Media educator

What does a media educator do? – Tasks and work environment

A media educator works to educate and guide children, youth, or adults in the use of various digital and traditional media. Common tasks include planning and implementing training on media and information literacy, mentoring in digital tools, and developing pedagogical methods to promote a critical attitude towards media. The work is often carried out in schools, libraries, adult education organizations, or within projects aimed at specific target groups. The work environment is characterized by collaboration, creativity, and a constant need to stay informed about new digital trends and platforms.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salary development for media educators has shown a slight downward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 41,000 kronor, which decreased to 38 200 kronor in 2023 and further to 37 700 kronor in 2024. This corresponds to a decrease of approximately 8% over the period. Salary trends can be influenced by factors such as increased competition for positions, changing educational requirements, or budget cuts in the public sector. At the same time, demand for digital competence remains, which could lead to stabilization or recovery of salary levels in the longer term. It is uncommon for women in the profession to earn more than men on average, which may reflect the gender distribution and the roles or employers dominating the field.

Media educator salary – a comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 37 700 kr/month
• Lowest salary: 29,700 kr/month (female, private sector employee, high school education)
• Highest salary: 41,700 kr/month (female, private sector employee, postgraduate education 3+ years)
• Hourly wage: 227 kr
• Women: 38 500 kr/month
• Men: 36 700 kr/month
• Women earn: 105% of men's salary
• Regional differences: Salaries may vary slightly depending on region and employer, but larger differences mainly occur between urban and rural areas.

Education and qualifications

A media educator typically holds a university degree in pedagogy with specialization in media, IT, or communication. Many also have supplementary studies in media science or digital pedagogy. Practical experience in teaching and working with digital tools is often advantageous, as well as the ability to adapt training to different target groups and needs.

• Formal qualification: University degree in pedagogy, media, or communication (3–4 years)
• Certifications: Courses in digital pedagogy, media, and information literacy
• Internships: Common to have internship periods during studies
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies
• Tips: Experience with IT, film, sound, or digital creation is advantageous

Common benefits and compensations

Media educators are often covered by collective agreements that provide access to occupational pension, wellness allowances, skills development initiatives, and paid vacation. Public sector employment also includes parental leave compensation and flexible working hours. Employers frequently offer further training in digital technology and new pedagogical methods.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a media educator is relatively high, especially in metropolitan areas where demand for digital skills is greatest. Employers often require broad experience and the ability to quickly adapt to technological changes. A challenge is staying updated on new platforms and working with target groups that have varying levels of digital literacy. Those who combine pedagogical skills with technical knowledge have good opportunities to find exciting and developmental roles. There is also competition from related professions, such as librarians and IT educators.

Tips for aspiring media educators

To succeed as a media educator, it is beneficial to have strong pedagogical skills and a genuine interest in digital development. Creativity and curiosity facilitate testing and implementing new methods and tools in teaching. Communication is crucial for conveying knowledge and building relationships with students or participants. Flexibility and patience are needed when working with groups with different backgrounds or when technology doesn’t work as expected. Continually updating your skills and keeping up with industry developments are also important. Good organizational skills help in planning training, projects, and collaborations. Finally, being attentive and adaptable, especially when engaging with different target groups and new digital challenges, is valuable.

Key facts about media educators

• Educational level: University degree in pedagogy/media (3–4 years)
• Work environment: School, library, adult education, or digital projects
• Common employment type: Permanent or project-based employment
• Demand: 434 available jobs in the profession according to current data
• Special skills: Digital pedagogy, media, and information literacy

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years of experience, a media educator can specialize in areas such as digital strategy, educational development, or project management. There are also opportunities to take on coordinating roles, such as training manager within adult education or developing digital learning resources at larger educational institutions. The job market shows continued demand, with over 434 available positions according to the latest matching against SSYK codes. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that ongoing digitalization will create new needs, especially within education and public sector activities. Flexibility and broad competence will be important competitive advantages in the future.

Common questions about media educators

• What does a media educator earn?
  - The average salary for a media educator is 37 700 kronor per month, with variation depending on experience and workplace.
• What education is required to become a media educator?
  - A university degree in pedagogy, media, or communication lasting 3–4 years is most common.
• Are there salary differences between genders?
  - Yes, women earn on average 105% of men's salaries in the profession.
• What does the job market look like for media educators?
  - The job market is stable with over 434 available positions according to current statistics.
• Which workplaces hire media educators?
  - Common employers include schools, libraries, adult education organizations, and digital projects within the public sector.
• What is the highest salary for a media educator?
  - The highest reported salary is 41,700 kronor per month for a woman with postgraduate education and private employment.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Some variation exists, with higher salaries in metropolitan areas compared to rural areas.