Image that illustrates Teacher, primary school

Teacher, primary school

40 200 kr

Primary school teachers

26 500 - 42 900 kr / month

Women earn 102% of what men do.

Pedagogiskt arbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Teacher, primary school

Average salary 40 200 kr
Males 39 700 kr
Females 40 400 kr

What does a teacher in primary school do? – Job tasks and work environment

A teacher in primary school is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating instruction for students in grades F–9. Tasks include subject teaching, mentoring, assessing student performance, and collaborating with colleagues, students, and guardians. The role also involves creating a safe and inclusive learning environment, managing conflicts, and supporting students' social development. The work environment is characterized by a fast pace, constant interaction, and a mix of classroom teaching, digital tools, and administrative tasks.

Salary development over time

Salaries for primary school teachers have steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,700 SEK per month, rising to 39 000 in 2023. In 2024, the average salary reached 40 200, which is approximately a 6.6% increase over the period. This positive trend is linked to increased demand for qualified teachers, union negotiations, and efforts to enhance the attractiveness of the teaching profession. However, signs indicate that salary growth may slow down in the future as demand is expected to decrease in the long term and the job market moves toward balance.

Primary school teacher salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 40 200 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 26,500 SEK (female, private sector, upper secondary education 3 years)
  • Highest salary: 42,900 SEK (male, public sector, research education)
  • Hourly wage (average): 242 SEK
  • Women: 40 400 SEK/month
  • Men: 39 700 SEK/month
  • Women earn: 102 % of what men do

Education and qualifications

To work as a primary school teacher, a college/university-level teacher education and a teaching license are required. The educational path varies depending on subject focus and grade level but always includes theoretical studies and practical placements. Additional training and continuing education are common to maintain eligibility and develop skills.

  • Primary teacher degree: 3.5–4.5 years at college/university (depending on specialization)
  • Teaching license: Required for permanent employment
  • Practical training (VFU): Internship at a school as part of the program
  • Further education: Possible via courses and professional development in pedagogy and subject knowledge
  • Eligibility requirements: Full upper secondary school diploma required to apply for teacher education

Many primary school teachers report that no two days are the same – it is a profession where spontaneity and flexibility are often as important as structure and planning. The ability to quickly adapt to students' needs and daily challenges is crucial for success and job satisfaction.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Primary school teachers are often offered benefits such as extra vacation days, wellness allowances, occupational pension, and opportunities for professional development. In some cases, compensation for unsocial hours, lunch subsidies, and access to educational tools or work computers are included. The extent of benefits varies depending on the employer and collective agreements.

Competition and challenges

The job market for primary school teachers is currently balanced, with 434 job openings in the profession. Nationally, opportunities for employment are moderate, but forecasts indicate demand will decline over the next five years. Competition for positions is expected to increase, especially for teachers with broad qualifications or specialization. The profession also demands high engagement, stress management, and ongoing pedagogical development. Challenges include administrative burdens and the need to meet students' individual needs in an increasingly complex school environment.

Tips for those aspiring to become primary school teachers

To succeed as a primary school teacher, combining engagement and pedagogical skills with good organizational structure is beneficial. Being attentive and flexible helps when students’ needs change quickly, while patience and perseverance are valuable in challenging situations. It is advantageous to build networks early, take advantage of practical placements during training, and continuously update subject knowledge. The ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with colleagues and guardians is essential for long-term job satisfaction. Finally, being open to further training and new pedagogical methods is wise, as the school world is constantly evolving.

Key facts about Teachers, primary school

  • Education level: Primary teacher degree (3.5–4.5 years) and teaching license
  • Work environment: School-based, varied pace, and high social interaction
  • Demand: Moderate, with a forecast of decline over five years
  • Job openings: 434 currently available
  • Typical work pattern: Full-time, daytime with holidays

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, primary school teachers can take on greater responsibility or specialize. Career paths include roles such as senior teacher, special educator, team leader, or subject coordinator. Some choose to pursue further education to become principals or develop expertise in school development and digital pedagogy. According to the Employment Service's forecast, the labor market is balanced, but demand for primary school teachers is expected to decline over five years. Nonetheless, there remains a need for qualified and dedicated teachers, especially in certain subjects and regions.

Frequently asked questions about Teachers, primary school

  • What is the salary of a Teacher, primary school?
    - The average salary is 40 200 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and education.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 40 400 SEK and men 39 700 SEK, which means women earn 102% of men's salaries.
  • How to become a Teacher, primary school?
    - By completing a primary teacher degree at college/university and obtaining a teaching license.
  • What are common employment benefits?
    - Extra vacation days, wellness allowances, occupational pension, and professional development.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - The labor market is balanced but demand is expected to decrease within five years according to the Employment Service.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for a Teacher, primary school?
    - The highest salary is 42,900 SEK (male, public sector, research education), the lowest is 26,500 SEK (female, private sector, upper secondary education).
  • How many job openings are available?
    - Currently, there are 434 available jobs in the profession.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Teacher, primary school is 42900 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Government sector with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 42100 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Teacher, primary school is 26500 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Private sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 27800 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 105% 26300 kr 26300 kr
25-34 101% 37300 kr 37300 kr
35-44 100% 40200 kr 40300 kr
45-54 100% 42500 kr 42500 kr
55-64 102% 42600 kr 42600 kr
65-68 101% 41600 kr 41600 kr
Snitt 102% 40200 kr 40200 kr
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 Teacher, primary school has the SSYK code 2341, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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