Voice educator

What does a voice coach do? – Tasks and work environment

A voice coach works to develop and improve people's vocal technique, speech, and expressive abilities. Tasks often include individual or group instruction for singers, actors, teachers, and other professionals for whom the voice is a central tool. The voice coach analyzes the student's voice, identifies potential issues, and creates training programs to strengthen vocal endurance, tone, and clarity. The work typically takes place in music and cultural schools, theater environments, colleges, or as self-employed. The work environment involves close contact with students and colleagues, and teaching often occurs both in dedicated studios and classroom settings.

Salary development over time

The salary for a voice coach has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,200 SEK per month, increasing to 34 200 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary reached 35 700 SEK, which represents an increase of approximately 7.5% over the period. This salary development reflects a certain increased demand for voice coaches, especially within the education sector and the cultural industry, where the importance of sustainable vocal technique has gained more attention. The salary trend may also be linked to higher educational levels among active voice coaches and a generally strong labor market in pedagogy and culture. Despite this positive trend, the salary gap remains relatively small between genders, with women earning 99% of what men do.

Voice coach salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 35 700 SEK/month
• Lowest salary (women): 25,500 SEK/month
• Lowest salary (men): 29,300 SEK/month
• Highest salary (women): 54,200 SEK/month
• Highest salary (men): 49,900 SEK/month
• Hourly rate (average): 215 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 99% of men's salary (35 500 SEK vs 36 000 SEK)
• Regional differences: Data on regional salary variation is limited but variations may occur depending on employer and sector.

Education and qualifications

To work as a voice coach, a higher education in music, singing, or pedagogy is usually required, often with specialization in voice and speech. Many voice coaches have degrees from music colleges or universities and have supplemented their education with specialized courses in vocal technique, speech pedagogy, or speech therapy. Practical experience, such as being a singer or actor, is often advantageous and can be combined with formal education. Continuous professional development and self-study are common to stay updated in the field.

• Formal degree: Higher education in music or pedagogy (3–5 years)
• Special courses: Focus on voice, speech, and singing
• Practical experience: Teaching, singing, or theater experience
• Certifications: Additional courses in voice training or speech pedagogy
• Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of music or pedagogy

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for voice coaches include professional development, wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and the possibility of leave for artistic projects. Some employment types also offer pension contributions and subsidized further training. Self-employed individuals often have control over their working hours and location, providing greater freedom but requiring self-management and administration.

Competition and challenges

The labor market for voice coaches is characterized by balance, where supply and demand are relatively evenly distributed. There are 434 job openings within the group of other educators with specialized skills, indicating moderate demand but also competition for the most attractive positions. A challenge is that voice coaches often need to combine multiple employers or assignments to achieve full-time work, especially outside major urban areas. Specialization in areas like speech techniques or voice rehabilitation can improve employment prospects, but competition for permanent positions in cultural schools and higher education remains high.

Tips for aspiring voice coaches

To succeed as a voice coach, it is important to combine solid subject knowledge with pedagogical skill and sensitivity. Good communication skills and the ability to build trust are crucial for meeting different students' needs and conditions. Creativity and flexibility facilitate adapting teaching to various target groups, while patience and perseverance support students' long-term development. Ongoing education and staying current with new methods and research are also vital, especially for those aiming to develop within the profession and meet future demands. An open attitude to collaboration with colleagues and other professionals helps build a strong network and broaden competencies.

Key facts about Voice Coach

• Average salary: 35 700 SEK/month
• Education level: Higher education (3–5 years) in music or pedagogy
• Work environment: Schools, cultural venues, or own business
• Job openings within the profession: 434
• Future prospects: Moderate opportunities, unchanged demand

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a voice coach can advance to more specialized roles, such as lead teacher at a cultural school, university adjunct, or consultant in voice health and speech techniques. Some choose to further their education in speech therapy or singing pedagogy to expand their career options. According to the Employment Service's forecast for cultural educators, the job market is expected to be balanced over the coming five years, with moderate opportunities and unchanged demand. Specialization and networking can improve chances for attractive positions, especially in larger cities and higher education. Self-employment is common and offers greater freedom but also requires responsibility for marketing and administration.

Frequently asked questions about Voice Coach

• What does a voice coach earn?
  - The average salary for a voice coach is 35 700 SEK per month, with an hourly rate of 215 SEK.
• What is the salary range for voice coaches?
  - The lowest salary is 25,500 SEK and the highest is 54,200 SEK, depending on education, sector, and experience.
• Is higher education required to become a voice coach?
  - Yes, most employers require higher education in music or pedagogy, often with specialization in voice or singing.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, but the difference is marginal. Women earn 99% of what men do in the profession.
• What are the most common workplaces for voice coaches?
  - Common workplaces include cultural schools, colleges, theaters, and self-employment.
• What are the future prospects for voice coaches?
  - The forecast is stable with moderate opportunities for employment and unchanged demand over the next five years.