School priest

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

A school chaplain works to provide spiritual, existential, and sometimes psychosocial support to students and staff within the school environment. Tasks include conversations, pastoral care, crisis management, and presence at important events such as graduation ceremonies, memorial services, or conflict resolution. The school chaplain often collaborates with school counselors, teachers, and school management to create a safe and inclusive atmosphere. The work involves both planned activities and spontaneous conversations, where the ability to meet young people's questions and concerns is central. The work environment is characterized by variety, flexibility, and proximity to daily school activities.

Salary development over time

The salary development for school chaplains has been positive over the past three years. The average salary was 46,400 SEK per month in 2022, increased to 49 600 SEK in 2023, and reached 50,800 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to an increase of approximately 9.5% over the period. Salaries have grown faster than the average for many other professions within the church sector, which can partly be explained by an increased demand for school chaplains as schools' need for psychosocial and existential support has grown. Difficulties in recruiting qualified personnel have also contributed to salary increases, especially in regions with high competition for trained priests.

School chaplain salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 50,800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 50,400 SEK/month (female, various sectors)
• Highest salary: 51,300 SEK/month (male, private sector)
• Hourly wage: 306 SEK
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 98% of what men do
• Regional differences: Data on regional variations are limited, but higher salaries generally occur in metropolitan areas.

Education and qualifications

To work as a school chaplain, a university degree with ordination within the Church of Sweden or equivalent denomination is required. The education includes theology at university level and is often supplemented with pastoral training and practical experience. Experience working with children and youth is advantageous, and many employers also require courses in conversation techniques and crisis management.

• Bachelor's degree in theology or religious studies (3 years)
• Pastoral theological training (1–2 years)
• Ordination within the Church of Sweden or equivalent denomination
• Internship within parish or school activities
• Courses in conversation techniques, crisis management, and child and youth psychology

Common benefits and compensations

School chaplains are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, extra vacation days, and opportunities for professional development through courses and conferences. Some employers also provide occupational pension, flexible hours, or remote work options if needed. Compensation for unsocial hours may be available for evening or weekend activities.

Competition and challenges

The job market for school chaplains is relatively stable but characterized by competition for positions in larger cities and attractive schools. Challenges often include balancing the role as a spiritual leader with the secular mission of the school and managing complex questions about faith, ethics, and identity among students. The shortage of trained priests can lead to high workload in some areas, while the schools' need for conversation support and crisis management increases. The role also requires continuous professional development and adaptation to changing societal norms and student needs.

Tips for those who want to become a school chaplain

To succeed as a school chaplain, it is good to combine strong empathy with good sensitivity to students' needs. Developing skills in conversation techniques facilitates meetings with young people both in joy and crisis. Flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to different situations are crucial, as the school environment is constantly changing. For those who are communicative and pedagogical, there are opportunities to reach both individual students and larger groups. Engaging in the school's daily life and building relationships with staff and students is also valuable. Having a secure personal value system and openness to different worldviews strengthen trust in the role. Finally, it is important to be resilient and not give up in the face of setbacks, as the work sometimes involves encounters with difficult life questions and tough situations.

Key facts about School Chaplain

• Average salary: 50,800 SEK/month
• Educational requirements: Bachelor's degree in theology + pastoral training
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 98% of men's salary
• Typical work environment: School, often in collaboration with student health services
• Job openings: 237 advertised positions within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a school chaplain, there are opportunities to take on leadership roles such as coordinator for school chaplains in a larger parish or to oversee collaboration between church and school at a regional level. Further education in psychotherapy or supervision can open doors to specialized conversation roles or educational assignments. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the outlook is good, especially in regions where schools demand enhanced student health and support. The need for qualified school chaplains is expected to persist, as societal development increases the demand for existential support and crisis management in the school environment.

Frequently asked questions about School Chaplain

• What does a school chaplain earn?
  - A school chaplain has an average salary of 50,800 SEK per month, with a range between 50,400 and 51,300 SEK.
• What education is required to become a school chaplain?
  - Bachelor's degree in theology or religious studies, along with pastoral theological training and ordination.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn 98% of what men do within the profession of school chaplain.
• What is the job market like for school chaplains?
  - There are good prospects and 237 available positions within the profession.
• What personal qualities are important for a school chaplain?
  - Empathy, flexibility, communication skills, and attentiveness are central qualities.
• What are the duties of a school chaplain?
  - Tasks include conversations, pastoral care, crisis management, and participation in school activities.
• Are there any special benefits offered to school chaplains?
  - Common benefits include wellness allowances, extra vacation days, and opportunities for professional development.