How much does a Alcohol therapist make

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  2. Alcohol therapist
Image that illustrates Alcohol therapist

Alcohol 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 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 therapist do? – Tasks and work environment

An alcohol therapist works to support and treat individuals with alcohol abuse or dependence issues. Tasks include individual conversations, group therapy, counseling, and follow-up of treatment plans. Collaboration with social services, healthcare, and relatives is common to provide comprehensive support to clients. The work is typically carried out at treatment centers, outpatient clinics, or within municipal units, and the environment is characterized by close client work where empathy and responsiveness are central qualities.

Salary development over time

The salary for alcohol therapists has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,200 SEK per month, which increased to 34 800 during 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 36 100, representing a total increase of approximately 8.7% over three years. This development can partly be explained by increased demand for qualified personnel in addiction care and a general salary increase within social professions. Salaries are also influenced by education level and experience, with higher education and specialization leading to better salary growth.

Alcohol therapist salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 36 100 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,800 SEK/month (female, public sector)
  • Highest salary: 41,500 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, research education)
  • Hourly wage: 217 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 98% of what men do (35 900 SEK vs 36 500 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Data on regional variations is unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as an alcohol therapist, a post-secondary education in social work, psychology, or addiction treatment is generally required. Many employers prefer candidates with experience from treatment work, and additional training in conversation techniques or specific treatment methods is highly valued. Practical experience from similar professions is often advantageous.

  • Formal education: Vocational college or university (2–4 years) in social work, psychology, or addiction treatment
  • Certifications: Courses in Motivational Interviewing (MI), CBT, or equivalent methods
  • Internship: Practical training at workplaces during education
  • Prerequisites: High school diploma, often with a focus on social or healthcare studies
  • Tips: Additional training in addiction issues and mental health increases employability

Alcohol therapists often meet clients in highly vulnerable life situations, requiring great empathy and boundary-setting skills. Working in teams with other professionals within healthcare and social services is common, and the profession often involves significant responsibility for coordinating efforts and building trust.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Alcohol therapists are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness grants, flexitime, and opportunities for professional development. Some employers also provide supervision, subsidized lunches, and extra vacation days, especially in the public sector.

Competition and challenges

The job market for alcohol therapists is characterized by relatively balanced competition, with medium opportunities according to national assessments. Challenges in the profession include high demands on emotional resilience, the ability to handle complex situations, and sometimes a fast pace. Since the profession is part of a broader occupational group, competition for certain positions can be higher, especially in larger cities or specialized services. The need for ongoing education and updated knowledge of treatment methods is constant to best meet clients’ needs.

Tips for those wishing to become an alcohol therapist

To succeed as an alcohol therapist, it is beneficial to combine strong empathy with a professional approach. Developing good communication skills facilitates contact with clients and colleagues, while accuracy and structure help in documenting treatment efforts. Flexibility is an important trait, as workdays often vary and unexpected situations may arise. Continuing education and staying updated on new treatment methods strengthen competence and increase career opportunities. The ability to set boundaries and manage stress is crucial to avoid burnout, and a fundamental desire to help others drives daily work forward.

Key facts about Alcohol Therapist

  • Education level: Post-secondary education (YH/university, 2–4 years)
  • Work environment: Treatment centers, outpatient clinics, and municipal units
  • Work mode: Individual and team-based
  • Demand: Medium opportunities nationwide
  • Special skills: Motivational interviewing, addiction issues, collaboration

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an alcohol therapist, there are opportunities to advance to more specialized roles, such as treatment manager, unit supervisor, or trainer within addiction care. Some choose to deepen their knowledge in specific treatment methods or further qualify as psychotherapists. The Employment Service’s prognosis for the group of treatment assistants and social pedagogues indicates that the job market is considered to have medium opportunities and unchanged demand over the next five years. A total of 237 job openings were reported in the group during the latest survey, indicating a stable but competitive job market.

Frequently asked questions about Alcohol Therapist

  • What does an alcohol therapist earn?
    - An alcohol therapist has an average salary of 36 100 SEK per month.
  • How has the salary development for alcohol therapists progressed?
    - The salary has increased from 33,200 SEK in 2022 to 36 100 SEK in 2024, which corresponds to an increase of approximately 8.7% over three years.
  • What education is required to become an alcohol therapist?
    - A post-secondary education in social work, psychology, or addiction treatment is required, often supplemented with courses in conversation techniques.
  • Are there gender differences in salary?
    - Women earn 98% of what men do within the profession.
  • Which workplaces employ alcohol therapists?
    - Common workplaces include treatment centers, outpatient clinics, and municipal units.
  • What are the future prospects for the profession?
    - The job market is considered balanced with medium opportunities and unchanged demand over the next five years.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for an alcohol therapist?
    - The highest salary is 41,500 SEK and the lowest is 31,800 SEK.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-09 06:01:11

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Alcohol 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 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 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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