Image that illustrates Special needs teacher, upper secondary special school

Special needs teacher, upper secondary special school

45 900 kr

Special education teachers and special educators etc.

34 600 - 50 700 kr / month

Women earn 101% of what men do.

Pedagogiskt arbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Special needs teacher, upper secondary special school

Average salary 45 900 kr
Males 45 500 kr
Females 46 000 kr

What does a special educator in upper secondary special school do? – Tasks and work environment

A special educator in upper secondary special school works to support and develop learning for students with various types of disabilities. Tasks include adapting teaching to individual needs, conducting pedagogical assessments, collaborating with other teachers, student health teams, and sometimes parents. The environment is often flexible and inclusive, with work taking place both in classrooms and in smaller groups or individually. The special educator's role is crucial in enabling each student to reach their full potential based on their conditions.

Salary development over time

The salary for special educators in upper secondary special school has shown a clear positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,000 SEK per month, which increased to 44 400 SEK in 2023, and further to 45 900 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 6.7% over three years. The steady salary growth can be partly explained by increased awareness of the need for specialized competence in upper secondary special education, as well as general salary development within the pedagogical sector. The demand for qualified special educators has also remained stable, contributing to a competitive salary landscape.

Special educator, upper secondary special school salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 45 900 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 34,600 SEK/month (male, government sector, upper secondary education)
  • Highest salary: 50,700 SEK/month (female, public sector, research education)
  • Hourly wage: 276 SEK
  • Women earn: 101% of what men do (46 000 SEK vs. 45 500 SEK)

Education and qualifications

To work as a special educator in upper secondary special school, a teacher certification with a special educator degree as a supplement is required. The education involves advanced studies in special pedagogy and usually includes both theory and practice. Prior experience from working in schools or with students needing special support is often advantageous. Flexible educational paths allow for combining studies with work.

  • Special educator degree: Supplementary education, 1–1.5 years after basic teacher training
  • Teacher certification: Required for employment
  • Internship: Included in the program
  • Prerequisites: Basic teacher degree and work experience
  • Courses in special pedagogy: Recommended for further specialization

Many special educators in upper secondary special school have opportunities to work closely with student health teams and other specialists, which provides a broad and stimulating professional everyday life with plenty of room for collaboration and development.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Special educators in upper secondary special school are often covered by collective agreements that include occupational pension, health insurance, and extra vacation days. Opportunities for professional development, wellness allowances, and compensation for work clothing or materials are also common. In some cases, supervision and participation in networks or conferences related to special pedagogy are offered.

Competitions and challenges

The job market for special educators in upper secondary special school is characterized by balance, with supply and demand relatively evenly distributed. Nationally, the prospects for employment are moderate, and the forecast indicates that demand will remain unchanged over the next five years, according to the Swedish Public Employment Service. Challenges in the profession include meeting students' highly varied needs and managing high documentation and collaboration demands. The role also requires pedagogical flexibility and the ability to find individualized solutions.

Tips for those who want to become a special educator in upper secondary special school

To succeed as a special educator in upper secondary special school, it is beneficial to have a genuine sensitivity to students' needs and strong collaboration skills with colleagues and student health teams. An independent and solution-oriented attitude facilitates making individual adjustments in teaching. Staying updated on research and new methods within special pedagogy is valuable, as developments are rapid and requirements evolve. Good organizational skills help structure work with documentation and follow-up. Finally, patience and empathy are essential qualities for creating security and success for students.

Key facts about special educators in upper secondary special school

  • Average salary: 45 900 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 34,600–50,700 SEK/month
  • Education level: Special educator degree (supplementary) + teacher certification
  • Job market: 434 available jobs, moderate opportunities
  • Work environment: School, close collaboration with student health teams

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a special educator in upper secondary special school, there are opportunities to take on expanded responsibilities, such as coordinator for special pedagogical efforts or supervisor for colleagues. Some choose to further their education to become a special pedagogue or work in school management and development. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the job market is expected to remain stable with unchanged demand in the coming years, offering good opportunities for continued employment and advancement. There is also potential to work within educational administrations or as consultants in special pedagogy.

Frequently asked questions about special educators in upper secondary special school

  • What does a special educator in upper secondary special school earn?
    - The average salary is 45 900 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a special educator in upper secondary special school?
    - Special educator degree as a supplement to teacher training and teacher certification.
  • Are there salary differences between women and men?
    - Yes, women earn on average 46 000 SEK and men 45 500 SEK, which means women earn 101% of men's salaries.
  • What are the future prospects for the profession?
    - The labor market is expected to be balanced with unchanged demand over the next five years.
  • What are the duties of a special educator in upper secondary special school?
    - Adapted teaching, pedagogical assessments, collaboration with student health services, and documentation.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for the profession?
    - The highest salary is 50,700 SEK (female, public sector, research education) and the lowest is 34,600 SEK (male, government sector, upper secondary education).
  • How many job openings are available?
    - There are 434 available jobs within the profession of special educators and special pedagogues.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Special needs teacher, upper secondary special school is 50700 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Public sector with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 50300 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Special needs teacher, upper secondary special school is 34600 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 34900 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 40900 kr 40900 kr
35-44 98% 44400 kr 44500 kr
45-54 101% 46200 kr 46300 kr
55-64 101% 46800 kr 46800 kr
65-68 46300 kr 46300 kr
Snitt 101% 45900 kr 45900 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
Register an account before you can comment

To write a comment you need to create an account.


Default Avatar

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 Special needs teacher, upper secondary special school has the SSYK code 2351, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

Search salary statistics for occupation
8000 kr
<-|->
90000 kr
Vacant jobs
Similar occupations
Latest posts
  • Public Opinion - Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest
    Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35
  • National Debt - The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden
    Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00
Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

With our Swedish tax calculator, you can easily calculate your after-tax income (net salary).

Swedish Church Member

* Updated with 2025 taxes