How much does a Guidance counselors make

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  2. Guidance counselors
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Guidance counselors

40 100 kr

Study and career counselors

27 500 - 48 400 kr / month

Women earn 101% of what men do.

Pedagogiskt arbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Guidance counselors

Average salary 40 100 kr
Males 39 600 kr
Females 40 200 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 20 Vacant jobs ->

What does a study and career counselor do? – Tasks and work environment

A study and career counselor works to provide support and guidance to students, learners, and adults regarding educational choices and career paths. Tasks include individual consultations, group information sessions, application administration, and coordination with school staff, employers, and authorities. They are mainly employed in primary and secondary schools, adult education, and universities, but also within employment agencies and private training companies. The work environment involves meetings with people of different ages and backgrounds, often in school settings or offices where collaboration and communication are central parts of daily life.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, study and career counselors have seen a steady increase in salary levels. In 2022, the average salary was 37,400 SEK per month, rising to 38 700 SEK in 2023. The latest measured year, 2024, shows the average salary further increased to 40 100 SEK. This development corresponds to a total increase of approximately 7.2% over three years. The salary increase can be explained by an increased focus on skills supply within the education sector and a greater need for qualified guidance in a rapidly changing labor market. The trend also indicates that demand for educated study and career counselors remains stable, positively impacting salaries.

Study and career counselor salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 40 100 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 27,500 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 48,400 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 241 SEK
  • Women: 40 200 SEK/month (101% of men's salary)
  • Men: 39 600 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on region and employer.

Education and qualifications

To work as a study and career counselor, a university degree in guidance is required, typically a three-year program at university. The education combines pedagogy, psychology, and social sciences with practical training. It is also common to supplement with further training and courses in counseling methods and labor market knowledge.

  • Study and career counseling program: Bachelor's level, 3 years (180 hp)
  • Internship: Included as an integrated part of the program
  • Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies
  • Further education: Courses in counseling methods, labor market, and psychology are recommended
  • Tip: An interest in pedagogy and working with people is important

Many study and career counselors report that no day is the same – each meeting presents new challenges and opportunities to make a difference for an individual. Flexibility, attentiveness, and a willingness to constantly learn new things are qualities often developed in the profession and highly appreciated by colleagues and students.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Study and career counselors are often covered by collective agreements that provide rights to occupational pension, holiday pay, and various insurances. Employers sometimes offer wellness allowances, professional development, and flexible working hours. Possibility for remote work exists in certain operations, especially within adult education and universities.

Competition and challenges

The market for study and career counselors is characterized by a balance between supply and demand, according to the latest forecast from the Employment Service. There are 434 job openings within the profession, indicating a stable labor market but also competition for positions in some regions. Challenges may arise from changes in the education system or reduced budgets in schools. Staying updated on labor market developments and new educational pathways is important to meet students' needs and labor market requirements. At the same time, the profession involves a high level of responsibility, where proper guidance can significantly impact individuals' futures.

Tips for those who want to become a study and career counselor

To succeed as a study and career counselor, it is good to combine attentiveness and analytical ability with a genuine interest in people. Those who are communicative and pedagogical often find it easier to build trust and explain complex educational paths in an understandable way. Being organized facilitates administrative work and helps keep track of many cases simultaneously. It is also advantageous to be flexible and able to adapt to different situations and individuals, as needs vary. An open mind and a willingness to learn new things, especially regarding changes in the labor market, are valuable. Someone who enjoys collaborating and building relationships with students and colleagues has good prospects for thriving and developing in the profession.

Key facts about study and career counselors

  • Education level: University degree (bachelor's, 3 years)
  • Work environment: School, adult education, university, or office
  • Labor market: Moderate opportunities, balance between supply and demand
  • Gender distribution: Women make up the majority and have higher average salaries
  • Number of job openings: 434 within the profession (2024)

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years in the profession, a study and career counselor can develop into more specialized roles, such as coordinator, team leader, or responsible for guidance at a larger school or within adult education. Further education can open doors to management, project management, or work with skills development within educational organizations. According to the Employment Service forecast, opportunities for employment are moderate, and the job market situation is characterized by balance. Over five years, demand is expected to remain unchanged, providing stable future prospects for those choosing this career path.

Frequently asked questions about study and career counselors

  • What does a study and career counselor earn?
    - A study and career counselor has an average salary of 40 100 SEK per month.
  • What are the gender differences in the profession?
    - Women earn an average of 40 200 SEK, which is 101% of men's salary, which is 39 600 SEK.
  • What education is required to become a study and career counselor?
    - The profession requires a bachelor's degree from the study and career counseling program at university, three years (180 hp).
  • What are the future prospects?
    - According to the Employment Service, opportunities for employment are moderate, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary in the profession?
    - The highest salary is 48,400 SEK and the lowest is 27,500 SEK (depending on education, sector, and experience).
  • Are there regional salary differences?
    - Yes, salaries can vary between different regions and employers.
  • How many job openings are currently available?
    - There are 434 job openings within the profession of study and career counselors.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-13 11:47:26

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Guidance counselors is 48400 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 46300 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Guidance counselors is 27500 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 36000 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 101% 37400 kr 37400 kr
35-44 100% 39300 kr 39300 kr
45-54 101% 41000 kr 41000 kr
55-64 101% 41700 kr 41700 kr
65-68 43500 kr 43500 kr
Snitt 101% 40000 kr 40100 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
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 Guidance counselors has the SSYK code 2352, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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