Craft educator

What does a craft educator do? – Tasks and work environment

A craft educator works with guiding and supporting individuals through creative and practical work within various craft areas. The role often involves designing and leading educational activities in, for example, wood, textiles, ceramics, or other creative materials, aimed at promoting development, rehabilitation, or social learning. Craft educators can be found in environments such as special housing, treatment centers, daily activities, or schools, where the work environment is characterized by close contact with participants and a focus on individualized support. The work requires great sensitivity, pedagogical skill, and the ability to create safe, inclusive environments where participants can grow and develop through the possibilities of crafts.

Salary development over time

The salary development for craft educators has been clearly positive over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,200 kr per month, which increased to 34 800 kr in 2023. In 2024, the average salary is 36 100 kr, representing a salary increase of approximately 8.7 % over the period. This trend reflects a general pattern within the group of treatment assistants and social educators, where demand for skills in creative and pedagogical interventions has increased. The market’s need for qualified educators with a craft focus, especially within municipal and specialized care services, has contributed to this positive salary trend. At the same time, educational requirements and the complexity of the profession have increased, further driving up salary levels. The trend shows a stable and long-term sustainable development for the profession.

Craft educator salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 36 100 kr/month
• Lowest salary: 31,800 kr (female, government sector)
• Highest salary: 41,500 kr (female, municipal sector, research degree)
• Hourly wage (average): 217 kr
• Women earn: 35 900 kr (98 % of men's salary)
• Men earn: 36 500 kr
• Regional differences: Varies, but generally higher wages in metropolitan areas and larger municipalities

Education and qualifications

To work as a craft educator, a post-secondary education focusing on both crafts and pedagogy is usually required, often complemented by experience in social work. Many employers seek a combination of pedagogical university education and documented craft skills, sometimes also specific courses in treatment work or special education. Practical experience and the ability to meet people with different needs are highly valued.

• Vocational college education: Craft educator (2–3 years)
• University degree: Pedagogy, social pedagogy or similar (3 years)
• Certifications/courses: Specialization in craft techniques or treatment methods
• Internship: Often includes internships in care, social services or schools
• Prerequisites: High school diploma, preferably with aesthetic or pedagogical focus
• Tips: Combine craft interest with pedagogical education for the broadest possible job market

Common benefits and compensations

Craft educators are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, and generous vacation policies. Many employers also provide professional development, supervision, and opportunities for further education in both crafts and pedagogy. In some cases, flexible working hours and extra compensation for unsocial hours may be available, especially within municipal operations.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a craft educator is moderate, with medium opportunities according to national assessments. Since the profession is often part of broader groups such as treatment assistants and social educators, the job market can vary depending on region and specialization. Challenges in the profession may include meeting participants with complex needs, working in environments with limited resources, or continuously developing pedagogical and craft skills. Long-term success requires engagement and the ability to adapt methods to individual development and conditions.

Tips for those who want to become a craft educator

To succeed as a craft educator, it’s good to have a lot of patience and a genuine desire to support others in their development. Being attentive facilitates meetings with participants with varying needs, while creativity helps adapt and vary activities based on the group’s conditions. It’s recommended to acquire broad knowledge of different craft techniques and deepen pedagogical understanding, as flexibility and subject breadth are often in demand. Good teamwork skills and openness to new methods are valuable qualities, especially in environments where teamwork is central. Practical experience from social work or care services provides a stronger foundation, and continuous further education in both crafts and pedagogy is wise to stay updated. Being willing to try new methods and humble about participants’ individual processes are also important success factors in the profession.

Key facts about craft educators

• Education level: Vocational college or university (2–3 years)
• Work environment: School, daily activities, care and social environment
• Common working method: Group- and individual-adapted pedagogy
• Demand: Moderate, approximately 237 available positions nationwide
• Special skills: Combination of craft and pedagogical competence

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a craft educator, there are opportunities to advance to leadership roles such as coordinator, supervisor, or special educator within care and social services. Some choose to further their education in areas like social pedagogy, special education, or leadership to broaden their work options. According to the Employment Service’s forecast for treatment assistants and social educators, both recruitment and demand are expected to be balanced nationwide, with unchanged opportunities over the next five years. The number of advertised positions indicates a stable need, but competition for specialized roles may vary between regions and employers.

Common questions about craft educators

• What is the average salary for a craft educator?
  - The average salary for a craft educator is 36 100 kr per month.
• How has the salary development been for craft educators?
  - Salaries have increased from 33,200 kr in 2022 to 36 100 kr in 2024, an increase of about 8.7 %.
• Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
  - Yes, women earn on average 98 % of what men do within the profession.
• What education is required to become a craft educator?
  - Usually, vocational college or university education in crafts and pedagogy is required.
• How is the job market for craft educators?
  - The demand is moderate, with approximately 237 available positions nationally in the group.
• What is the highest salary for a craft educator?
  - The highest salary is 41,500 kr and belongs to a woman in the municipal sector with a research degree.
• What personal qualities are important for the profession?
  - Important qualities include patience, sensitivity, creativity, and teamwork ability.