Salary progression Teacher, SFI

Average salary 36 800 kr
Males 37 000 kr
Females 36 600 kr

What does an SFI teacher do? – Tasks and work environment

An SFI (Swedish for Immigrants) teacher is responsible for instructing adult students from various backgrounds in the Swedish language and basic social studies. The work involves planning and conducting lessons, customizing teaching based on students' individual needs and language levels, and assessing and documenting their progress. SFI teachers often work in classroom settings but can also utilize digital tools and distance learning. The profession requires strong pedagogical skills and the ability to handle a multicultural environment where students' previous education and experiences vary greatly.

Salary development over time

SFI teachers have experienced clear salary growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,200 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 35 700, which is an increase of just over 3 percent. The latest update from 2024 shows an average salary of 36 800, representing a further increase of nearly 4.4 percent compared to the previous year. The steady salary increase can be attributed to ongoing demand for qualified SFI teachers, increased complexity in teaching, and higher educational requirements. Despite the positive trend, the salary levels for the profession are in line with other pedagogical specialist roles, and regional differences mainly impact the highest and lowest salaries.

SFI Teacher Salary – Complete Overview

  • Average salary: 36 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 25,500 SEK/month (female, government sector, pre-secondary education)
  • Highest salary: 54,200 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, doctoral degree)
  • Hourly wage: 215 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 36 600 SEK (99% of men's 37 000 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Variations occur, especially higher salaries in metropolitan regions

Education and qualifications

To work as an SFI teacher, an academic teacher training focused on Swedish as a second language is required, often supplemented with courses in adult education. Many employers also seek experience in adult education and good ability to meet and motivate students from different cultures. Formal requirements and credentials vary depending on the employer and region.

  • Teacher degree: Basic or subject-specific teacher training, supplemented with Swedish as a second language (3–5 years)
  • Further education: Courses in adult pedagogy or SFI specialization
  • Practice: Practical training during teacher studies
  • Qualification requirements: Often teaching license and documented subject competence
  • Experience: Previous work in adult education is advantageous

An interesting aspect of working as an SFI teacher is the opportunity to observe students' rapid language development and see their integration into society up close. Many SFI teachers describe encounters with students from various backgrounds as both inspiring and educational, often leading to personal growth even for the teacher.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

SFI teachers are often covered by collective agreements that provide access to occupational pension, sick pay, holiday pay, and professional development. Many workplaces also offer wellness allowances, flexible hours, and opportunities for skill enhancement. In some cases, mentorship and supervision are included as part of employment conditions.

Competition and challenges

The job market for SFI teachers is characterized by balance, with supply roughly matching demand for qualified teachers. Challenges include meeting students with very diverse educational backgrounds and language levels, and adapting teaching to their individual needs. Handling a high proportion of newcomers or students with limited prior schooling requires specific pedagogical methods. Additionally, competition for positions is higher in metropolitan areas where salaries are higher, while in other regions, employment may be easier to obtain but with somewhat lower pay.

Tips for aspiring SFI teachers

To succeed as an SFI teacher, strong communication skills and a genuine interest in language and people are important. Flexibility and the ability to adapt teaching to different student conditions are key, as well as a structured approach to planning and documentation. Creating a safe and motivating classroom environment, patience, and sensitivity to cultural differences are crucial. Continually developing pedagogical and Swedish as a second language skills enhances career prospects. Building a network of colleagues and mentors can also provide valuable support and inspiration in the profession.

Key facts about SFI Teachers

  • Educational level: Teacher degree with specialization in Swedish as a second language
  • Work environment: Classrooms, digital platforms, and adult education settings
  • Demand: 434 available jobs within the profession (2024)
  • Work form: Usually full-time, but part-time and hourly positions also occur
  • Special skills: Intercultural competence and adult pedagogy

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an SFI teacher, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as senior teacher, team leader, or education coordinator within adult education. Some choose to specialize in method development or mentoring new colleagues. According to the Swedish Employment Service's forecast, the job market for educators in this field is expected to remain balanced with unchanged outlooks over the next five years. Opportunities are moderate nationally, with steady demand for competent SFI teachers, especially within municipal adult education.

Frequently asked questions about SFI teachers

  • What is the salary of an SFI teacher?
    - The average salary for an SFI teacher is 36 800 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become an SFI teacher?
    - A teacher training with specialization in Swedish as a second language and often a teaching license are required.
  • Are there large salary differences between men and women?
    - Women earn 99% of what men do in the profession.
  • How does the job market look for SFI teachers?
    - The job market is balanced with approximately 434 available jobs.
  • What influences the salary of an SFI teacher?
    - Level of education, experience, employer, and region significantly affect the salary.
  • Can I work part-time as an SFI teacher?
    - Yes, both part-time and hourly employment are common.
  • What are the main challenges in the profession?
    - Meeting students with diverse backgrounds and tailoring instruction to their needs are key challenges.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Teacher, SFI is 54700 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Municipal sector with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 50700 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Teacher, SFI is 26400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 30100 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 101% 26200 kr 26500 kr
25-34 98% 33500 kr 33800 kr
35-44 98% 36700 kr 36900 kr
45-54 100% 39000 kr 39200 kr
55-64 101% 39800 kr 40000 kr
65-68 101% 39500 kr 39700 kr
Snitt 99% 36500 kr 36800 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, SFI has the SSYK code 2359, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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