Garden teacher

What does a gardening teacher do? – tasks and work environment

A gardening teacher instructs students in horticultural subjects at high schools, adult education centers, and vocational colleges. Tasks include planning and conducting theoretical and practical lessons in cultivation, plant knowledge, pruning, landscaping, and environmental issues. The role also involves supervising students during internships and assessing their knowledge and skills. The work environment is diverse, with both classroom teaching and outdoor work in gardens, greenhouses, and school green spaces, requiring good physical stamina and the ability to adapt to seasonal changes.

Salary development over time

The salary for gardening teachers has seen steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 39,100 SEK per month, increasing to 40 200 SEK in 2023 – a rise of approximately 2.8%. From 2023 to 2024, the salary further increased to 41 600 SEK, corresponding to an additional 3.5%. This positive salary trend reflects increased demand for vocational teachers with specialized skills in gardening, as well as educational initiatives and investments in green industries. Gender pay gaps have decreased and are now minimal, indicating efforts toward equal pay conditions within the profession. The market is also characterized by competition for qualified teachers, which may have contributed to the ongoing salary increases.

Gardening teacher salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 41 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 34,400 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 47,600 SEK/month (male, private sector, research degree)
• Hourly wage: 250 SEK/hour (average, hourly employed)
• Gender differences: Women earn 41 300 SEK (99% of men's 41 800 SEK)
• Regional differences: Data varies, but salary levels are generally stable across the country

Education and qualifications

To work as a gardening teacher, a combination of pedagogical training and professional expertise in horticulture is usually required. The most common pathway is to first complete education in gardening at high school or post-secondary level, followed by additional teacher training or pedagogical continuing education. Practical experience is highly valuable, as are courses in plant knowledge and environmental technology. It is also possible to pursue further training through shorter courses or certifications in the field of gardening.

• Formal degree: Vocational teacher degree with a focus on gardening (3–4.5 years including pedagogy)
• Certifications/courses: Specialized courses in plant protection, pruning, or environmental technology
• Internships: Longer internship periods during education are common
• Prerequisites: High school education in gardening or equivalent work experience
• Tips for choosing: Select educational pathways based on interest in teaching and gardening

Common benefits and compensations

Gardening teachers often enjoy benefits such as wellness allowances, work clothing, and opportunities for professional development. Working hours are generally regulated with some flexibility during seasonal periods, and there are also holiday pay, pension contributions, and insurance coverage via collective agreements. Some employers also offer training trips and participation in industry-specific conferences.

Competition and challenges

The profession of gardening teacher features a paradoxical labor market with high demand but some recruitment difficulties. Competition for qualified and experienced teachers is significant, especially since both pedagogical skills and specialist knowledge in gardening are required. Challenges include staying updated on new cultivation methods and environmental standards, as well as adapting teaching to diverse student groups. Workload can vary with seasons and projects, requiring flexibility and good planning skills. Long-term, fostering collaboration with industry and other educational actors is crucial to maintaining relevant training programs.

Tips for aspiring gardening teachers

To succeed as a gardening teacher, it’s beneficial to combine a genuine interest in both pedagogy and plant knowledge with an attentive and engaged personality. Good communication skills facilitate explaining complex topics in an inspiring way. Patience and perseverance are essential, especially when students need extra support or when weather challenges outdoor teaching. Being flexible and solution-oriented helps in planning practical activities and collaborating with colleagues and industry contacts. Finally, having an open mind for new technology and sustainable cultivation methods contributes to keeping teaching current and innovative.

Key facts about gardening teachers

• Educational level: Vocational teacher degree with a focus on gardening
• Work environment: Combined indoor and outdoor environment
• Demand: High, with 434 available jobs in the profession
• Gender distribution: Small salary differences between men and women
• Special skills: Plant knowledge, environmental technology, pedagogy

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a gardening teacher can take on roles such as lead teacher, program manager, or development leader within educational activities. There are also opportunities to specialize in areas like organic cultivation, garden design, or consulting for businesses. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that job opportunities are plentiful, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. The recruitment situation is described as challenging, which suggests continued good career prospects for those combining pedagogical skills with subject-specific expertise.

Frequently asked questions about gardening teachers

• What does a gardening teacher earn?
  - A gardening teacher has an average salary of 41 600 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a gardening teacher?
  - The profession requires a vocational teacher degree with a focus on gardening and often previous experience in the field.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, but the difference is small – women earn 99% of men's salaries in the profession.
• What are the future prospects for gardening teachers?
  - The Employment Service assesses that job opportunities are abundant and demand is expected to remain unchanged.
• What are the most common workplaces for gardening teachers?
  - Most work at high schools, adult education centers, or vocational colleges, sometimes in close collaboration with the business sector.
• What is the lowest and highest salary for gardening teachers?
  - The lowest salary is 34,400 SEK and the highest is 47,600 SEK, depending on education, sector, and experience.
• What does the work environment look like for gardening teachers?
  - The work environment is varied, including classroom instruction and outdoor work in gardens, greenhouses, and school environments.