Image that illustrates Youth leaders

Youth leaders

31 900 kr

Recreation leaders etc.

27 400 - 37 600 kr / month

Women earn 102% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Youth leaders

Average salary 31 900 kr
Males 31 500 kr
Females 32 100 kr

What does a Youth Leader do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A youth leader primarily works to support, motivate, and guide young people in their personal development and leisure activities. Job responsibilities can vary depending on the workplace but often include planning and executing activities, creating safe environments, and serving as a role model. Many youth leaders are employed at municipal youth centers, associations, or organizations focused on youth work. The work environment is characterized by social interactions, varying working hours, and a strong focus on relationship building. The work often takes place in the afternoons, evenings, and weekends when young people are available to participate.

Salary Development Over Time

The profession of youth leader has experienced steady salary growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 29,600 SEK per month, which increased to 30 600 in 2023 and further to 31 900 in 2024. This corresponds to a total increase of approximately 7.4% over three years. This development reflects increased demand for social professions and a greater focus on youth well-being in society. Salaries are also influenced by factors such as education level, work experience, and geographic location. The gap between men and women has decreased over time, and in 2024, women earn on average 102% of what men do within the profession.

Youth Leader Salary – Complete Overview

  • Average salary: 31 900 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 27,400 SEK (men), 28,000 SEK (women)
  • Highest salary: 37,600 SEK (men), 35,700 SEK (women)
  • Hourly wage (average): 192 SEK
  • Women earn: 102% of what men do (women: 32 100 SEK, men: 31 500 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Data varies, but metropolitan areas tend to have slightly higher salaries.

Education and Qualifications

To work as a youth leader, a high school education with a focus on leisure activities or social work is usually required, supplemented by post-secondary studies such as leisure leader training. Many employers also value experience from voluntary engagement or work with youth. The job requirements vary depending on the employer, but social skills, leadership, and pedagogical ability are central qualities.

  • Leisure leader training: Vocational higher education (2 years)
  • High school education: Recommended: Child and Leisure Program
  • Internship: Often required or advantageous from previous work with youth
  • Courses/certifications: Leadership training, conflict management, first aid
  • Experience: Voluntary engagement within organizations or youth activities is valued

Youth leaders often have the opportunity to influence the content of activities and design programs based on the wishes and needs of young people. Those who are creative and flexible can make a significant difference and help create inspiring leisure environments. The role also involves building trusting relationships and acting as a support person in the daily lives of young people.

– statsskuld.se

Common Benefits and Compensation

Benefits offered to youth leaders vary depending on the employer, but it is common to have wellness allowances, professional development opportunities, favorable pension agreements, and sometimes extra vacation days. Some workplaces also offer flexible working hours and support for further education. Union agreements often regulate basic conditions for work environment and compensation.

Competition and Challenges

The job market for youth leaders is characterized by balanced competition, where the number of applicants roughly matches the number of available positions. According to the Employment Service’s forecast, demand for youth leaders and leisure leaders is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Challenges in the profession include managing complex social situations, engaging young people, and working irregular hours. Success requires good ability to connect with youth in their everyday lives and handle changing tasks.

Tips for Aspiring Youth Leaders

To succeed as a youth leader, it’s beneficial to have a genuine interest in youth development and strong listening skills. Flexibility makes it easier to adapt activities quickly to meet the needs or changing circumstances of young people. It’s important to be confident and have clear leadership to create a safe and inclusive environment. Engagement and initiative are appreciated by employers, especially when taking responsibility for activities and projects. The ability to collaborate with colleagues and other adults is crucial, as is patience when working with youth from diverse backgrounds and needs. Good pedagogical skills help inspire and motivate young people, and practical experience from similar activities is often advantageous.

Key Facts about Youth Leaders

  • Education level: High school diploma or vocational higher education (2 years)
  • Work environment: Youth centers, schools, associations – often evening and weekend work
  • Demand: Moderate, 237 available jobs within the profession
  • Gender salary gap: Women earn 102% of men's salaries

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After three to five years as a youth leader, there are opportunities to advance to coordinator, operations manager, or leisure director. Some choose to further their education in social work or pedagogy to work as a counselor, social pedagogue, or within student health services. According to the Employment Service, the labor market for leisure leaders and youth leaders is stable with a moderate number of available positions and an unchanged demand forecast. The recruitment situation is described as balanced, meaning there is neither a shortage nor an oversupply of labor nationally.

Frequently Asked Questions about Youth Leaders

  • What is the average salary of a Youth Leader?
    - The average salary is 31 900 SEK/month.
  • How do salary differences between men and women look?
    - Women earn on average 102% of what men do within the profession.
  • What does the job market look like for youth leaders?
    - The job market is balanced with 237 available jobs and unchanged demand according to the forecast.
  • What education is required to become a youth leader?
    - Usually, a high school diploma and vocational training as a leisure leader (2 years).
  • What are the working hours for a youth leader?
    - Work often takes place in the evenings and on weekends when young people are off.
  • Are there regional salary differences?
    - Yes, slightly higher salaries occur in metropolitan regions.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for youth leaders?
    - The highest salary is 37,600 SEK, and the lowest is 27,400 SEK (men).

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Youth leaders is 37600 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Municipal sector with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 35700 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Youth leaders is 27400 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 28000 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 100% 24600 kr 26300 kr
25-34 100% 29600 kr 31000 kr
35-44 101% 32100 kr 33100 kr
45-54 101% 32900 kr 33600 kr
55-64 100% 33500 kr 34200 kr
65-68 33900 kr 34700 kr
Snitt 102% 30700 kr 31900 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 Youth leaders has the SSYK code 3423, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

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* Updated with 2025 taxes