Vocational choice teacher

What does a Career Guidance Counselor do? – Tasks and Work Environment

Career guidance counselors work to guide and support students and adults in questions regarding educational choices and future career paths. The main task is to provide individual advice and information about different educational routes, labor market needs, and to help identify interests and strengths of the individual. The work may also include conducting group information sessions, collaborating with school staff and parents, and establishing contacts with the business sector to create internships and site visits. Career guidance counselors are often employed within primary schools, high schools, adult education, or employment agencies, working in environments characterized by meetings, conversations, and administrative tasks.

Salary development over time

The salary development for career guidance counselors has been steadily positive in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,400 SEK per month, increasing the following year to 38 700 SEK. In 2024, the average salary has reached 40 100 SEK, which corresponds to a total increase of approximately 7.2% over three years. This development can partly be explained by increased demand for qualified guidance and counseling, especially as the labor market evolves and the requirements for guidance skills increase. Salaries have also been influenced by collective bargaining within the public sector and a growing focus on the role of education in society. The trend shows that the profession remains attractive, particularly for those with the right education and experience.

Career guidance counselor salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 40 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 27,500 SEK/month (woman, public sector, pre-high school education)
• Highest salary: 48,400 SEK/month (man, private sector, doctoral degree)
• Hourly wage: 241 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Women earn 101% of what men do (women 40 200 SEK, men 39 600 SEK)
• Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on region, employer, and sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a career guidance counselor, a university education in guidance and career counseling is generally required, often combined with experience from the education sector or labor market-related activities. Formal requirements and merits vary between employers, but a guidance training at university level is a common foundation. Skills in conversation techniques and labor market knowledge are also in demand.

• Guidance and career counseling program: 3-year university program (180 ECTS)
• Internship: Usually included in the education
• Certifications: No formal requirements, but further training and courses can be advantageous
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies
• Tips: Experience from pedagogical work or labor market activities is often valuable

Common benefits and compensations

Career guidance counselors are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, extra vacation days, wellness allowances, and opportunities for professional development. Other common benefits may include flexible working hours, wellness hours, and sometimes remote work options. Compensation usually follows collective agreements and varies somewhat depending on employer and sector.

Competition and challenges

The job market for career guidance counselors is characterized by balance, meaning that the supply of qualified guidance counselors matches demand. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, the demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Challenges in the profession often involve staying updated on changes in the labor market, new educational routes, and meeting students' increasing needs for individually tailored guidance. Competition for positions can be greater in certain regions and within attractive schools or municipalities, while other areas offer good employment opportunities.

Tips for those who want to become a Career Guidance Counselor

To succeed as a career guidance counselor, it is beneficial to have strong communication skills, as the work largely involves listening, guiding, and building trust. An analytical mindset helps in mapping individual needs and matching them with educational and career options. Flexibility is valuable since labor market demands and the education system are constantly changing, requiring continuous further training and adaptation. Engagement and a genuine interest in helping others are important qualities, as is patience when decisions take time or when the guidance process is complex. Building networks with employers and educational providers can improve opportunities for students. Finally, being organized and having good administrative skills is an advantage, as documentation and planning are key parts of the profession.

Key facts about Career Guidance Counselors

• Educational level: University degree, usually 3 years (guidance and career counseling program)
• Work environment: Schools, adult education, or employment agencies
• Demand: Moderate, with a balance between supply and demand
• Number of available jobs: 434 within the profession
• Gender distribution: Women earn on average more than men in the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as a career guidance counselor, there are opportunities to advance to more specialized or leadership roles, such as coordinator for guidance services, development leader within education, or head of guidance. Some choose to further their education to become school principals or work with guidance issues at regional or national levels. The Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast assesses that job opportunities are moderate and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, indicating a stable job market for the profession. Regional variations exist, but overall, good employment prospects are available, especially for those with updated skills and experience.

Frequently asked questions about Career Guidance Counselors

• What is the average salary of a Career Guidance Counselor?
  - A career guidance counselor has an average salary of 40 100 SEK per month.
• How do gender differences look for Career Guidance Counselor salaries?
  - Women earn on average 40 200 SEK, which is 101% of men's salary, which is 39 600 SEK.
• What education is required to become a Career Guidance Counselor?
  - Usually, a 3-year university program in guidance and career counseling.
• Are there opportunities for career development?
  - Yes, opportunities exist to become a coordinator, development leader, or manager within guidance.
• What is the job market outlook for Career Guidance Counselors?
  - The job market is assessed to have moderate opportunities and a balance between supply and demand.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a Career Guidance Counselor?
  - The highest salary is 48,400 SEK, and the lowest is 27,500 SEK, depending on education, sector, and experience.