What does a Lekotekarie do? – tasks and work environment
A Lekotekarie works to support children's development through play and educational materials, often focusing on children with disabilities or special needs. Tasks include planning and conducting activities, advising parents and educators, and managing the lending of play and learning materials. The Lekotekarie collaborates closely with other professionals in preschool, habilitation, and special education. The work environment is characterized by creativity, variety, and close contact with both children and adults. The position is usually found within municipalities or county councils, but also with private operators and non-profit organizations.
Salary development over time
The salary of a Lekotekarie has shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,600 SEK per month, which increased to 34 600 SEK in 2023. The latest figure for 2024 shows a further increase to 36 300 SEK, corresponding to a total increase of approximately 8% over three years. The development can largely be explained by increased awareness of the profession's importance and a higher demand for specialized pedagogical competence within preschool and habilitation. Salary increases also follow the general trend for pedagogical professions, where skill requirements have strengthened, positively impacting salary levels.
Comprehensive overview of Lekotekarie salary
- Average salary: 36 300 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 23,700 SEK/month (woman, private sector, pre-secondary education)
- Highest salary: 40,100 SEK/month (woman, government sector, doctoral degree)
- Hourly wage (average): 218 SEK
- Women: 36 300 SEK/month (102% of men's salary)
- Men: 35 700 SEK/month
- Regional differences: Varies depending on employer and region
Education and qualifications
To work as a Lekotekarie, a post-secondary education in pedagogy, preschool teacher training, or similar is normally required, often supplemented with courses in special education or experience working with children with disabilities. Many employers also view further education in play therapy, habilitation, or assistance positively. Internships or relevant work experience are usually meritorious, especially from preschool, habilitation, or childcare.
- Formal education: Preschool teacher training or pedagogical university education (3–4.5 years)
- Special education supplement: Courses or further education in play therapy, habilitation, disability
- Internship: Work experience from preschool, habilitation, or childcare
- Certification: Meritorious but rarely a formal requirement
- Prerequisites: High school diploma with pedagogical focus recommended
The role of a Lekotekarie requires great creativity and the ability to adapt materials and activities to each child's unique needs. The profession often offers opportunities to work interdisciplinary alongside special educators, speech therapists, and occupational therapists, broadening skills and development opportunities. Seeing children's development through play daily is a strong motivating factor for many in the profession.
Common benefits and compensations
Lekotekarier often receive benefits such as wellness allowances, subsidized lunches, professional development, and flexible working hours. Occupational pensions, insurances, and vacation days according to collective agreements are standard, and some employers also offer supervision or further training during work hours.
Competition and challenges
The profession of Lekotekarie involves some competition, especially in larger cities where the number of qualified candidates exceeds the number of positions. At the same time, the increasing demand for special pedagogical interventions means the job market is generally stable, although access to permanent positions can vary. A challenge is that the role is sometimes ambiguously defined, which can affect salary development and career opportunities. Digitalization and new working methods also require continuous skill development. The ability to work with children with diverse needs and collaborate with other professionals is crucial for long-term success in the profession.
Tips for those who want to become a Lekotekarie
To succeed as a Lekotekarie, it is good to have a genuine interest in children's development and a strong empathetic ability. Flexibility facilitates meeting the needs of different children and adapting activities accordingly. Collaboration skills are essential, as the work often takes place in teams with other professionals. It is also wise to seek internships or summer jobs in preschool or habilitation early on to build experience. Continuously furthering education in special education and play therapy provides advantages, as does demonstrating pedagogical leadership and initiative in daily work. Finally, an analytical approach to evaluating and adapting materials and methods to each individual situation is beneficial.
Key facts about Lekotekarie
- Education level: Post-secondary pedagogical education (3–4.5 years)
- Work environment: Play centers, habilitation, preschool, and special services
- Profession group: Preschool teacher
- Demand: High, with 434 available jobs in the profession
- Employment type: Municipal or government employment
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, many Lekotekarier have opportunities to develop into special educators, supervisors, or take on more qualified roles within habilitation and pedagogical development. The forecast from the Employment Service indicates that job opportunities within the preschool teacher profession, including Lekotekarie, are expected to be large and stable over the next five years. Despite some recruitment challenges for employers, demand is expected to remain unchanged at the national level. Those who engage in further training or specialize in disabilities often find it easier to advance or find new career paths within the field.
Common questions about Lekotekarie
- What is the average salary of a Lekotekarie?
- A Lekotekarie has an average salary of 36 300 SEK per month.
- Are there salary differences between women and men?
- Yes, women earn an average of 36 300 SEK while men earn 35 700 SEK, which means women earn 102% of men's salaries.
- How has the salary development looked for Lekotekarie?
- Salaries have increased from 33,600 SEK (2022) to 34 600 SEK (2023) and 36 300 SEK (2024), an increase of about 8% over three years.
- What are the requirements to become a Lekotekarie?
- Post-secondary education in pedagogy or preschool teacher training, preferably supplemented with further education in special education or play therapy.
- What does the job market look like?
- Opportunities for employment are considered high within the profession, with 434 available jobs nationally.
- What is the highest and lowest salary for a Lekotekarie?
- The highest salary is 40,100 SEK per month and the lowest is 23,700 SEK per month, depending on education, experience, and sector.
- What personal qualities are important?
- Empathy, pedagogical ability, creativity, and teamwork skills are central qualities in the profession.
