School consultant

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

A school counselor works to support schools, students, and staff in issues related to student health, special education, and school development. Tasks vary but often include guiding school staff, assessing students' needs, coordinating interventions, and advising principals and parents. School counselors contribute to creating inclusive learning environments and serve as an important link between schools, student health services, and other actors. The work environment involves both independent work and close collaboration with school management, special educators, and other student health personnel. It is common for the role to involve travel between different schools within a municipality or region, requiring flexibility and good organizational skills.

Salary development over time

The salary for a school counselor has developed positively in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,000 SEK, increasing to 44 400 SEK in 2023 and further to 45 900 SEK in 2024. The total increase over three years is approximately 6.7%. This salary trend reflects a stable demand for special pedagogical expertise and an increased focus on student health in schools. The trend has favored those with further education and experience, as seen in the salary range. Women have also experienced a slightly faster salary growth than men within the profession, making women today earn 101% of the average male salary. The market balance and the ongoing high need for support measures in schools have contributed to maintaining competitive salaries.

School counselor salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 45 900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 34,600 SEK/month (male, public sector, upper secondary education)
• Highest salary: 50,700 SEK/month (female, public sector, research education)
• Hourly wage: 276 SEK/hour (average, part-time)
• Gender differences: Women earn 101% of what men do (women: 46 000 SEK, men: 45 500 SEK)
• Regional differences: Salaries may vary between regions, often slightly higher in metropolitan areas

Education and qualifications

To work as a school counselor, a university degree in pedagogy or special education is usually required, along with experience from the school sector. It is common to have worked as a teacher, special teacher, or special educator before moving into a counselor role. Further education and relevant certifications are often advantageous, as is experience in guidance and school development.

• Teacher degree or special education degree (3–5 years at university)
• Further education in special education (1–2 years, often additional to teacher training)
• Work experience from schools, preferably in a special education role
• Meritorious: courses in guidance, student health, school law
• Prerequisites: Eligibility for university studies, often a teaching license

Common benefits and compensations

School counselors are often offered benefits such as flexible working hours, wellness allowances, opportunities for professional development, and sometimes company cars or travel allowances when working across multiple schools. Holiday pay and occupational pension are standard in the public sector, along with support for further education and supervision.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a school counselor is moderate, with a balanced relationship between the number of qualified candidates and available jobs. Challenges in the profession often involve managing many different school environments, working consultatively, and building trust with both school management and staff. The role requires good organizational skills, flexibility, and the ability to quickly adapt to new situations. Since the job often involves travel between schools and municipalities, independence and initiative are highly valued. Changes in school policies and resource allocation can also impact working conditions and demand for counselor services.

Tips for those who want to become a school counselor

To succeed as a school counselor, it is helpful to develop strong communication skills and be attentive to the needs of different schools. Being organized helps manage the many parallel tasks often present in the role, while analytical skills facilitate quick identification and resolution of issues in the school environment. An educational approach and an open attitude make it easier to build trust with both students and staff. It is also wise to actively seek experience from various school types and participate in networks to stay updated on school development. Finally, patience and flexibility are valuable when travel and quick transitions between different schools are involved.

Key facts about school counselors

• Average salary: 45 900 SEK/month
• Salary range: 34,600–50,700 SEK/month
• Educational level: University degree, often special education qualification
• Work environment: Consultative role with travel between schools
• Job opportunities: 434 available jobs within the profession (May 2024)

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a school counselor, there are opportunities to advance to leadership roles within student health, become development leaders, or work as trainers in school development. Some choose to specialize further, for example in neuropsychiatric disabilities or school law. According to the Employment Service, job prospects are considered moderate, with a balanced recruitment situation. In five years, demand is expected to remain unchanged, providing a stable job market for the profession. Those combining pedagogical expertise with experience in guidance and school development have particularly good career opportunities.

Frequently asked questions about school counselors

• What is the average salary for a school counselor?
  - The average salary for a school counselor is 45 900 SEK/month.
• What education is required to become a school counselor?
  - A university degree in pedagogy, often a special education qualification, and experience from the school sector are required.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn slightly more on average: 46 000 SEK versus 45 500 SEK.
• What does the job market look like for school counselors?
  - Job opportunities are moderate, with a balance between the number of qualified candidates and available positions.
• What are the tasks of a school counselor?
  - Tasks include guidance, counseling, school development, and coordinating efforts for student health.
• How wide is the salary spread within the profession?
  - The salary range is between 34,600 SEK and 50,700 SEK per month.
• What benefits are common for school counselors?
  - Common benefits include flexible working hours, wellness allowances, and opportunities for professional development.