What does a teaching assistant do? – Tasks and work environment
A teaching assistant supports educators and teachers in schools and preschools by helping students with special needs and contributing to a safe and stimulating learning environment. Tasks may include accompanying students in the classroom, providing individual support, assisting during meals and breaks, and helping to create good relationships between students and staff. The work environment is often characterized by close collaboration with teachers and other school staff in a dynamic and sometimes demanding environment where flexibility and patience are important traits.
Teaching assistant salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 28 300 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 26,200 SEK (female with pre-secondary education shorter than 9 years)
- Highest salary: 33,100 SEK (male in the municipal sector with post-secondary education shorter than 3 years)
- Hourly wage: 170 SEK (based on 166 working hours/month for hourly employees)
- Gender differences: Women earn on average 28 400 SEK, men 28 200 SEK, which means that women earn 101 % of men's salary
- Regional differences: Salary differences occur but are relatively small within the profession
Teaching assistants often need to be very flexible and able to adapt to different situations, making the profession both varied and challenging.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, the average salary for teaching assistants has steadily increased from 26,600 SEK in 2022 to 27 500 SEK in 2023 and further to 28 300 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total salary increase of approximately 6.4 % during the period. This positive trend can be explained by an increased demand for competent assistants in the school sector as well as a general salary adjustment within the public sector. Despite the profession belonging to a group with low future opportunities, salary development has been stable thanks to collective agreements and investments in school support staff. It is also possible that changes in educational requirements and job tasks have contributed to the salary increase.
Education and qualifications
The educational path to becoming a teaching assistant is often flexible and can include secondary education with a focus on children and leisure, supplementary courses, or workplace-based internships. Formal requirements may vary between employers.
- Secondary education: Child and leisure program or equivalent
- Supplementary courses: Special education, first aid, or similar
- Internship: Workplace-based internships are common
- Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of Swedish and pedagogy
- Tips for choice: Practical experience working with children can be advantageous
Common benefits and compensations
Teaching assistants are often offered benefits such as collectively agreed occupational pensions, wellness grants, and opportunities for professional development. Many employers also offer flexible hours and support for further education, contributing to a good balance between work and private life.
Competition and challenges
The profession of teaching assistant is characterized by relatively high competition in the job market, where the recruitment situation is assessed nationally as a surplus. This means that there are more applicants than available positions. The tasks can be demanding both physically and emotionally, especially when it comes to meeting students with special needs. Flexibility and patience are therefore important traits for managing the work environment. Future prospects are assessed to be unchanged over the next five years, which requires teaching assistants to constantly develop their skills to remain attractive in the job market.
Tips for those who want to become a teaching assistant
To succeed as a teaching assistant, it is beneficial to develop empathy and patience, as the work often involves close contact with children in various situations. It is important to be flexible and able to adapt to changing tasks and environments. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration with teachers, students, and parents, which is central to the profession. Being proactive and engaged contributes to creating a safe and stimulating environment for the students. Finally, it is valuable to continuously seek knowledge and develop pedagogical skills through education and experience.
Key facts about teaching assistants
- Education level: Secondary education with a focus on children and leisure
- Salary range: 26,200–33,100 SEK/month
- Work environment: School and preschool environment with close collaboration
- Gender distribution: Women dominate, but salaries are equal
- Future prospects: Nationally unchanged demand and surplus of labor
Career paths and future prospects
After 3–5 years as a teaching assistant, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as special education assistant, student counselor, or supervisor within the school's support operations. Some also choose to further their education to become preschool teachers or teachers. The forecast from the Employment Agency indicates that the demand for student assistants is assessed to be low nationally and the recruitment situation is characterized by surplus, meaning that competition for jobs is relatively high. Over the next five years, the situation is expected to remain unchanged, but experience and supplementary education can increase chances in the job market. There are currently about 434 job vacancies in the profession of student assistants.
Frequently asked questions about teaching assistants
- What does a teaching assistant earn?
- The average salary is approximately 28 300 SEK per month, with a range between 26,200 SEK and 33,100 SEK depending on experience, education, and sector.
- What education is required to become a teaching assistant?
- Typically, a secondary education with a focus on children and leisure is required, along with supplementary courses or internships.
- Are there significant gender differences in salary?
- No, women earn on average 101 % of what men earn, indicating very small gender differences.
- What are the future prospects for teaching assistants?
- Nationally, the demand is assessed to be low and unchanged over the next five years, with a surplus of labor.
- What are the most common tasks for a teaching assistant?
- To support students in the school environment, assist teachers, and contribute to a safe and stimulating learning environment.
- Can one further educate from teaching assistant?
- Yes, many choose to further their education to become preschool teachers, teachers, or special education assistants.
- What benefits are usually offered?
- Common benefits include occupational pension, wellness grants, and opportunities for professional development.
