How much does a Alcohol and drug therapist make

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  2. Alcohol and drug therapist
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Alcohol and drug therapist

36 100 kr

Treatment assistants and social pedagogues etc.

31 800 - 41 500 kr / month

Women earn 98% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Alcohol and drug therapist

Average salary 36 100 kr
Males 36 500 kr
Females 35 900 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 302 Vacant jobs ->

What does an alcohol and drug therapist do? – Tasks and work environment

An alcohol and drug therapist works to help individuals with alcohol, drug, or other dependency issues. The work includes both individual counseling and group treatments where clients receive support in managing their dependencies and developing strategies for a sober and drug-free life. In addition to counseling, tasks may include coordination with social services, support for relatives, as well as documentation and follow-up of treatment efforts. The work environment varies between institutions, outpatient clinics, municipal services, and private treatment homes, where teamwork and collaboration with other professionals are often central.

Salary development over time

The salary for an alcohol and drug therapist has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,200 SEK per month, increasing to 34 800 SEK in 2023 and reaching 36 100 SEK in 2024. This development represents a total increase of approximately 8.7% over three years, reflecting increased demand for qualified personnel in addiction care as well as general salary growth within social professions. The salary increase can also be linked to higher requirements for education and skills, as well as employers' desire to retain experienced staff in a sector where workload is often high and efforts are complex.

Alcohol and drug therapist salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 36 100 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary (women/men): 31,800 SEK / 32,400 SEK
  • Highest salary (women/men): 41,500 SEK / 39,200 SEK
  • Hourly wage: 217 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 98% of what men do (35 900 SEK vs 36 500 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as an alcohol and drug therapist, a post-secondary education in social work, treatment, or dependency issues is usually required. Many programs are at vocational university level and include both theory and practical training. Some employers require specific certifications or additional courses in counseling methods and treatment. Practical experience from social work or treatment activities is highly valued during recruitment.

  • Vocational university program: 2–2.5 years, often with internship
  • Certification: Examples include MI (Motivational Interviewing) or CBT
  • Additional courses: In addiction care and counseling methods
  • Practical training: Mandatory in most programs
  • Prerequisites: Usually high school diploma and experience from social work

Many alcohol and drug therapists work in teams alongside social workers, psychologists, and nurses, providing a broad understanding of the client's overall situation. The interdisciplinary environment fosters collaborative development and allows treatment efforts to be more individually tailored.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Typical benefits for alcohol and drug therapists include occupational pension, wellness allowance, opportunities for professional development, and regular supervision. Many employers also offer flexitime, subsidized lunches, staff support, and generous conditions for holidays and leave.

Competition and challenges

The job market for alcohol and drug therapists is expected to be balanced with moderate opportunities, according to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts. Over the next five years, demand is expected to remain unchanged, meaning competition for positions will neither increase nor decrease significantly. A challenge in the profession is that workload can sometimes be high, especially in municipal and government sectors. Additionally, the work requires emotional maturity and the ability to handle complex and sometimes emotionally demanding situations. Skills in new treatment methods and digital tools can provide advantages in the job market.

Tips for those who want to become an alcohol and drug therapist

To succeed as an alcohol and drug therapist, it is good to have strong empathy and a genuine interest in helping others. Being attentive and able to see things from the client's perspective is crucial for building trust and facilitating change. It is also important to be organized and meticulous, as documentation and follow-up are a large part of the work. Good teamwork skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues and partners, while personal integrity and stress resilience help manage challenging situations. Continuing education and staying updated on new treatment methods are recommended to remain attractive in the job market.

Key facts about alcohol and drug therapists

  • Education level: Vocational university (2–2.5 years) or equivalent
  • Typical work form: Full-time, often daytime
  • Work environment: Treatment centers, outpatient clinics, municipal and private facilities
  • Demand: Moderate opportunities, 237 job openings in the profession
  • Special skills: Counseling methods, dependency issues, collaboration

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience, there are opportunities to advance to leadership roles such as coordinator, unit manager, or specialize in areas like family support or youth treatment. Some choose to further their education in psychotherapy or supervision, opening new fields within treatment or education. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, demand for alcohol and drug therapists is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, maintaining a balance between supply and demand. The profession thus offers stable career opportunities, especially for those willing to develop their skills and adapt to new treatment methods.

Common questions about alcohol and drug therapists

  • What does an alcohol and drug therapist earn?
    - The average salary is 36 100 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, employer, and education.
  • How does one become an alcohol and drug therapist?
    - The most common path is a vocational university program in the field, often supplemented with certifications and practical training.
  • Are there salary differences between women and men?
    - Yes, women earn on average 35 900 SEK and men 36 500 SEK, which means women earn 98% of what men do.
  • What does the job market look like?
    - Opportunities are moderate and competition is expected to be balanced over the next five years.
  • Which workplaces hire alcohol and drug therapists?
    - Treatment centers, municipal services, private clinics, and outpatient clinics are common employers.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries?
    - The highest salary is 41,500 SEK (female, municipal sector, with research education), and the lowest is 31,800 SEK (female, government sector).

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-09 05:55:03

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Alcohol and drug therapist is 41500 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Municipal sector with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 39200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Alcohol and drug therapist is 31800 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 32400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 28900 kr 31300 kr
25-34 98% 32600 kr 34700 kr
35-44 99% 34300 kr 36500 kr
45-54 100% 34800 kr 37100 kr
55-64 100% 34800 kr 36700 kr
65-68 101% 34800 kr 37000 kr
Snitt 98% 34000 kr 36100 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
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 Alcohol and drug therapist has the SSYK code 3411, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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