How much does a Drug counselor make

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  2. Drug counselor
Image that illustrates Drug counselor

Drug counselor

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 Drug counselor

Average salary 36 100 kr
Males 36 500 kr
Females 35 900 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 298 Vacant jobs ->

What does a drug counselor do? – Tasks and work environment

A drug counselor works to support individuals who have risky use, abuse, or dependence on alcohol and drugs. Tasks include counseling, conversations, and motivational work to help clients change their lifestyles. Drug counselors often collaborate with social services, healthcare providers, schools, and relatives to create long-term solutions. The work usually takes place in municipal or private settings, at treatment centers, outpatient clinics, or within social services' addiction teams. The role often involves meeting people in vulnerable situations, requiring attentiveness, empathy, and the ability to handle difficult conversations in sometimes pressured environments.

Salary development over time

The salary for drug counselors has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,200 SEK per month, rising to 34 800 SEK in 2023 and further to 36 100 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of about 8.7% during this period, slightly above the general salary growth for similar professions. This positive trend is linked to an increased societal need for qualified addiction care and higher demands on education and specialization in the field. The demand for competent drug counselors has remained stable, and the profession's status has been strengthened through greater focus on evidence-based methods and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Drug counselor 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)
  • Highest salary for men: 39,200 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary for men: 32,400 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 217 SEK
  • Women earn: 98% of men's salary (35 900 SEK vs 36 500 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Salary levels may vary between regions, with higher salaries in larger cities and areas with higher living costs.

Education and qualifications

To work as a drug counselor, a postgraduate education in social work, behavioral science, or similar fields is usually required. Many employers also look for specialized courses in addiction and dependence care, as well as experience with conversational methods. Practical experience from social work or treatment homes is considered a significant advantage during recruitment.

  • Vocational college degree: Treatment pedagog or social pedagogist, 2 years
  • University education: Social worker program, 3.5 years
  • Special courses: MI (Motivational Interviewing), addiction care, relapse prevention
  • Internship: Often mandatory during education
  • Experience: Work within social services, treatment homes, or similar is recommended

Many drug counselors meet clients in very vulnerable life situations, which requires both personal maturity and the ability to build trust – often during short meetings. The daily variation in tasks and meetings with people makes every day different.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Drug counselors are often covered by collective agreements that provide pension rights, wellness grants, and extra vacation days. Working hours can vary, and sometimes night or evening shifts occur, which may include additional compensation. Further, opportunities for professional development, supervision, and further education within the field are often available.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a drug counselor is relatively balanced, with a steady number of vacancies and moderate employment prospects according to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts. Challenges in the profession include high demands on psychological resilience and the ability to handle difficult life stories and sometimes risky situations. The work environment can be pressured, especially when working with clients with complex needs or limited resources. Staying updated on new methods and legislation is also crucial for providing proper support.

Tips for those who want to become a drug counselor

To succeed as a drug counselor, it is helpful to have a genuine desire to help others, along with clarity and boundary-setting skills in contact with clients. Developing good communication skills and active listening facilitates conversations and builds trust. Patience and perseverance are needed, as change processes often take time and can be emotionally demanding. Analytical ability helps when assessing complex situations and prioritizing appropriate interventions. Lastly, the ability to work both independently and in teams is essential, as drug counselors often collaborate with other professionals and authorities.

Key facts about drug counselors

  • Educational level: Post-secondary education, often YH or university
  • Work environment: Treatment centers, social services, or outpatient clinics
  • Work form: Full-time, shifts, and sometimes on-call
  • Demand: 237 vacancies nationwide
  • Gender distribution: Women earn 98% of men's salary

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, drug counselors can advance to more specialized roles, such as coordinator, unit manager, or supervisor within addiction care. There are also opportunities for further education in areas like family therapy or criminal justice. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, job prospects are moderate, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, indicating a stable job market for drug counselors. Digitalization and new treatment methods may create new career paths, especially for those who further educate or specialize in evidence-based addiction treatment.

Frequently asked questions about drug counselors

  • What is the salary of a drug counselor?
    - The average salary is 36 100 SEK per month, but it varies depending on experience, education, and workplace.
  • What education is required to become a drug counselor?
    - Usually, postgraduate education in social work, such as treatment pedagog or social worker, is required.
  • Are there differences between men's and women's salaries in the profession?
    - Yes, women earn on average 98% of men's salaries.
  • What is the job market like for drug counselors?
    - The job market is stable with moderate opportunities and about 237 vacancies nationwide.
  • What personal qualities are important for a drug counselor?
    - Attentiveness, patience, empathy, and good communication are key qualities.
  • How has the salary development been for drug counselors?
    - Salaries have increased by about 8.7% over the past three years.
  • Where do drug counselors usually work?
    - Most work within municipal sectors, treatment homes, or social services' addiction teams.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 22:56:55

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Drug counselor 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 Drug counselor 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 Drug counselor has the SSYK code 3411, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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