What does a home care worker – nursing assistant do? Tasks and work environment
Home care workers focusing on nursing assistant responsibilities provide basic care, practical support, and social care to individuals who live at home but need medical care or daily assistance. Tasks include help with personal hygiene, medication management according to delegation, dressing, cooking, and simple health and medical interventions. The role also involves observing changes in the individual's health and reporting this to a nurse or other medical personnel. The work environment is characterized by working in the client’s home, requiring great flexibility, independence, and a good ability to interact with people of different needs and backgrounds.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, salary development for home care workers and nursing assistants has been relatively stable but with a clear upward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 26,700 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 27 900 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary amounts to 28 700 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 7.5% during the period. This salary increase can largely be explained by staff shortages, increased healthcare needs in the population, and union negotiations advocating for higher wages within care services. Despite the clear increase, the profession's salary remains at an average level within the healthcare sector.
Home care worker – nursing assistant salary: complete overview
- Average salary: 28 700 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 26,900 SEK/month (male, municipal sector)
- Highest salary: 30,200 SEK/month (both men and women, private sector)
- Hourly wage: 172 SEK
- Gender differences: None – women and men have equal pay
- Regional differences: No clear differences reported
Education and qualifications
To work as a home care worker in the nursing assistant role, a secondary education from the health and social care program or equivalent adult education is usually required. Many employers prefer candidates with practical experience from caregiving, and sometimes introductory training is offered at the workplace. Further training in medication management or dementia care may also be requested depending on the client group.
- Formal education: Health and social care program (3 years) or equivalent adult education
- Certifications: Courses in medication handling and delegation
- Practical training: Workplace-based learning (APL) is often part of the education
- Prerequisites: Basic Swedish language skills, some physical ability
- Tips: Extra courses in dementia, palliative care, or communication provide a competitive advantage
Many home care workers have the opportunity to work quite independently and develop a close trust with clients, which often leads to high job satisfaction and personal growth. The daily variation and unexpected situations make the profession both challenging and stimulating for those who enjoy diverse tasks.
Common benefits and compensations
The profession of home care worker with a focus on nursing assistant often offers benefits such as overtime pay for evening and weekend work, wellness grants, work clothing, and opportunities for training during working hours. Other common compensations can include employer pension, insurance, and support for further education or skill development.
Challenges and opportunities
Demand for home care workers and nursing assistants is high, providing good opportunities for employment now and in the future. However, recruitment difficulties are reported, partly due to part-time positions and sometimes tough working environments with physically and mentally demanding tasks. Employers seek personnel with the right education and experience, and competition for permanent positions can be high in certain regions. Additionally, workload, time pressure, and sometimes irregular hours affect the work environment and can make it challenging to retain staff long-term.
Tips for those who want to become a home care worker – nursing assistant
To succeed as a home care worker and nursing assistant, it is beneficial to be attentive, flexible, and genuinely interested in helping others. Patience in stressful situations is crucial, as is good teamwork to facilitate cooperation with colleagues and clients. A professional attitude and the ability to create a sense of security for clients strengthen both relationships and work performance. Being proactive helps manage unexpected situations, and a willingness to continuously learn about care or social services increases confidence in the role. Developing good communication skills contributes to a positive work environment and ensures the client receives the best possible support.
Key facts about home care workers – nursing assistants
- Education level: Secondary school diploma or adult education in health and social care
- Work environment: Home setting with independence and great variation
- Demand: Very high, over 375 available jobs nationwide
- Gender distribution: Equal pay between women and men
- Work schedule: Often shift work, including evenings and weekends
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession as a home care worker or nursing assistant, there are opportunities to further train as an assistant nurse, specialize in dementia care, or take on coordinating roles within home help or home care services. According to forecasts from the Swedish Employment Agency, the job market is very favorable, and demand for the profession is expected to increase further over the next five years, especially due to an aging population. There are also good opportunities for further education and taking responsibility for supervising new colleagues or interns. Many choose to further train as a registered nurse or work in related healthcare fields.
Frequently asked questions about home care workers – nursing assistants
- What does a home care worker, nursing assistant earn?
- A home care worker with a focus on nursing assistant typically has an average salary of 28 700 SEK per month.
- What are the gender differences within the profession?
- There are no salary differences between women and men; both groups earn equally.
- What education is required to work as a home care worker, nursing assistant?
- A secondary education in health and social care or equivalent adult education is generally required.
- What are the highest and lowest salaries for the profession?
- The highest salary is 30,200 SEK per month and the lowest is 26,900 SEK per month.
- What is the job market like for home care workers, nursing assistants?
- The job market is very favorable with over 375 available jobs, and demand is expected to increase.
- What benefits are common in the profession?
- Common benefits include overtime pay, wellness grants, employer pension, and opportunities for further training.
