- Salary statistics
- Climbing instructor
Climbing instructor
27 300 - 39 000 kr / month
Women earn 96% of what men do.
Pedagogiskt arbete
Salary progression Climbing instructor
What does a climbing instructor do? – Tasks and work environment
A climbing instructor is responsible for training, guiding, and supervising individuals and groups engaging in climbing, both indoors and outdoors. Tasks include instructing beginners in basic techniques and safety, coaching more advanced climbers, safety checks of equipment, setting up climbing routes, and environmental risk assessments. The work environment varies greatly and may include climbing gyms, natural rock faces, and adventure parks, requiring flexibility and good physical condition.
Salary development over time
The salary for climbing instructors has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,300 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 34 100 SEK, corresponding to a percentage increase of about 2.4%. In 2024, the average salary reached 34 900 SEK, a further increase of approximately 2.3% compared to the previous year. This trend reflects a growing demand for qualified instructors as climbing's popularity increases, with employers needing to offer higher wages to attract and retain skilled staff. The salary development has been stable, but clear differences between genders and employment types still exist.
Climbing instructor salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 34 900 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 27,300 SEK/month (male, private sector, upper secondary education)
- Highest salary: 39,000 SEK/month (male, private sector, upper secondary education up to 2 years)
- Hourly wage (average): 210 SEK
- Average male salary: 35 700 SEK
- Average female salary: 34 200 SEK
- Gender pay gap: Women earn 96% of what men do
- Regional differences: Variations may occur, but larger cities often have slightly higher wages due to more climbing facilities and higher demand
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a climbing instructor varies but generally requires a combination of practical experience, formal education, and certification. Many employers seek documented climbing experience and completed instructor training from recognized organizations. To work professionally, good knowledge of safety and first aid is also necessary.
- Formal education: High school education is common, but no specific university degree is required
- Certifications: Climbing instructor training via the Swedish Climbing Association or equivalent
- Practical experience: Hands-on experience and supervised trainee periods are often required
- Prerequisites: Good climbing skills and documented safety and equipment knowledge
- Online courses: Some theoretical components can be completed remotely
- Tips for choosing: Select training focusing on safety and leadership
Climbing instructors often work with groups of all ages, which requires excellent pedagogical skills and flexibility. The profession suits those who enjoy inspiring others and handling unexpected situations both outdoors and indoors.
Common benefits and compensation
Among the most common benefits for climbing instructors are wellness allowances, subsidized or free access to climbing facilities, and opportunities for further training. Some employers also offer insurance, staff activities, and flexible working hours. Extra compensation may be provided for work during inconvenient hours or special events.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as a climbing instructor varies by region and season. In larger cities and established climbing centers, demand for instructors is higher, but so is competition for the most attractive positions. Challenges include physically demanding workdays, responsibility for safety, and the need to stay updated on new methods and equipment. Seasonal fluctuations occur, especially for outdoor instructors. For those combining instructing with other coaching roles, the job market can be more stable.
Tips for aspiring climbing instructors
To succeed as a climbing instructor, a genuine interest in climbing and people is important. Good communication skills facilitate clear instruction and safety routines for participants at various levels. Patience and pedagogical ability are vital, especially when working with beginners or young climbers. Physical endurance and good fitness are required to handle long days and demonstrate techniques repeatedly. Flexibility and the ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions, both indoors and outdoors, are also valuable. Continuously developing your skills and being open to new training opportunities increases employability and job satisfaction.
Key facts about Climbing Instructors
- Educational level: High school education and certification via the Swedish Climbing Association
- Work environment: Climbing gyms and outdoor environments, sometimes physically demanding
- Common employment types: Part-time, hourly, or project-based employment
- Demand: 434 available jobs according to latest data
- Special skills: Safety, risk assessment, and pedagogy
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a climbing instructor, opportunities exist to advance to leadership roles such as head coach, training manager, or site manager at climbing facilities. Some choose to specialize in youth climbing, organize competitions, or work in instructor training. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that demand for instructors in sports and outdoor activities is expected to remain stable or grow, especially as climbing becomes increasingly popular as a sport and wellness activity. The profession also offers opportunities to combine with other coaching roles or further education in leadership and pedagogy.
Frequently asked questions about Climbing Instructors
- What does a Climbing Instructor earn?
- The average salary is 34 900 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, gender, and employment type. - Are special certifications required to work as a climbing instructor?
- Yes, most employers require certification from organizations such as the Swedish Climbing Association. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn approximately 96% of what men do in the profession. - What is the highest and lowest salary for a climbing instructor?
- The highest salary is 39,000 SEK and the lowest is 27,300 SEK per month, depending on education, experience, and sector. - What is the job market like for climbing instructors?
- The demand is good with 434 available jobs according to recent data. - Do you need to be an elite climber to become an instructor?
- No, but good climbing experience and safety knowledge are required. - What personal qualities are important?
- Pedagogical skills, responsibility, and flexibility are key to success in the profession.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 108% | 25500 kr | 27800 kr |
| 25-34 | 90% | 32100 kr | 33000 kr |
| 35-44 | 92% | 37400 kr | 37900 kr |
| 45-54 | 103% | 38800 kr | 39200 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 38300 kr | 39100 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 33900 kr | 34900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 23800 kr | 27500 kr |
| 25-34 | 102% | 27600 kr | 30300 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 29600 kr | 31600 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 30600 kr | 32500 kr |
| 55-64 | 104% | 30400 kr | 32100 kr |
| 65-68 | 107% | 29200 kr | 31000 kr |
| Snitt | 102% | 26900 kr | 29800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 23800 kr | 27500 kr |
| 25-34 | 102% | 27600 kr | 30300 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 29600 kr | 31600 kr |
| 45-54 | 102% | 30600 kr | 32500 kr |
| 55-64 | 104% | 30400 kr | 32200 kr |
| 65-68 | 108% | 29200 kr | 31000 kr |
| Snitt | 102% | 26900 kr | 29800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 29900 kr | 29900 kr | |
| Snitt | 28900 kr | 28900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 112% | 26300 kr | 27900 kr |
| 25-34 | 89% | 32700 kr | 33400 kr |
| 35-44 | 92% | 38500 kr | 38700 kr |
| 45-54 | 104% | 39500 kr | 39900 kr |
| 55-64 | 103% | 39500 kr | 40100 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 35100 kr | 35800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 112% | 26300 kr | 27900 kr |
| 25-34 | 89% | 32700 kr | 33400 kr |
| 35-44 | 92% | 38500 kr | 38700 kr |
| 45-54 | 104% | 39500 kr | 39900 kr |
| 55-64 | 103% | 39500 kr | 40100 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 35100 kr | 35800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 108% | 24300 kr | 26500 kr |
| 25-34 | 90% | 34000 kr | 34900 kr |
| 35-44 | 92% | 39300 kr | 39700 kr |
| 45-54 | 103% | 38300 kr | 38600 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 38900 kr | 39100 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 34900 kr | 35700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 23800 kr | 27700 kr |
| 25-34 | 102% | 26900 kr | 29900 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 29100 kr | 31400 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 30200 kr | 32200 kr |
| 55-64 | 104% | 29100 kr | 31200 kr |
| 65-68 | 107% | 28200 kr | 29900 kr |
| Snitt | 102% | 26200 kr | 29400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 23800 kr | 27700 kr |
| 25-34 | 102% | 26900 kr | 29900 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 29100 kr | 31400 kr |
| 45-54 | 102% | 30200 kr | 32200 kr |
| 55-64 | 104% | 29100 kr | 31200 kr |
| 65-68 | 108% | 28200 kr | 29900 kr |
| Snitt | 102% | 26200 kr | 29400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 112% | 24700 kr | 25700 kr |
| 25-34 | 89% | 34900 kr | 35500 kr |
| 35-44 | 92% | 40600 kr | 40800 kr |
| 45-54 | 104% | 38800 kr | 39000 kr |
| 55-64 | 103% | 39600 kr | 39700 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 36300 kr | 36800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 112% | 24700 kr | 25700 kr |
| 25-34 | 89% | 34900 kr | 35500 kr |
| 35-44 | 92% | 40600 kr | 40800 kr |
| 45-54 | 104% | 38800 kr | 39000 kr |
| 55-64 | 103% | 39600 kr | 39700 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 36300 kr | 36800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 108% | 26200 kr | 28500 kr |
| 25-34 | 90% | 30300 kr | 31300 kr |
| 35-44 | 92% | 36100 kr | 36700 kr |
| 45-54 | 103% | 39100 kr | 39700 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 37700 kr | 39000 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 33000 kr | 34200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 23800 kr | 27400 kr |
| 25-34 | 102% | 28100 kr | 30600 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 29900 kr | 31700 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 30800 kr | 32600 kr |
| 55-64 | 104% | 30900 kr | 32500 kr |
| 65-68 | 107% | 30200 kr | 32100 kr |
| Snitt | 102% | 27400 kr | 30100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 23800 kr | 27400 kr |
| 25-34 | 102% | 28100 kr | 30600 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 29900 kr | 31700 kr |
| 45-54 | 102% | 30800 kr | 32700 kr |
| 55-64 | 104% | 30900 kr | 32500 kr |
| 65-68 | 108% | 30300 kr | 32300 kr |
| Snitt | 102% | 27400 kr | 30100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 29900 kr | 29900 kr | |
| Snitt | 29100 kr | 29100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 112% | 27000 kr | 28900 kr |
| 25-34 | 89% | 30600 kr | 31400 kr |
| 35-44 | 92% | 37100 kr | 37400 kr |
| 45-54 | 104% | 40200 kr | 40500 kr |
| 55-64 | 103% | 39500 kr | 40700 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 34100 kr | 35000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 112% | 27000 kr | 28900 kr |
| 25-34 | 89% | 30600 kr | 31400 kr |
| 35-44 | 92% | 37100 kr | 37400 kr |
| 45-54 | 104% | 40200 kr | 40500 kr |
| 55-64 | 103% | 39500 kr | 40700 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 34100 kr | 35000 kr |
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 Climbing instructor has the SSYK code 3422, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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