Vocational teacher

What does a vocational teacher do? – Tasks and work environment

Vocational teachers are responsible for educating students in practical and vocational subjects at upper secondary schools, adult education, and vocational colleges. The work involves planning, implementing, and following up on teaching that combines theory with practice, often in close cooperation with working life and industry representatives. Vocational teachers supervise students' professional development, assess knowledge levels, and ensure that education maintains high quality and relevance to labor market needs. The work environment varies depending on specialization and can include classrooms, workshops, and internships at companies, requiring flexibility and strong pedagogical skills.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, vocational teachers have experienced stable and positive salary growth. In 2022, the average salary was 39,100 SEK per month, increasing to 40 200 SEK in 2023, and reaching 41 600 SEK in 2024. This increase represents a total salary improvement of approximately 6.4% over the period. The salary development has been influenced by continued high demand for vocational teachers, especially in sectors with large pension retirements and a need for new skills. The labor market's demand for vocational teachers drives up salaries, while the level of education and specialized knowledge within various trades also contribute to strengthening the profession's salary position.

Vocational teacher salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 41 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 34,400 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, upper secondary education)
• Highest salary: 47,600 SEK/month (male, private sector, postgraduate education)
• Hourly wage (average): 250 SEK
• Women/men: Women earn 41 300 SEK, men 41 800 SEK (women 99% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Salary variations occur depending on employer and region, but statistics show that metropolitan areas often offer slightly higher salaries.

Education and qualifications

To work as a vocational teacher, a combination of professional experience and pedagogical education is generally required. Most often, one first works within their trade and then supplements with pedagogical teacher training, often via a specialized vocational teacher program offered at several universities and colleges. Formal requirements and recommendations may vary depending on the subject area and employer.

• Vocational teacher education: Higher education, typically 1.5–2 years part-time
• Professional experience: Several years of documented practice within the relevant trade
• Eligibility: Basic eligibility for university studies and specific prerequisites within the trade
• Internship: Work-based training (VFU) included in the program
• Certification: Teaching license required for permanent employment in schools

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to the base salary, vocational teachers often receive benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, opportunities for professional development, and extra vacation days. Other common compensations include overtime pay for work during unsociable hours and reimbursement for supervising students during internships. In some cases, additional pay may be provided for special responsibilities or mentorship roles.

Competition and challenges

The demand for vocational teachers remains high according to the Swedish Public Employment Service forecasts, but the profession is also characterized by recruitment difficulties. Many employers struggle to find qualified teachers with the right professional background and pedagogical training, creating a paradoxical situation where unemployment can be high for some groups, while other parts of the country face shortages of competence. Challenges also include staying updated within their trade, meeting students' diverse needs, and working in an environment with high demands on flexibility and pedagogical skill. For those engaged in both teaching and their trade, however, the profession offers great opportunities for development.

Tips for those who want to become a vocational teacher

To succeed as a vocational teacher, it is beneficial to combine deep trade knowledge with pedagogical curiosity and good communication skills. Engaging in ongoing development within your trade facilitates both teaching and contact with working life. Being flexible and attentive to students' different conditions contributes to a better learning environment, while patience and structure help handle challenges that may arise in the classroom. Good collaboration with colleagues and employers is also a key to success, especially when it comes to developing education and creating internship opportunities. Finally, a willingness to continually learn new things and inspire others toward professional growth is valuable.

Key facts about vocational teachers

• Average salary: 41 600 SEK/month
• Education level: Vocational teacher training + professional experience
• Work environment: School, workshop, internships
• Demand: Large opportunities for employment nationwide
• Eligibility requirements: Teaching license in vocational subjects

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a vocational teacher, there are opportunities to advance to positions such as senior teacher, team leader, or educational coordinator within the school. Others choose to specialize in pedagogical development, supervision of teacher candidates, or work with collaboration between school and industry. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service forecast, the opportunity for employment as a vocational teacher remains high, with unchanged demand over the next five years. However, recruitment remains challenging in finding qualified teachers, which benefits those with the right education and experience. In total, 434 job openings were recorded in the latest survey, further emphasizing the profession's attractiveness and need for new vocational teachers.

Frequently asked questions about vocational teachers

• What does a vocational teacher earn?
  - Vocational teachers have an average monthly salary of 41 600 SEK. The salary varies depending on experience, education, sector, and region.
• How does one become a vocational teacher?
  - To become a vocational teacher, professional experience within the relevant field and supplementary college or university teacher training are required.
• Are there good job opportunities?
  - Yes, opportunities for employment as a vocational teacher are considered high, and demand is expected to stay the same over the next five years.
• What are the salary differences between women and men?
  - Women earn an average of 41 300 SEK and men 41 800 SEK, which means women earn 99% of men's salaries.
• What education is required for a teaching license?
  - Vocational teacher education, documented professional experience, and approved studies in pedagogy are required to apply for a teaching license.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for vocational teachers?
  - The highest salary is 47,600 SEK and the lowest 34,400 SEK, depending on education, sector, and experience.
• What benefits can a vocational teacher receive?
  - Common benefits include occupational pension, wellness allowance, professional development, and extra vacation days.