Health informant

What does a health informant do? – Tasks and work environment

A health informant works to disseminate knowledge and guide individuals and groups on health, lifestyle, and preventive care. Tasks may include planning and executing information campaigns, giving lectures, creating digital informational materials, and providing advice on areas such as physical activity, nutrition, stress management, and tobacco cessation. Collaborations often occur with schools, companies, health centers, or non-profit organizations. The work environment is varied and can include both office work and fieldwork among participants or clients. Digital tools and communication platforms are increasingly used to reach broader audiences and measure the effects of interventions.

Salary development over time

The salary for a health informant has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,926 SEK per month, which increased to 34 700 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average has risen further to 35 000 SEK, representing a total increase of nearly 10% over the period. This salary growth reflects a rising demand for skills in health promotion and digital information dissemination, as well as an increased awareness of the importance of preventive health in society. Despite a somewhat oversaturated job market for trained professionals, specialized knowledge and digital skills have become more valuable, contributing to salary increases.

Health Informant salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 35 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 29,800 SEK/month (female, private sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 44,600 SEK/month (male, public sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Hourly wage (average): 210 SEK/hour
• Women: 34 600 SEK/month (95% of men's salary)
• Men: 36 500 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Salary variations may occur, with metropolitan areas often offering slightly higher salaries than rural and smaller towns.

Education and qualifications

To work as a health informant, a post-secondary education in public health, health education, or wellness is usually required. The educational path can vary, but a three-year bachelor's degree is most common. Practical experience, such as internships or trainee programs, is often advantageous and beneficial for employment. Courses in digital communication and project management are increasingly important, as is the ability to adapt information for different target groups.

• Formal degree: Bachelor's degree in public health, health education, or equivalent (3 years)
• Certifications: Courses in motivational interviewing, digital health communication
• Internships: Internships in wellness, healthcare, or schools are highly recommended
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies
• Self-study/online: Opportunities for supplementary online courses in communication and health strategies

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for health informants include wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and the possibility of remote work. Many employers also offer skills development, subsidized lunches, and extra vacation days. In the public sector, advantageous pension schemes and health insurance may also be included.

Competition and challenges

The competition within the profession is relatively high, as there is a certain oversupply of trained professionals in wellness and health education nationwide. However, opportunities exist in various sectors, such as public services, corporate health, and non-profit organizations. An important challenge is to stay updated on new communication channels, digital tools, and health trends. Adaptability and the ability to reach different target groups are crucial for success. Over a five-year horizon, demand for health informants is expected to increase, but competition for attractive positions may still be fierce.

Tips for aspiring health informants

To succeed as a health informant, it is beneficial to be curious and have a strong desire to inspire others toward healthier choices. Communication skills are essential—being able to convey complex information clearly and engagingly facilitates both counseling and educational efforts. Flexibility and adaptability make it easier to handle changes in tasks and new digital tools. Collaboration skills are important, as many projects are team-based with various professional roles. Finally, a high degree of independence and initiative is required to drive your own projects and find new ways to reach your target audience.

Key facts about the Health Informant profession

• Education level: Bachelor's degree in public health or health education
• Work environment: Combination of office work, fieldwork, and digital platforms
• Job market: 237 job openings within the profession (May 2024)
• Gender distribution: Women earn 95% of what men do
• Future prospects: Demand is expected to increase over the next five years (Arbetsförmedlingen)

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, there are opportunities to take on more specialized roles, such as project managers within public health projects, digital health informants, or training coordinators within larger organizations. Some choose to deepen their expertise in areas like workplace wellness, school health, or digital health services. Forecasts from Arbetsförmedlingen indicate that opportunities for work as wellness consultants and health informants nationally are currently limited, but demand is expected to grow over the next five years. An increased focus on preventive health and digitization of healthcare information can create new career paths and job opportunities, especially for those combining health expertise with digital skills.

Frequently asked questions about the Health Informant profession

• What does a Health Informant earn?
  - The average salary for a health informant is 35 000 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a Health Informant?
  - A bachelor's degree in public health, health education, or equivalent is recommended.
• Are there gender differences in salary?
  - Yes, women earn on average 95% of what men do within the profession.
• What is the job market like for Health Informants?
  - The job market is characterized by some competition, but demand is expected to increase in the long term.
• Who are common employers for Health Informants?
  - Common employers include municipalities, regions, corporate health services, and non-profit organizations.
• What are career paths like?
  - After a few years, a health informant can advance to roles such as project manager, training coordinator, or specialize in digital health.