Image that illustrates Student counselor

Student counselor

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 Student counselor

Average salary 40 100 kr
Males 39 600 kr
Females 40 200 kr

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

A study counselor works to support and guide students, learners, and adults in questions related to educational choices, career paths, and personal development. The profession often involves individual conversations where the counselor helps to map interests, strengths, and goals, as well as providing information about educational opportunities and labor market needs. Tasks also include giving lectures, collaborating with school staff, and sometimes contacting employers or authorities. The work environment is usually office-based but can vary between schools, universities, and adult education centers. The pace can be high during periods when many seek guidance before important decisions.

Salary development over time

The salary for study counselors has seen a steady increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,400 SEK per month, followed by 38 700 SEK in 2023 and 40 100 SEK in 2024. This development corresponds to an increase of about 7.2% over three years, which is slightly above the average for many other educational professions. A contributing factor to this positive trend is an increased focus on study and career guidance in schools, as well as a general skills shortage affecting salary levels. The demand for qualified counselors has also driven up salaries, particularly in regions with larger school organizations and higher student numbers.

Study counselors play a crucial role during high school choice and admission periods, when the pressure on guidance increases significantly. The ability to handle stress and many concurrent cases is therefore an important trait in the profession.

– statsskuld.se

Study counselor salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 40 100 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 27,500 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 48,400 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 241 SEK
  • Women: 40 200 SEK (101% of men's salary)
  • Men: 39 600 SEK
  • Regional differences: May occur, especially between larger and smaller municipalities

Education and qualifications

To work as a study counselor, a university degree in study and career guidance is usually required, providing both theoretical and practical knowledge about guidance, pedagogy, and the labor market. The education includes conversation techniques as well as knowledge of the education system and working life. Practical components are often included, providing valuable experience for professional life.

  • Study and career guidance program: 3 years (180 hp) at university
  • Internship: Included in the education, often several weeks
  • Prerequisites: Basic university eligibility
  • Additional education: Possible for those with other relevant higher education
  • Courses in counseling methodology and labor market knowledge: Commonly included

Common benefits and compensations

Study counselors often have access to benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowances, and professional development through the employer. Other common compensations include flexible working hours, the possibility of remote work, and vacation benefits that follow collective agreements. In some cases, subsidized lunch or staff support for work-related stress are also offered.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a study counselor is considered relatively balanced nationwide, according to the latest forecast from the Swedish Public Employment Service. The demand for educated counselors is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, meaning there is neither a surplus nor a shortage of labor. Challenges within the profession include staying updated on changes within the education system and labor market, as well as meeting students with very diverse needs and backgrounds. The work can be stressful during periods of high application pressure and requires good prioritization and stress management skills.

Tips for those who want to become a study counselor

To succeed as a study counselor, it is good to combine attentiveness with structure and the ability to build trust. Being communicative facilitates both individual conversations and group information sessions, while analytical skills help identify students' needs and goals. Patience is important for managing stressful periods and many concurrent cases, and empathy makes it easier to meet people in different life situations. Continuously furthering your education and staying updated on educational pathways and the labor market gives an advantage and strengthens credibility in the guidance role. Good collaboration skills are also beneficial, as the profession often involves cooperation with teachers, school leaders, and external actors.

Key facts about Study Counselors

  • Average salary: 40 100 SEK/month
  • Education level: Bachelor's degree, 3 years
  • Work environment: Office-based, often at schools or universities
  • Demand: Moderate, 434 available jobs (May 2024)
  • Women/men: Women earn 101% of men's salary

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience, a study counselor can advance to coordinator, team leader, or take responsibility for larger guidance initiatives within schools and municipalities. There are also opportunities to work with development projects, train new counselors, or specialize in areas such as adult education or labor market initiatives. According to the Public Employment Service's forecast, the demand for study and career guidance counselors is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, and the recruitment situation is characterized by balance. The profession offers stability and good opportunities for further education in pedagogy, leadership, or specialized fields like curriculum planning and integration.

Frequently asked questions about Study Counselors

  • What does a study counselor earn?
    - The average salary is 40 100 SEK per month, with a range between 27,500 SEK and 48,400 SEK.
  • How has the salary development looked for study counselors?
    - Salaries have increased by about 7.2% over the past three years, from 37,400 SEK to 40 100 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a study counselor?
    - Usually, a bachelor's degree from the study and career guidance program, three years at university.
  • Are there salary differences between women and men?
    - Yes, women earn on average 101% of what men do within the profession.
  • What does the job market look like for study counselors?
    - The job market is considered balanced, with about 434 available jobs and moderate opportunities nationwide.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Attentiveness, good communication, structure, and empathy are particularly valuable qualities in the profession.
  • Can you work remotely as a study counselor?
    - In some cases, remote work options are available, especially within adult education and online guidance.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Student counselor 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 Student counselor 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
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 Student counselor has the SSYK code 2352, 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