Image that illustrates Treatment assistant, caregiver

Treatment assistant, caregiver

32 300 kr

Caregivers, residential support

29 000 - 35 300 kr / month

Women earn 100% of what men do.

Socialt arbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Treatment assistant, caregiver

Average salary 32 300 kr
Males 32 300 kr
Females 32 400 kr

What does a behandlingsassistent, vårdare do? – Tasks and work environment

A behandlingsassistent in care and social services works to support individuals with social, mental health, or addiction-related difficulties. Tasks include creating a safe environment, motivating change, and helping individuals develop skills for a more independent life. Interventions are often carried out in close collaboration with social services, psychiatry, or other healthcare providers. The work environment can vary from treatment homes and residences to outpatient clinics, requiring great flexibility and sometimes shift work, evenings, and weekends.

Salary development over time

The salary for behandlingsassistenter and caregivers has gradually increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,500 SEK, which increased to 31 400 SEK in 2023 and has now reached 32 300 SEK in 2024. This represents an increase of approximately 5.9% over the three-year period. This positive trend can partly be explained by increased demand for expertise in social work and a greater focus on work environment and conditions within the sector. Despite the overall increase, salary development remains relatively stable and follows the general pattern within public care professions. Gender differences are practically nonexistent, indicating an equal pay structure in the profession.

Behandlingsassistent – caregiver salary: complete overview

  • Average salary: 32 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 29,000 SEK/month (female, public sector)
  • Highest salary: 35,300 SEK/month (male, municipal sector)
  • Hourly wage (average): 194 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Women earn as much as men
  • Regional differences: Data not available for specific regions

Education and qualifications

To work as a behandlingsassistent or caregiver, a high school education in care and social work or an equivalent is usually required. Further education at a vocational university or college can be advantageous, especially for specialized roles. Practical experience working with people in vulnerable situations is highly valued, and employers often view supplementary courses in communication methods or psychology positively.

  • High school diploma: Care and social service program, approx. 3 years
  • Vocational college: Social pedagog or behandlingspedagog, 2 years
  • Certifications/courses: Motivational interviewing, low-arousal approach
  • Internship: Usually practical training or traineeship during education
  • Prerequisites: Usually approved grades in Swedish and social studies

Many behandlingsassistenter report that no day is the same – the variation in tasks and encounters with people in different life situations makes the profession both challenging and rewarding. The ability to adapt one's approach and quickly build trust is often crucial to success. It is common to work in interdisciplinary teams, providing broad insight into social work.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Behandlingsassistenter and caregivers are often covered by collective agreements that include occupational pension, holiday pay, overtime pay for evening and weekend work, and wellness contributions. Other common benefits include further training, supervision, and opportunities for professional development within the field.

Challenges and opportunities

The job market for behandlingsassistenter and caregivers is characterized by high demand, but the role also presents certain challenges. A paradox is that many work part-time despite recruitment difficulties, which can be due to workload or a desire for flexibility. The profession also requires the ability to handle stressful situations, meet people in crisis, and work irregular hours. To thrive and develop, engagement and a professional attitude towards clients' needs and privacy are essential.

Tips for those aspiring to become behandlingsassistent, vårdare

To succeed as a behandlingsassistent or caregiver, it is important to have a genuine capacity for empathy and active listening skills. Flexibility and adaptability are crucial, as daily work can change rapidly and require different interventions. Being clear and consistent in your approach creates safety for clients and colleagues. Collaboration skills are key, since work often occurs in teams with various professionals. Finally, investing in further education and staying updated on social work methods and legislation can enhance your professional role.

Key facts about behandlingsassistent, vårdare

  • Education level: High school or vocational college
  • Work environment: Treatment homes, residences, outpatient clinics
  • Work pattern: Shift work, often evenings and weekends
  • Demand: Great opportunities for employment
  • Gender distribution: Equal pay between women and men

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as coordinator, supervisor, or to further educate as a social pedagog. Some choose to specialize in addiction treatment, youth work, or psychiatry. The Swedish Public Employment Service forecasts that opportunities for work as a caregiver and residential supporter remain strong even five years ahead, with stable demand. Despite recruitment challenges, the profession offers good prospects for permanent employment and development, especially for those who are flexible and willing to further their education.

Frequently asked questions about behandlingsassistent, vårdare

  • What does a behandlingsassistent, vårdare earn?
    - The average salary is 32 300 SEK per month, with minor differences between women and men.
  • What education is required to become a behandlingsassistent?
    - Usually, a high school diploma in care and social work or a vocational college program as a social pedagog or behandlingspedagog.
  • What is the job market like for behandlingsassistenter?
    - Opportunities for employment are considered to be large both short and long term according to the Swedish Public Employment Service.
  • What are common workplaces?
    - Treatment homes, HVB homes, municipal services, and outpatient clinics are common workplaces.
  • Are there opportunities for career development?
    - Yes, for example to coordinators, supervisors, or through further education as a social pedagog.
  • How is the gender distribution in salaries?
    - Women and men have essentially equal salaries within the profession.
  • How many job openings are available?
    - There are approximately 237 job openings in the profession of care workers and residential supporters.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Treatment assistant, caregiver is 35300 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Municipal sector with a high school education, 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 34100 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Treatment assistant, caregiver is 29000 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 30100 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 99% 24300 kr 28600 kr
25-34 97% 27500 kr 31300 kr
35-44 99% 29400 kr 32500 kr
45-54 100% 30300 kr 33400 kr
55-64 101% 30600 kr 33900 kr
65-68 103% 30300 kr 34000 kr
Snitt 100% 28900 kr 32300 kr
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 Treatment assistant, caregiver has the SSYK code 5342, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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