Physiotherapy assistant

What does a Physiotherapy Assistant do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A physiotherapy assistant works closely with physiotherapists and other healthcare staff to support patients in their rehabilitation and daily training. Tasks often include assisting with exercises, helping with transfers, providing support during walks, and informing and motivating patients to stay physically active. The work environment includes hospitals, primary care, and municipal care services. Good physical ability is required as the role involves assisting patients with movement and sometimes handling assistive devices. The profession also involves daily contact with people of different ages and varying healthcare needs, which requires empathy and communication skills.

Salary development over time

The salary development for physiotherapy assistants has been clearly positive in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,100 SEK per month. In 2023, the average increased to 29 400 SEK, corresponding to an increase of about 8.5%. In 2024, the salary has continued to rise and is now at 30 200 SEK, an increase of an additional 2.7% from the previous year. This trend reflects an increased demand for support staff in healthcare and a general upward pressure on wages in care professions. Especially within the municipal sector, competition for workforce has led to improved conditions and higher wages for certain specialized assistants. The trend indicates that the job market for physiotherapy assistants remains stable with some wage growth, although differences occur depending on education level and employer.

Physiotherapy Assistant salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 30 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 26,500 SEK (female, government sector, pre-high school education <9 years)
• Highest salary: 41,700 SEK (female, municipal sector, postgraduate education)
• Lowest salary for men: 26,800 SEK
• Highest salary for men: 35,600 SEK
• Hourly wage (average): 181 SEK
• Women earn: 30 400 SEK (102% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 29 800 SEK
• Regional differences: Minor variations, mainly depending on employer and urban/rural location

Education and qualifications

To work as a physiotherapy assistant, a high school education in healthcare and social care is usually required, but additional courses or internal training can also be advantageous. Many employers seek experience from similar work within healthcare, but there are also opportunities for recent graduates to get employed and develop within the profession. Internships can be part of the educational pathway, providing valuable experience of the work environment and patient contact.

• High school education: Healthcare and social care program (3 years)
• Additional courses: Transfer techniques, rehabilitation, ergonomics
• Internship: Often included in elderly care or rehabilitation training
• Prerequisites: Swedish language and basic healthcare knowledge
• Further education: Opportunities for internal training and certifications

Common benefits and compensations

Physiotherapy assistants are usually covered by collective agreements and are offered various benefits such as occupational pension, paid vacation, sick pay, and sometimes wellness allowances. Extra compensation may be provided for unsocial hours, such as evenings, weekends, or nights. Some employers also offer professional development, training days, and opportunities for further education within rehabilitation and healthcare.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a physiotherapy assistant varies depending on region and employer, but demand is generally considered stable. Challenges in the profession often involve meeting patients' diverse needs and working at a high pace with many physically demanding tasks. Some workplaces may have limited resources, which requires flexibility and prioritization skills. At the same time, there is a clear trend where employers aim to retain and attract staff through better working conditions and increased opportunities for professional development. A challenge for many is balancing the practical role with empathetic interaction, especially when dealing with patients with complex care needs.

Tips for those who want to become a Physiotherapy Assistant

To succeed as a physiotherapy assistant, it is good to be proactive and show engagement in both patient contact and tasks. Being attentive and communicative facilitates collaboration with patients and colleagues and makes it easier to adapt efforts to individual needs. Good physical endurance is important, as the workday often involves lifts and transfers, and learning proper ergonomics and techniques early on is wise. Flexibility and stress resilience are appreciated by employers, as the pace can vary and unexpected situations may arise. Showing empathy and patience is crucial, especially when working with patients with long-term or complex conditions. It is also beneficial to pursue additional training or courses, as this increases opportunities for development within the profession. Finally, the ability to work independently and take responsibility for your tasks is highly valued in the role.

Key facts about Physiotherapy Assistant

• Education level: High school diploma, often healthcare and social care program
• Work environment: Hospitals, primary care, and municipal care
• Demand: Stable need, 375 available jobs in the workforce
• Gender distribution: Majority women, but increasing share of men
• Common employment types: Permanent or hourly employment

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the role of physiotherapy assistant, there are opportunities to take on greater responsibility, such as becoming a supervisor for assistants or further education to become a care assistant or physiotherapist. Some choose to specialize in rehabilitation, elderly care, or pediatric and youth rehabilitation. The employment service makes no specific forecast for the physiotherapy assistant profession, but demand within the healthcare and social care workforce is considered stable with many available jobs. There are good prospects for continued employment and development, especially for those who pursue further education or broaden their skills. Regional differences exist, but in metropolitan areas and municipal sectors, the need is often greatest.

Frequently asked questions about Physiotherapy Assistant

• What does a Physiotherapy Assistant earn?
  - The average salary is 30 200 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, education, and sector.
• What are the gender pay differences?
  - Women earn an average of 30 400 SEK and men 29 800 SEK, which means women earn 102% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a Physiotherapy Assistant?
  - High school education in healthcare and social care is recommended, preferably supplemented with relevant courses or internships.
• Are there many job openings for Physiotherapy Assistants?
  - Yes, there are 375 available jobs within the healthcare and social care workforce.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a Physiotherapy Assistant?
  - The highest salary is 41,700 SEK (female, municipal sector, postgraduate education) and the lowest 26,500 SEK (female, government sector, basic education).
• What are the most common workplaces?
  - Most commonly hospitals, primary care, and municipal care.
• What are the job prospects for the profession?
  - Demand is considered stable, but no specific forecast exists due to limited data.