Salary progression Teacher, special school

Average salary 47 600 kr
Males 46 800 kr
Females 47 700 kr

What does a teacher in special education do? – Tasks and work environment

A teacher in special education works to instruct and support students with intellectual disabilities or other extensive learning difficulties. Responsibilities include planning, implementing, and following up on tailored teaching based on each student's individual needs and conditions. The teacher often collaborates with special educators, teaching assistants, and other professionals to create a safe and developmental learning environment. Documentation, assessment, and close contact with guardians are natural parts of the job. The work environment is characterized by small student groups and a close, relationship-based approach where flexibility and patience are crucial.

Salary development over time

Teachers in special education have experienced steady salary growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,000 SEK, followed by an increase to 45 900 SEK in 2023 and further up to 47 600 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 6.7% over the period. The salary increase reflects a higher demand for special pedagogical skills and an elevated educational level within the profession. Employer efforts to attract and retain qualified teachers in special education have also contributed to this positive trend. Notably, the salary level for women now exceeds that of men, which is uncommon in teaching professions.

Teacher, special education salary – full overview

  • Average salary: 47 600 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 34,600 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 50,700 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 276 SEK
  • Women earn: 47 700 SEK (102% of men's salary)
  • Men earn: 46 800 SEK
  • Regional differences: Data varies, but generally slightly higher salaries in metropolitan regions

Education and qualifications

To work as a teacher in special education, a teaching degree with specialization in special education or special pedagogy is required. The education includes pedagogy, subject knowledge, and practical training. Often, additional courses or further training in special pedagogy are necessary. Practical experience working with students with special needs is highly meritorious and sometimes a formal requirement.

  • Teaching degree: Basic teacher degree or subject teacher degree with specialization in special education (4-5 years)
  • Further training: Special education or special pedagogy programs (1.5 years)
  • Practical training: Included in the education, often placements in special education
  • Prerequisites: Basic eligibility and specific qualifications for teacher education
  • Tip: Early internships or summer jobs in special education provide valuable experience and insight

Many teachers in special education report that no two days are alike. The profession requires creativity and the ability to quickly adapt teaching to students' daily condition and needs. Often, the smallest progress brings the greatest job satisfaction.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Teachers in special education are often offered benefits such as extra vacation days, wellness allowances, and opportunities for professional development. Many employers also provide compensation for unsociable hours, pension contributions, and special allowances for supervision or development responsibilities. Work environment initiatives and support from student health teams are also common.

Competition and challenges

The job market for teachers in special education is characterized by moderate competition and a balance between supply and demand. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, the recruitment situation is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Challenges in the profession often involve meeting students with complex needs, managing high workload, and ensuring appropriate support resources. Working in special education requires ongoing professional development and the ability to collaborate across professions. Despite these challenges, many find the profession highly meaningful.

Tips for those who want to become a teacher in special education

To succeed as a teacher in special education, it is good to have a genuine interest in children's development and a lot of patience. Being attentive and communicative facilitates collaboration with both students and colleagues, while creativity helps to find new ways when teaching needs adaptation. Flexibility is an important trait, especially when students' needs change from day to day. Building good relationships with guardians and continuously furthering your education in special pedagogy is also valuable. Gaining practical experience through internships or part-time work in special education, as well as networking with experienced colleagues, can open future career opportunities.

Key facts about teachers in special education

  • Educational level: Teaching degree with specialization in special education
  • Work environment: Small student groups, close collaboration in cross-professional teams
  • Demand: Moderate, 434 job openings in the profession
  • Highest salary: 50,700 SEK/month (public sector, research education)
  • Common employer: Municipal or state schools

Career paths and future prospects

After gaining some experience, teachers in special education can choose to further specialize as a special pedagogue or special teacher with advanced skills in areas such as autism or intellectual disabilities. It is also common to take on leadership roles, such as senior teacher, supervisor, or development manager within special education. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's latest forecast, job opportunities are moderate, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. The profession reports 434 vacant positions, indicating good opportunities for recent graduates or those seeking new challenges.

Frequently asked questions about teachers in special education

  • What is the salary of a teacher in special education?
    - The average salary is 47 600 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and education.
  • What education is required to become a teacher in special education?
    - A teaching degree with specialization in special education or special pedagogy, and possibly further training.
  • Are there regional salary differences?
    - Yes, salaries tend to be somewhat higher in metropolitan regions.
  • What is the job market like for teachers in special education?
    - Moderate opportunities, with approximately 434 job openings in the profession.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Patience, responsiveness, creativity, and teamwork skills are especially important.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for the profession?
    - The highest salary is 50,700 SEK and the lowest is 34,600 SEK per month.
  • What benefits do teachers in special education receive?
    - Common benefits include extra vacation days, wellness allowances, and professional development opportunities.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Teacher, special school is 52500 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Public sector with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 51100 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Teacher, special school is 36000 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 36300 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 42100 kr 42100 kr
35-44 99% 45700 kr 45800 kr
45-54 103% 48000 kr 48000 kr
55-64 100% 48500 kr 48600 kr
65-68 49000 kr 49000 kr
Snitt 102% 47600 kr 47600 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, special school has the SSYK code 2351, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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