Playground manager

What does a playground supervisor do? – Tasks and work environment

A playground supervisor is responsible for creating a safe, stimulating, and inclusive environment for children at playgrounds and similar outdoor settings. Tasks include daily inspection and maintenance of the playground, planning activities, and ensuring safety regulations are followed. The supervisor often acts as a link between children, parents, and other adults, playing an important role in preventing accidents and managing potential conflicts. The work environment is mainly outdoors, requiring flexibility in different weather conditions and the ability to adapt quickly to changing situations.

Salary development over time

The salary for playground supervisors has shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 25,800 SEK, which increased to 26 600 SEK in 2023 and reached 27 500 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 6.6% over three years. The development is driven partly by an increased focus on children's safety and well-being in outdoor environments, leading to higher requirements for education and skills among staff. Although the profession belongs to a larger occupational group with an unchanged demand forecast, salaries within the segment continue to rise as employers seek to retain experienced employees and meet higher competence standards. Women have also experienced a stronger salary growth than men in the profession.

Playground supervisor salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 27 500 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 23,900 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, 3-year secondary education)
• Highest salary: 28,900 SEK/month (female, government sector, up to 2-year secondary education)
• Hourly wage (average): 165 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 27 600 SEK/month (105% of men's salary), men 26 300 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Data on specific regional differences is lacking, but variations may occur depending on employer and municipality.

Education and qualifications

To work as a playground supervisor, a secondary education is usually required, preferably with a focus on children and recreation. Many employers view additional courses in child safety or pedagogy positively, and previous experience working with children is often advantageous. Internships or trainee positions in childcare can provide valuable skills and increase employment opportunities.

• Secondary education (Child and Recreation program): 3 years
• Additional courses: Child safety, first aid, pedagogy
• Internship/trainee: Practical experience in childcare or recreational activities is beneficial
• Prerequisites: Good knowledge of Swedish and experience working with children
• Tips for choosing: Select education focusing on child and youth development and safety

Common benefits and compensations

Playground supervisors are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, opportunities for professional development, and extra vacation days. Many employers also provide work clothes, tools, and sometimes subsidized lunch. Other common compensations include overtime pay for evening or weekend work and insurance through the employer.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a playground supervisor is relatively high, as the profession belongs to a larger occupational group with an overall excess of labor nationwide. According to the Employment Service's forecast for childcare assistants, opportunities for employment are limited and expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Challenges in the role include meeting high safety standards, managing diverse needs among children, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions. To stand out among applicants, experience and specialized skills in child safety or pedagogy are often required.

Tips for those who want to become a playground supervisor

To succeed as a playground supervisor, it is helpful to be proactive and capable of creating engaging activities for children of different ages. Good communication skills facilitate cooperation with children, parents, and colleagues, while patience and resilience are essential for handling unforeseen situations on the playground. Actively seeking internships and taking advantage of further training in child safety and first aid can increase your chances of employment, as these skills are highly valued. Demonstrating responsibility and the ability to work independently also improves prospects. Flexibility and the ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions are important qualities for thriving and developing in the role.

Key facts about playground supervisors

• Education level: Secondary education, preferably the Child and Recreation program
• Work environment: Outdoor environment with varying weather and daily physical tasks
• Employment type: Usually employed by municipal or private childcare providers
• Demand: Limited job opportunities, unchanged forecast according to the Employment Service
• Number of vacancies (occupational group): 237

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years of experience, a playground supervisor can advance to roles such as coordinator for larger outdoor projects or take responsibility for staff and scheduling within municipal recreation. Further education in pedagogy or leadership can open doors to positions as a supervisor or development manager in childcare. The Employment Service assesses that the job market remains stable but with limited opportunities, making competition for positions high. Within the occupational group, there is some mobility and potential for specialization, for example in child safety or activity development.

Common questions about playground supervisors

• What does a playground supervisor earn?
  - The average salary is 27 500 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, employer, and gender.
• What education is required to become a playground supervisor?
  - Secondary education, preferably the Child and Recreation program, as well as courses in child safety and practical experience with children.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 105% of what men do within the profession.
• What is the job market outlook for playground supervisors?
  - Opportunities for employment are limited and the outlook remains unchanged, with a slight surplus of labor.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Initiative, patience, sense of responsibility, and good communication are especially valuable.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for the profession?
  - The highest salary is 28,900 SEK and the lowest 23,900 SEK, depending on gender, sector, and educational background.
• How many job openings are there in the occupational group?
  - There are 237 vacancies within the childcare group, including playground supervisors.