Disability caregiver, personal assistant

What does a disability carer, personal assistant do? – Tasks and work environment

A disability carer, personal assistant works to provide support and assistance to people with disabilities so they can live as independently and actively as possible. Tasks vary depending on the user's needs and can include personal care, help with daily routines, cooking, cleaning, escorting to activities, and social support. The work often takes place in the user's home, but also at workplaces, schools, or during leisure activities. The environment is close and personal, where trust and privacy are central elements of the profession. Working hours can be irregular and include evenings, nights, and weekends, requiring flexibility and adaptability.

Salary development over time

The profession of disability carer, personal assistant has experienced steady salary growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 29100 SEK per month, increasing to 30 300 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 31 200 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 7.2% over three years. This positive trend is linked to increased demand for the profession and a growing focus on working conditions and salary setting within the care sector. Salary development is also influenced by employers' need to attract and retain staff, especially in a sector where recruitment difficulties are common. Despite this, salary levels are still comparable to many other service professions but often offer more secure employment forms and good opportunities for permanent positions.

Disability carer, personal assistant salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 31 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 29,400 SEK/month (male, public sector, high school education 3 years)
• Highest salary: 34,000 SEK/month (male, public sector, post-secondary education shorter than 3 years)
• Hourly wage: 187 SEK
• Women's average salary: 31 200 SEK
• Men's average salary: 31100 SEK
• Gender differences: Women and men earn approximately the same within the profession
• Regional differences: Salary variations may occur depending on region and employer

Education and qualifications

To work as a disability carer, personal assistant, usually no formal university education is required, but high school education in healthcare and social care is often advantageous. Many employers seek experience in care work or personal suitability, and introductory training is commonly provided at the workplace. Further training, short courses, and certificates in the disability field can increase opportunities for employment and development within the profession.

• High school education: Healthcare and social care program (3 years)
• Workplace introduction: Common upon employment
• Additional courses: For example, ethics, communication, or LSS legislation
• Experience: Previous care work is meritorious but not mandatory
• Personal suitability: Great importance is placed on empathy, responsiveness, and responsibility

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to the base salary, disability carers, personal assistants may receive overtime pay for work during evenings, nights, and weekends, as well as compensation for on-call or standby duty. Many employers also offer wellness contributions, training, and opportunities for supervision or skills development. Some workplaces have collective agreements providing extra security regarding pensions, insurance, and working conditions.

Competition and challenges

The job market for disability carers, personal assistants is characterized by high demand and relatively low competition for jobs. At the same time, challenges include varying working conditions, many part-time positions, and sometimes high staff turnover. Recruitment difficulties are common, especially for positions with irregular hours or requiring specific skills. The work can be physically and emotionally demanding, requiring resilience and the ability to handle stressful situations. The close relationship with the user also means the profession demands a high level of integrity and professionalism.

Tips for those who want to become a disability carer, personal assistant

To succeed as a disability carer, personal assistant, it is beneficial to have a genuine interest in helping others and the ability to quickly adapt to different situations. A high degree of empathy facilitates interaction with users with diverse needs, while patience and responsiveness help understand and interpret wishes and signals. The ability to work independently is important, as many tasks are performed alone in the user's home. Flexibility and stress tolerance are needed to handle irregular hours and unforeseen events. Finally, a sense of responsibility and a positive attitude are key qualities to create security and continuity for the user.

Key facts about disability carers, personal assistants

• Education level: High school education in healthcare and social care recommended
• Work environment: User's home or other everyday environments, often close relationships
• Working hours: Irregular, including evenings, nights, and weekends
• Demand: Very good, with great opportunities for employment according to the Employment Service
• Type of employment: Usually permanent, but part-time and hourly positions also occur

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, disability carers, personal assistants can develop into more specialized roles, such as supervisors or coordinators within assistance services. There are also opportunities to further qualify as assistant nurses or take on training responsibilities within the team. According to the Employment Service's forecast, job opportunities are very good both short and long term, and demand is expected to increase further in the coming years. Those who wish to develop in the profession should take advantage of opportunities for further education and certification in the disability field. Assistants with experience in specific diagnoses or who can work during unconventional hours are particularly sought after. Currently, the profession has 237 available jobs, indicating good career opportunities ahead.

Common questions about disability carers, personal assistants

• What does a disability carer, personal assistant earn?
  - The average salary is 31 200 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 187 SEK.
• Are there salary differences between women and men?
  - No, women and men earn approximately the same within the profession.
• What education is required to become a disability carer, personal assistant?
  - High school education in healthcare and social care is recommended, but personal suitability weighs heavily.
• What does the job market look like?
  - The job market is very good and demand is expected to increase further in the coming years.
• What are the working hours?
  - Working hours are often irregular and can include evenings, nights, and weekends.
• What opportunities for development are available?
  - There are career paths toward supervisory roles, training responsibilities, and further education within care.
• What is the highest and lowest salary within the profession?
  - The highest salary is 34,000 SEK and the lowest is 29,400 SEK per month depending on education, sector, and experience.