Salary progression Special teacher, high school

Average salary 47 600 kr
Males 46 800 kr
Females 47 700 kr

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

A special educator in upper secondary school works to support students who need additional assistance to succeed in their studies. Tasks include identifying and assessing students' needs, developing individual education plans, and collaborating with other teachers, student health services, and guardians. The role often involves working both one-on-one with students and in small groups, as well as guiding colleagues in pedagogical adaptations. The work environment is located within the school premises, focusing on creating an inclusive and safe learning environment where each student has the opportunity to develop based on their individual conditions.

Salary development over time

The salary development for special educators in upper secondary school has been steady over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,000 SEK per month, increasing to 45 900 SEK in 2023 and further to 47 600 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 6.7% during the period, reflecting an increased focus on competence in special education and continued demand for the profession. Salary trends have been influenced by factors such as education level, experience, and labor market needs for special educators, with increased requirements for support in upper secondary schools contributing to a positive trend.

An interesting aspect of special educators in upper secondary schools is the close collaboration with student health teams and subject teachers, which offers unique opportunities for interdisciplinary development and insight into the school's overall work on student well-being and learning.

– statsskuld.se

Special educator salary in upper secondary school – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 47 600 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 34,600 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 50,700 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 276 SEK
  • Women earn: 47 700 SEK/month (102% of men's salary)
  • Men earn: 46 800 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Data on regions are unavailable, but salary levels may vary depending on labor market and urban/rural location

Education and qualifications

To work as a special educator in upper secondary school, a basic teacher education and a further qualification in special education are required. Many have prior experience as subject teachers and build on this with a special educator degree, which involves at least one year of full-time studies beyond the teacher education. Formal requirements and meritorious qualifications vary between different school authorities.

  • Teacher degree: Basic teacher education (3–5 years)
  • Special educator degree: Additional qualification (1.5 years, advanced level)
  • Certification: Teaching license and eligibility in special education
  • Practical training: Work placement and experience in school environments
  • Prerequisites: Prior work as a teacher is often advantageous

Common benefits and compensations

Special educators in upper secondary schools are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, professional development, extra vacation days, and opportunities for further training. Many public sector employers also provide pension contributions and insurance as part of employment conditions.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a special educator in upper secondary schools is characterized by balance, where supply and demand for labor are relatively equal. Challenges in the profession include increasing documentation requirements, the need for ongoing professional development, and adapting support to students with highly diverse needs. The national forecast indicates that demand will remain unchanged over the next five years, leading to stable but not rapidly growing career opportunities. The role also requires patience and the ability to handle complex student situations.

Tips for aspiring special educators in upper secondary school

To succeed as a special educator in upper secondary school, it is beneficial to be attentive and able to meet each student based on their individual needs. Good collaboration skills are essential, as much of the work involves teamwork with other teachers and student health personnel. Analytical skills help in planning and evaluating interventions systematically, while flexibility facilitates handling new challenges quickly. Pedagogical creativity contributes to finding practical solutions. Patience and commitment are important qualities to cope with demanding situations. Finally, continuous professional development and staying updated on new methods within special education are valuable.

Key facts about special educators in upper secondary school

  • Education level: Teacher education + special educator degree (4.5–6 years)
  • Work environment: School setting, close collaboration with student health teams
  • Typical work arrangement: Public sector, full-time
  • Demand: Moderate and stable according to the Employment Service
  • Number of job openings (2024): 434 within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a special educator in upper secondary school, there are opportunities to develop into roles such as special pedagogist, mentor, or team leader. Some choose to further their education to become principals or take on development tasks within school development and student health. According to the Employment Service's forecast, the opportunities for employment as a special educator are moderate, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. The profession offers stable career prospects, especially for those who continuously update their skills and engage in school development work.

Frequently asked questions about special educators in upper secondary school

  • What does a special educator in upper secondary school earn?
    - The average monthly salary is 47 600 SEK, with an hourly rate of 276 SEK.
  • Are there salary differences between genders?
    - Women earn an average of 47 700 SEK, which is 102% of men's salary at 46 800 SEK.
  • What education is required to become a special educator in upper secondary school?
    - Basic teacher education and a special educator degree at advanced level.
  • What is the job market like for special educators?
    - The job market is assessed to have moderate opportunities and a balanced recruitment situation.
  • What are the lowest and highest salaries in the profession?
    - The lowest salary is 34,600 SEK, and the highest is 50,700 SEK per month.
  • What does the work as a special educator in upper secondary school involve?
    - Supporting students with special needs, designing individual plans, and collaborating with school staff.
  • How many job openings are there for special educators?
    - There are 434 registered job openings within the profession.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Special teacher, high school is 52500 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 51100 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Special teacher, high school is 36000 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 36300 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 42100 kr 42100 kr
35-44 99% 45700 kr 45800 kr
45-54 103% 48000 kr 48000 kr
55-64 100% 48500 kr 48600 kr
65-68 49000 kr 49000 kr
Snitt 102% 47600 kr 47600 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 Special teacher, high school has the SSYK code 2351, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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