Salary progression SFI teachers

Average salary 36 800 kr
Males 37 000 kr
Females 36 600 kr

What does an SFI teacher do? – Tasks and work environment

An SFI teacher works with instructing adults studying Swedish for immigrants (SFI). Tasks include planning and conducting lessons, assessing language skills, and tailoring teaching to students' needs and backgrounds. The role also involves collaborating with colleagues and student support functions, documenting progress, and participating in pedagogical development initiatives. SFI teachers mainly work within municipal adult education but can also be found with private providers. The work environment is characterized by diversity, high engagement, and demands for both structure and flexibility.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, SFI teachers have seen steady salary increases. In 2022, the average salary was 33,200 SEK, rising to 35 700 SEK in 2023. The latest data for 2024 shows an average monthly salary of 36 800 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 7.5% over three years. Salary trends have primarily been influenced by increased demand for qualified educators within adult education and the skill requirements placed on SFI teachers, especially in larger cities. The development has also been affected by national investments in adult education and integration efforts, which have provided some room for salary adjustments. Gender differences have been small, and salary gaps between men and women remain minimal within the profession.

SFI teacher salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 36 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary (female): 25,500 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary (male): 29,300 SEK/month
  • Highest salary (female): 54,200 SEK/month
  • Highest salary (male): 49,900 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 215 SEK
  • Women/men: Women earn 99% of what men do

Education and qualifications

To work as an SFI teacher, a pedagogical university degree with specialization in Swedish as a second language is usually required. Many employers seek a teaching qualification and often specific courses in SFI or Swedish for immigrants. Practical teaching experience, good communication skills, and intercultural competence are important merits. Some employers offer supplementary courses or internal training to strengthen pedagogical tools.

  • Teaching degree: Basic requirement, often 3–4.5 years
  • Supplementary training: Swedish as a second language, at least 30 higher education credits
  • Internship: Included in teacher training
  • Prerequisites: University eligibility and good Swedish skills
  • Further education: Courses in adult pedagogy and integration topics

Many SFI teachers describe meeting students with diverse languages and cultures as one of the most rewarding aspects of the profession. It demands high creativity and the ability to quickly adapt teaching to new situations, making the work both challenging and developmental.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Employment as an SFI teacher often includes collective agreement pension schemes, paid vacation, and wellness allowances. Substituted meals, staff development days, and opportunities for further training through courses and conferences are common. Additional allowances or compensations may be provided for extra responsibilities or unsociable hours if needed.

Competition and challenges

The competition for SFI teaching positions is considered to be balanced nationally, according to the latest forecast from the Swedish Public Employment Service. Demand is expected to remain unchanged over five years, providing stable job opportunities. Challenges often include managing large classes with diverse backgrounds, digitalization of teaching, and documentation and results tracking. Adaptability is also required to meet changes in student demographics and teaching methods, especially in larger municipalities where needs can change rapidly.

Tips for those aspiring to become an SFI teacher

To succeed as an SFI teacher, a strong interest in language, people, and pedagogy is beneficial. Developing good communication skills facilitates interactions with students from various backgrounds, while patience and sensitivity help tailor instruction. It is recommended to study Swedish as a second language during teacher training and seek internships in adult education. The ability to work systematically while remaining flexible is crucial, especially when working with heterogeneous groups. Building networks with other educators and continuously advancing one's language development skills enhances both competence and employability. Genuine engagement in integration and social issues contributes to a meaningful professional life and positive student outcomes.

Key facts about SFI teachers

  • Education level: Teacher qualification and 30 credits in Swedish as a second language
  • Work environment: Municipal adult education, often classroom-based
  • Demand: 434 job openings within the profession
  • Gender distribution: Small salary differences between women and men
  • Future outlook: Balanced, with moderate job opportunities nationwide

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an SFI teacher, opportunities open to take on roles such as subject coordinator, mentor for new colleagues, or work with pedagogical development within adult education. There are also career routes toward school leadership roles, such as principal or education manager, especially if supplemented with leadership training. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the job market is considered stable with unchanged demand over five years. Since SFI teachers are part of the broader group of other pedagogues with specialized academic skills, future prospects are influenced by political decisions regarding adult education and integration. However, demand for qualified SFI teachers is expected to remain, particularly in larger cities and regions with high immigration.

Frequently asked questions about SFI teachers

  • What does an SFI teacher earn?
    - The average salary for an SFI teacher is 36 800 SEK per month.
  • How to become an SFI teacher?
    - A teaching degree and supplementary courses in Swedish as a second language are required.
  • Are there gender differences in salary for SFI teachers?
    - Yes, but they are small. Women earn 99% of what men do within the profession.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - The labor market is balanced, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
  • What education is required to teach in SFI?
    - A teaching degree and at least 30 credits in Swedish as a second language are required for most positions.
  • What are common work environments for SFI teachers?
    - Most work within municipal adult education, but private providers also exist.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a SFI teachers is 54700 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Municipal sector with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 50700 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a SFI teachers is 26400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 30100 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 101% 26200 kr 26500 kr
25-34 98% 33500 kr 33800 kr
35-44 98% 36700 kr 36900 kr
45-54 100% 39000 kr 39200 kr
55-64 101% 39800 kr 40000 kr
65-68 101% 39500 kr 39700 kr
Snitt 99% 36500 kr 36800 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession SFI teachers has the SSYK code 2359, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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