School assistant

What does a school assistant do? – Tasks and work environment

A school assistant works in a school environment and provides administrative and practical support to teachers, students, and school management. The tasks vary depending on the size and needs of the school but often include scheduling, managing student registers, documentation, receiving guardians, and simple finance and personnel administration. Contact with both students and adults requires good service skills and the ability to create structure in an environment where the pace is often high. School assistants serve as an important link between different functions within the school and contribute to a smooth daily routine for staff and students.

Salary development over time

The salaries of school assistants have shown a stable and positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 32,300 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 33 500 SEK in 2023. The latest report from 2024 indicates a further rise to 34 500 SEK per month, representing a total salary increase of approximately 6.8 % over three years. This growth can be linked to increased demand for administrative support in schools, as well as strengthened efforts on work environment and skills development within the sector. Despite moderate salary increases, the profession has experienced a somewhat better development compared to many other comparable administrative roles in the public sector.

School assistant salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 34 500 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,100 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, pre-secondary education)
• Highest salary: 37,000 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Hourly wage: 207 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 99 % of what men do (men 34 800 SEK, women 34 500 SEK)
• Regional differences: Small differences, but generally slightly higher wages in metropolitan regions

Education and qualifications

To work as a school assistant, a high school diploma is usually required, preferably with a focus on administration or the child and leisure program. Many employers also value experience in administrative work within schools or the public sector, as well as good computer skills and communication abilities. There are also opportunities to supplement with short courses and internal training to strengthen specific knowledge in areas such as student registration or school law.

• High school diploma: Administration or child and leisure program (3 years)
• Vocational courses: In administration, school administration, or similar
• Internship: Meritorious with internship or experience from school or the public sector
• Computer skills: Good knowledge of Office and school administrative systems is often required
• Language skills: Swedish in speech and writing, sometimes also English

Common benefits and compensations

School assistants are often covered by collective agreements and are entitled to occupational pension, insurance, and various wellness contributions. Other common benefits include flexitime, the possibility of remote work to some extent, and subsidized lunches. Holiday pay, sick pay, and further training through the employer are also common within the profession.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a school assistant is considered balanced, with moderate opportunities for employment according to the Swedish Employment Agency's forecasts. Nationwide, demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, meaning the number of available jobs and applicants is relatively even. Challenges in the profession often involve managing many tasks simultaneously and quickly switching between different types of cases. Changing requirements for digitalization and increased documentation also demand higher skills development and flexibility.

Tips for those who want to become a school assistant

To succeed as a school assistant, it is good to combine accuracy with a genuine interest in service and communication. Being structured makes it easier to handle many administrative tasks at once and keep track of documentation. Good teamwork skills are a great asset, as the work involves daily contact with students, teachers, and parents. Flexibility and patience are important qualities to quickly resolve unexpected situations and meet varying needs in the school environment. It is also valuable to be technically skilled and able to learn new administrative systems quickly. Showing engagement and a desire to develop increases the chances of gaining greater responsibility and more qualified tasks over time.

Key facts about school assistants

• Education level: High school diploma with administrative focus
• Work environment: School environment with lots of personal contact
• Work form: Full-time/part-time, often daytime
• Demand: Moderate opportunities for jobs nationally
• Number of vacancies: 758 within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a school assistant, there are opportunities to take on greater responsibility, such as coordinator or administrative manager at a school. Some choose to further their education to become study and career counselors or school administrators with a focus on finance or personnel issues. According to the Swedish Employment Agency's forecasts, job opportunities are considered moderate, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Those with experience and good references have good chances to advance within the profession or switch to similar administrative roles within the public sector.

Frequently asked questions about school assistants

• What does a school assistant earn?
  - The average salary is 34 500 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, education, and region.
• What education is required to become a school assistant?
  - A high school diploma with an administrative focus is recommended, preferably supplemented with vocational courses.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn 99 % of what men do in the role of school assistant.
• What does the job market look like?
  - Currently, there are 758 job openings, and job opportunities are considered moderate.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for school assistants?
  - The highest salary is 37,000 SEK and the lowest is 30,100 SEK per month.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Accuracy, service-mindedness, flexibility, and good teamwork skills are particularly valuable qualities.
• Are there opportunities for further education?
  - Yes, it is common for school assistants to be offered further training in administration and IT.