How much does a Swimming instructor make

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  2. Swimming instructor
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Swimming instructor

34 900 kr

Sports trainers and instructors etc.

27 300 - 39 000 kr / month

Women earn 96% of what men do.

Pedagogiskt arbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Swimming instructor

Average salary 34 900 kr
Males 35 700 kr
Females 34 200 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 115 Vacant jobs ->

What does a swimming instructor do? – Tasks and work environment

A swimming instructor is responsible for teaching swimming to children, teenagers, and adults at swimming pools, schools, or in club activities. The work includes planning and conducting swimming lessons, often in groups but also individually, and creating safe and inspiring environments for students. Swimming instructors ensure that participants gain knowledge of swimming techniques, water familiarity, and safety in and around water. The work environment is physically active and mainly takes place in pools with high humidity and noise levels, requiring constant attention to ensure safety.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salaries for swimming instructors have shown a steady but clearly positive development. In 2022, the average salary was 33,300 SEK per month, rising the following year to 34 100 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average monthly salary increased further to 34 900 SEK, representing a total increase of about 4.8% over the period. This salary increase can be linked to increased demand for swimming lessons, especially focusing on swimming skills and water safety in schools and clubs. The industry's increased focus on quality and certifications has also contributed to a gradual elevation of the profession. Despite the increase, salary levels remain relatively equal between genders, although some differences persist.

Swimming instructor salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 34 900 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 27,300 SEK/month (men), 28,000 SEK/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 39,000 SEK/month (men), 36,600 SEK/month (women)
  • Hourly wage (average): 210 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Women earn 96% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on region and employer

Education and qualifications

To work as a swimming instructor, a high school diploma is usually required, supplemented with specific instructor courses and certifications in swimming instruction and lifeguarding. Many employers also seek experience in pedagogical work or previous engagement in sports clubs. Internships and ongoing further education are important to stay updated on new teaching methods and safety routines.

  • High school education: Often sports or child and leisure programs
  • Certification: Approved swimming instructor training via the Swedish Lifesaving Society or equivalent
  • Lifeguard certificate: Mandatory for most employers
  • Internship: Common to complete internships in swimming schools or clubs
  • Further education: Recommended to follow industry developments

Many swimming instructors describe the profession as a unique combination of physical engagement and pedagogical responsibility. It is common to build strong bonds with students, especially as you follow their development from water fear to water confidence – an experience that often brings great job satisfaction.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to the base salary, swimming instructors often receive benefits such as wellness allowances, subsidized training, extra vacation days, and sometimes access to pool facilities outside working hours. Some employers also provide compensation for unsociable hours and opportunities for skill development through courses and further training.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as a swimming instructor varies depending on region and season, with metropolitan areas and popular holiday destinations often having more applicants per position. A challenge is that many employment opportunities are part-time or seasonal, which can affect income and job security. The workload can be high during periods of intensive swimming lessons, especially in summer. The profession also requires good physical condition and the ability to handle stressful situations, given the significant safety responsibilities. For those looking to develop in the role, it is important to stay updated on new pedagogical methods and safety routines.

Tips for those who want to become a swimming instructor

To succeed as a swimming instructor, it is good to be pedagogical and patient, as teaching often occurs in groups with different levels of experience. Good communication skills facilitate contact with children, adults, and parents, making it easier to create confidence in the water. Being flexible and able to adapt teaching to different needs is crucial, as is always prioritizing safety and being able to act quickly in unexpected situations. Engagement and a genuine interest in children's development help create a positive atmosphere during lessons. Continuous learning is also important – participating in further training and staying updated on new swimming pedagogical methods provides better conditions for both students and the instructor. Lastly, being a good team player is valuable, as collaboration with colleagues and pool staff is central to the work environment.

Key facts about swimming instructors

  • Salary range: 27,300–39,000 SEK/month
  • Average salary: 34 900 SEK/month
  • Educational requirements: High school + certification as a swimming instructor
  • Work environment: Pools, schools, and sports clubs
  • Demand: 434 available jobs in the profession (latest measurement)

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a swimming instructor, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as head coach, responsible for swimming lessons, or coordinator within sports clubs and municipal activities. Further education can open the way to work as a physical education teacher or specialized coach in competitive swimming. The outlook is considered good according to the Swedish Employment Service, especially given the increased focus on swimming skills in schools and society at large. Digital training solutions and new teaching methods are also expected to create more opportunities for development within the profession.

Frequently asked questions about swimming instructors

  • What is the average salary of a swimming instructor?
    - A swimming instructor has an average salary of 34 900 SEK per month.
  • What is the salary range for swimming instructors?
    - The lowest salary is 27,300 SEK and the highest is 39,000 SEK per month, depending on experience, education, and sector.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 96% of what men do within the profession.
  • What is required to become a swimming instructor?
    - High school education plus approved instructor training and lifeguard certification are required.
  • What is the job market like for swimming instructors?
    - Demand is stable with 434 available jobs according to the latest measurement.
  • What are the most common workplaces?
    - The most common workplaces are pools, schools, and sports clubs.
  • How has the salary developed over time?
    - Salaries have increased by approximately 4.8% between 2022 and 2024.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-08 00:19:12

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Swimming instructor is 39000 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Private sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 36600 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Swimming instructor is 27300 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 28000 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 108% 25500 kr 27800 kr
25-34 90% 32100 kr 33000 kr
35-44 92% 37400 kr 37900 kr
45-54 103% 38800 kr 39200 kr
55-64 100% 38300 kr 39100 kr
Snitt 96% 33900 kr 34900 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
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 Swimming instructor has the SSYK code 3422, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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