health teams.
- What is the highest and lowest salary for a preschool psychologist?
- The highest salary is 55,400 SEK, and the lowest is 33,300 SEK per month.
