Image that illustrates Social educator

Social educator

36 100 kr

Treatment assistants and social pedagogues etc.

31 800 - 41 500 kr / month

Women earn 98% of what men do.

Socialt arbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Social educator

Average salary 36 100 kr
Males 36 500 kr
Females 35 900 kr

What does a social pedagogue do? – tasks and work environment

A social pedagogue works to support and assist individuals or groups in various social situations, often focusing on promoting personal development and social integration. The profession involves working closely with people in vulnerable life situations, such as youth with substance abuse problems, families in crisis, or individuals with mental health issues. The work environment can vary from schools and social services to treatment centers and other institutions, where the social pedagogue often collaborates with other professional groups within care and social services.

Social pedagogue salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 36 100 SEK/month
  • Lowest/Highest salary: 31,800–41,500 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 217 SEK (based on 166 working hours/month)
  • Gender differences: Women earn 35 900 SEK, men 36 500 SEK. Women earn 98% of men's salary.
  • Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on geographic area and type of organization, but specific regional data is lacking.

Social pedagogues often need to have a good ability to adapt to different social environments and manage complex human situations with empathy and clear communication.

– statsskuld.se

Salary development over time

The average salary for a social pedagogue has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,200 SEK, followed by a raise to 34 800 SEK in 2023 and further to 36 100 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total increase of approximately 8.9 percent during the period. This salary development can be explained by an increased demand for competent social pedagogues in both the public and private sectors, as well as a general salary adjustment within social professions. A higher level of education and specialized skills also contribute to driving salaries up, along with an increased focus on social initiatives in society.

Education and qualifications

The education to become a social pedagogue typically includes a university degree with a social focus and often requires practical experience in social work.

  • Formal degree: University education in social work or social pedagogy (3 years or more)
  • Certifications/courses: Specialized courses in substance abuse treatment, mental health, or child and youth work may be advantageous
  • Internship/trainee: Internship in social services or similar organizations is often included in the education
  • Prerequisites: Basic high school qualifications are required for university studies
  • Tips for choice: Choose education with a clear social focus and opportunities for internships in relevant organizations

Common benefits and compensations

Social pedagogues are often offered benefits such as collective agreement pension contributions, wellness grants, and flexible working hours. Some workplaces may offer additional compensation for inconvenient working hours or special efforts. Furthermore, further education and professional development may be included as part of the employment.

Competition and challenges

The job market for social pedagogues is characterized by a balance between supply and demand, meaning that competition is moderate. Challenges in the profession often include workload and demanding social situations that place high demands on emotional endurance and problem-solving ability. It is also important to manage administrative tasks alongside direct client work.

Tips for those who want to become a social pedagogue

To succeed as a social pedagogue, it is beneficial to develop both empathy and patience, which helps to build trust in interactions with clients. Analytical skills facilitate the investigation and resolution of complex social problems. It is also valuable to be communicative and able to collaborate effectively with other professional groups. Commitment and flexibility are crucial qualities for managing the varied work environments and situations of the profession. Continuously updating one's skills through further education strengthens both the professional role and opportunities for career development.

Key facts about social pedagogue

  • Education level: University education in social work (3 years or more)
  • Salary range: 31,800–41,500 SEK/month
  • Work environment: Social and client-focused, often in institutional settings
  • Demand: Moderate with a balanced recruitment situation
  • Common form of employment: Employment within municipal, state, or private organizations

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as a social pedagogue, there are opportunities to advance to specialist roles within social work, such as treatment manager or unit manager. Some choose to further their education to become a social worker or gain other specialist competencies to broaden career opportunities. According to the Employment Agency's assessment, job opportunities for treatment assistants and social pedagogues are nationally moderate, and the forecast is unchanged for the next five years. The recruitment situation is assessed as balanced, meaning that competition is moderate and stable.

Frequently asked questions about social pedagogue

  • What is the average salary of a social pedagogue?
    - The average salary is approximately 36 100 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a social pedagogue?
    - Typically, a university degree in social work or social pedagogy is required.
  • Are there significant salary differences between men and women?
    - Women earn on average 98% of what men earn in the profession.
  • What does the job market look like for social pedagogues?
    - Job opportunities are assessed as moderate with a balanced recruitment situation.
  • Where can a social pedagogue work?
    - Common workplaces include municipal, state, and private organizations within social services, schools, and treatment centers.
  • What is the hourly wage for an hourly employed social pedagogue?
    - The hourly wage is approximately 217 SEK based on a normal monthly working time.
  • How has the salary for social pedagogues developed in recent years?
    - The salary has increased by nearly 9% from 2022 to 2024.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Social educator is 41500 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 39200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Social educator is 31800 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 32400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 28900 kr 31300 kr
25-34 98% 32600 kr 34700 kr
35-44 99% 34300 kr 36500 kr
45-54 100% 34800 kr 37100 kr
55-64 100% 34800 kr 36700 kr
65-68 101% 34800 kr 37000 kr
Snitt 98% 34000 kr 36100 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 Social educator has the SSYK code 3411, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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