How much does a Drug therapist make

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  2. Drug therapist
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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 Drug therapist

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

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

Drug therapists support and treat individuals with substance abuse and dependency issues. Tasks include talk therapy, motivational work, relapse prevention, and coordination with other societal actors such as social services, healthcare, and sometimes the justice system. Treatment often occurs both individually and in groups, with interventions tailored to the client's needs and situation. The work can be performed at treatment centers, outpatient clinics, municipal services, or private practices. The work environment is characterized by close contact with clients and colleagues, requiring high levels of empathy and stress resilience.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salaries for drug therapists have shown a steady increase. In 2022, the average salary was 33,200 SEK, which rose to 34 800 SEK in 2023. The trend continued upwards into 2024, with the average reaching 36 100 SEK, representing an overall increase of approximately 8.7% during this period. This salary development reflects increased demand for qualified therapists and general salary adjustments within the profession. The industry has also been influenced by a growing focus on addiction treatment and mental health, which may explain the salary growth. Gender differences are relatively small, but women still earn slightly less than men in the field.

Drug therapist salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 36 100 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,800 SEK/month (female, government sector)
  • Highest salary: 41,500 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, research education)
  • Hourly wage: 217 SEK
  • Women earn: 35 900 SEK/month (98% of men's salary)
  • Men earn: 36 500 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as a drug therapist, a post-secondary education in social work, addiction care, or similar fields is usually required. Many employers prefer candidates with a treatment pedagogical degree or equivalent education, sometimes complemented with certifications in talk therapy or addiction treatment. Practical experience with dependency issues is often advantageous, and some organizations offer internal training or supervision for new staff.

  • Post-secondary education: For example, treatment pedagogy (2 years)
  • Certification: Courses in MI (Motivational Interviewing), relapse prevention, or CBT
  • Internship: Common during training
  • Prerequisites: High school diploma, often with a focus on healthcare or social work
  • Tips: Work experience in healthcare, care, or social services increases chances

Many drug therapists report that the greatest satisfaction in the profession comes from seeing tangible changes in people's lives, even though the path is often long and challenging. Building trust and working long-term are central – quick fixes rarely lead to lasting results.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Drug therapists are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, professional development, supervision, and sometimes extra vacation days. Many workplaces also provide collective agreements, pension contributions, and flexible working hours. Access to supervision and further training is common, contributing to the profession's development and quality.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a drug therapist is assessed as moderate, with a relatively balanced job market according to the Swedish Public Employment Service forecasts. Many employers seek candidates with both formal education and practical experience, which can make it challenging for recent graduates to secure the most attractive positions. The profession demands high personal maturity, patience, and the ability to handle emotionally demanding situations. Another challenge is working with clients who often have complex needs and where relapse is part of the process. At the same time, job opportunities are stable, especially within municipal and private sectors.

Tips for those wanting to become a drug therapist

To succeed as a drug therapist, it is beneficial to combine a genuine interest in people with active listening skills and the ability to build trust. Gaining early experience through summer jobs or internships in addiction care can strengthen both professional knowledge and confidence. Empathy and the ability to set clear boundaries are crucial when working with clients. Flexibility and stress resilience are valuable qualities, as the work environment is often dynamic and may require quick adjustments. Regular further training, such as in talk therapy techniques or mental health, is recommended for professional growth. Networking with colleagues and participating in supervision provides support and new perspectives. Patience and perseverance are essential, as change processes often take time but offer great personal and professional fulfillment.

Key facts about the Drug Therapist

  • Educational level: Post-secondary education, often 2 years
  • Work format: Individual and group, often within municipal sector
  • Demand: 237 job openings in the profession
  • Future prospects: Moderate opportunities, unchanged demand
  • Gender distribution: Women earn 98% of men's salary

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years as a drug therapist, there are opportunities to develop into more specialized roles, such as coordinator, operations developer, or trainer in addiction care. Some choose to further their education to social pedagog, counselor, or manager within treatment services. The Swedish Public Employment Service forecasts that opportunities within the professions of treatment assistants and social pedagogues are moderate and expected to remain stable over the next five years. This indicates that the demand for qualified drug therapists will stay steady, especially within municipal and private sectors where the need for addiction treatment is constant.

Common questions about Drug Therapist

  • What does a Drug Therapist earn?
    - The average salary is 36 100 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a drug therapist?
    - Post-secondary education in social work, treatment pedagogy, or addiction care is recommended.
  • Are there many job openings for drug therapists?
    - There are 237 job openings in the profession.
  • What are the gender differences in salary?
    - Women earn 98% of what men do in the profession.
  • What is the highest salary for a drug therapist?
    - The highest salary is 41,500 SEK per month.
  • What are the future prospects for the profession?
    - Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
  • What personal qualities are important for a drug therapist?
    - Empathy, patience, stress resilience, and active listening skills are key qualities.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 10:17:51

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