Mother tongue teacher, primary school

What does a native language teacher in primary school do? – Tasks and work environment

A native language teacher in primary school mainly teaches students in their native language in addition to Swedish. The work involves planning, implementing, and following up on lessons according to the school curriculum, as well as supporting students' development of both language and identity. Native language teachers work closely with class teachers and other school staff to promote students' learning and integration. The work environment is often mobile, with teaching at several schools or different levels, requiring great flexibility and the ability to adapt teaching to students' diverse backgrounds and needs.

Salary development over time

Salaries for native language teachers in primary school have shown steady and positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,700 SEK, which increased to 39 000 SEK in 2023, reaching 40 200 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 6.6% over the period, slightly higher than the average salary increase for teachers during the same period. This development can be explained by increased awareness of the importance of native language education and ongoing needs for linguistic and cultural knowledge in schools. Although demand is expected to decline in the long term, the market continues to value experienced and well-educated native language teachers, especially in regions with high linguistic diversity.

Native language teachers in primary school salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 40 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 26,500 SEK/month (female, private sector, upper secondary education 3 years)
• Highest salary: 42,900 SEK/month (male, public sector, doctoral degree)
• Hourly wage: 242 SEK
• Women's average salary: 40 400 SEK/month
• Men's average salary: 39 700 SEK/month
• Women earn: 102% of what men do
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on region and employer, but the average is close to the national average.

Education and qualifications

To work as a native language teacher in primary school, a teacher education with specialization in the native language or other relevant pedagogical degree is usually required. Additionally, very good knowledge of the relevant language and understanding of both Swedish and the student's original culture are demanded. Many employers prefer native language teachers to have experience in pedagogical work and further training in language didactics.

• Teacher education: Bachelor's or subject teacher degree with native language (3–5 years)
• Pedagogical training: Additional courses in language didactics and intercultural pedagogy
• Language skills: Documented proficiency in the relevant native language
• Practical experience: Experience from teaching or working with children/youth is advantageous
• Additional training: Opportunities for further education and professional development courses

Common benefits and compensations

Native language teachers in primary school are often covered by collective agreements that include benefits such as occupational pension, holiday pay, wellness contributions, and sometimes extra compensation for travel between schools. Other common benefits can include professional development, subsidized lunch, and opportunities for further education.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as native language teachers in primary school is assessed to be moderate, according to the Swedish Employment Service's forecast. The number of job openings remains relatively stable, but demand is expected to decline slightly over five years. Challenges in the profession include meeting students with highly varied language levels and working in different school environments with changing conditions. Administrative demands and the need to quickly build relationships with students and colleagues require high flexibility and social skills. Despite this, the profession remains attractive for those who want to make a difference in multilingual students’ development and integration.

Tips for aspiring native language teachers in primary school

To succeed as a native language teacher in primary school, it is beneficial to combine pedagogical skill with cultural understanding and patience. Being attentive and communicative helps in engaging students from diverse backgrounds, while the ability to structure and plan lessons creates security in a often varied work environment. Curiosity and a willingness to continue learning improve the chances of developing teaching and meeting new requirements. A strong commitment to language development and integration is an asset, as is the flexibility to handle unexpected situations and quickly adapt to different schools and teams. Relationship-building and teamwork skills are crucial for thriving and succeeding in the role.

Key facts about native language teachers in primary school

• Education level: Teacher education with specialization in native language (3–5 years)
• Work environment: Often mobile between several schools
• Common employment type: Permanent employment, but also hourly positions
• Demand: Moderate today, expected to decline in 5 years
• Number of job openings: 434 within the primary school profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a native language teacher in primary school, there are opportunities to develop into leadership or coordinating roles, such as being responsible for native language education within a municipality or as a development leader in language and integration. Further education can open doors to work as a special educator, study guide, or subject teacher at higher levels. According to the Swedish Employment Service's forecast, the labor market for primary school teachers is balanced, but demand for native language teachers is expected to decrease slightly over five years. Nonetheless, there remains a continued need for skilled teachers in language and culture, especially in regions with high immigration and linguistic diversity.

Frequently asked questions about native language teachers in primary school

• What is the salary of a native language teacher in primary school?
  - The average salary is 40 200 SEK per month, with variation depending on education, experience, and sector.
• How do salary differences between men and women look?
  - Women earn an average of 40 400 SEK while men earn 39 700 SEK, which means women earn 102% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a native language teacher?
  - A teacher education with specialization in native language or other pedagogical degree, along with very good knowledge of the relevant language.
• What is the job market like for native language teachers?
  - There are 434 job openings within the profession, and demand is currently moderate but expected to decrease slightly over five years.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for native language teachers in primary school?
  - The highest salary is 42,900 SEK (male, public sector, doctoral degree), the lowest is 26,500 SEK (female, private sector, upper secondary education).
• Are there regional differences?
  - Salary levels may vary slightly between regions, but the average is close to the national average.