Teacher, nursing, social care

What does a teacher in nursing and social care do? – Tasks and working environment

A teacher in nursing and social care is responsible for educating students in vocational subjects related to healthcare, care, and social issues. The work involves planning and conducting lessons, often with practical elements, at high schools, adult education centers, or vocational colleges. These teachers help students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for work in healthcare and social services. The working environment is often school-based with supervision during internships, and work is carried out both individually and in close collaboration with colleagues and the industry. Contact with students requires pedagogical ability and a strong commitment to meet individual needs.

Salary development over time

The salary for a teacher in nursing and social care has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 39,100 SEK, which increased to 40 200 SEK in 2023. The latest measurement for 2024 shows an average salary of 41 600 SEK. The total salary increase corresponds to approximately 6.4% over the period. This development can be linked to increased demand for qualified teachers in healthcare and social care, as well as general salary improvements within the education sector. The labor market has been characterized by difficulties in recruiting qualified teachers, which may have contributed to upward pressure on salaries to attract and retain competent staff.

Complete overview of salaries for teachers in nursing and social care

• Average salary: 41 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 34,400 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 47,600 SEK/month (male, private sector, research degree)
• Hourly wage: 250 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 41 300 SEK/month, men 41 800 SEK/month (women 99% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on region and employer

Education and qualifications

To work as a teacher in nursing and social care, a combination of pedagogical education and professional experience in healthcare or social care is required. The most common path is to have a teacher education focusing on vocational subjects, supplemented with relevant work experience. The educational pathway often includes both theoretical studies and practical experience, and there are requirements for formal certification to teach at the high school level.

• Teacher education: Vocational teacher degree, usually 3–4 years
• Work experience: Several years of work in healthcare, social care, or social work
• Supplementary education: KPU (additional pedagogical training) if needed
• Internships: Practical components during education for pedagogical experience
• Prerequisites: High school education and work experience in the field

Common benefits and compensations

Teachers in nursing and social care are often covered by collective agreements that include occupational pension, holiday pay, and parental pay. Other common benefits are wellness allowances, professional development, and flexible working hours. In some cases, extra compensation is offered for supervising students during internships, as well as additional pay for unsocial hours.

Competition and challenges

The profession is characterized by a paradoxical recruitment situation where there is high demand for qualified teachers, yet many leave the profession or work part-time. This creates competition for the most attractive positions, especially in larger cities and among private providers. Challenges such as high workload, administrative tasks, and the need for ongoing professional development require flexibility and engagement. Despite these challenges, the labor market remains strong, with national forecasts indicating continued large opportunities for employment and unchanged demand over five years.

Tips for those who want to become teachers in nursing and social care

To succeed as a teacher in nursing and social care, it is good to combine subject knowledge with pedagogical skills and a genuine interest in people. Developing good communication skills facilitates collaboration with students and colleagues, while patience and responsiveness help meet each student's unique needs. It is wise to accumulate broad professional experience in healthcare and social care before starting teacher studies, as this provides credibility in the classroom. Flexibility is crucial, as tasks can vary between theory and practice. Continuously updating oneself on new methods and laws within both pedagogy and healthcare makes it easier to keep teaching current and inspiring.

Key facts about teachers in nursing and social care

• Education level: Vocational teacher degree and work experience in healthcare or social care
• Work environment: School-based with elements of internships and supervision
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment nationwide
• Common work form: Full-time, daytime with some internship elements
• Special skills: Combination of pedagogy and vocational competence in healthcare/social care

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a teacher in nursing and social care, there are opportunities to take on expanded responsibilities such as program coordinator, supervisor, or mentor for new colleagues. Some choose to further qualify as special educators or develop skills in school leadership. National forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service show that the labor market for vocational teachers, including this role, is very good with many opportunities for work. Demand is expected to remain unchanged over five years, with a continuous high number of available positions – recently, 434 job openings were advertised within the profession. This stability is due to a long-term need for competent educators in healthcare and social care, as well as ongoing retirements and societal developments.

Frequently asked questions about teachers in nursing and social care

• What is the salary of a teacher in nursing and social care?
  - The average salary is 41 600 SEK per month, with variations between 34,400 and 47,600 SEK depending on sector, education, and experience.
• What are the gender differences in salary?
  - Men earn an average of 41 800 SEK, while women earn 41 300 SEK, meaning women earn 99% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a teacher in nursing and social care?
  - Vocational teacher degree and several years of work experience in healthcare or social care are required, sometimes supplemented with KPU.
• What is the job market like for teachers in the field?
  - The job market is very good with great opportunities according to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts.
• What are the duties of a teacher in nursing and social care?
  - Teaching, supervision, curriculum planning, and collaboration with the industry are central tasks.
• How high is the demand for these teachers?
  - Demand is high and expected to remain unchanged over the next five years with many available positions.
• Are there regional differences in salary?
  - Salary levels may vary depending on region and employer, but generally salary levels are stable nationwide.