Occupational therapy assistant salary

Occupational Therapy Assistant: An Insight into the Profession

As an occupational therapy assistant, you are an important part of the healthcare team. Your work involves supporting occupational therapists in their daily tasks of helping patients regain and maintain their physical and cognitive abilities. This can range from assisting with basic movement exercises to supporting social activities that enhance the patient's well-being.

Salary for Occupational Therapy Assistant

The average salary for an occupational therapy assistant is 29 400 SEK per month. This marks an increase from the previous 27 100 SEK, showing a positive trend in the profession's salary development. Men in the field earn an average of 28 800 SEK, while women earn 29 700 SEK, meaning that women earn 103% of what men do. For hourly employees, the average hourly wage is 177 SEK, based on 166 working hours per month.

Salary Range and Education Level

The highest salary for an occupational therapy assistant is 39,300 SEK, held by a woman in the municipal sector with a doctoral degree. For men, the highest salary is 35,400 SEK. On the other hand, the lowest salary is 25,600 SEK for a man in the state sector with less than 9 years of pre-secondary education, while the lowest salary for a woman is 25,800 SEK.

Educational Requirements and Working Conditions

Typically, working as an occupational therapy assistant requires a high school education in healthcare. Having experience in the healthcare sector is also advantageous. The job may involve both physical and mental challenges, necessitating good physical health and empathetic skills.

Work Environment and Benefits

Occupational therapy assistants usually work in municipal or state healthcare settings, such as hospitals or nursing homes. The work environment may vary depending on the employer but often includes opportunities for further education and sometimes paid training to advance in the profession.

Future Outlook and Competition

According to the forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service, it is challenging to provide a detailed assessment of the job market for occupational therapy assistants due to limited data. The profession is part of a broader category of healthcare personnel, where demand can vary depending on the region and specific healthcare needs.

Considerations for Future Job Seekers

If you are considering a career as an occupational therapy assistant, it is essential to have a genuine interest in working with people and their rehabilitation. Good communication skills, patience, and the ability to work in a team are also crucial characteristics for success in the role. For those looking to advance, further education to become an occupational therapist or pursue another healthcare role could be a future step.