Home therapist

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

A home therapist works to support individuals in their daily lives, often in their own homes, focusing on social and psychological well-being. Tasks vary depending on the client’s needs and can include counseling, practical help at home, motivation work, and coordinating efforts with other actors such as healthcare or social services. Home therapists meet clients from diverse backgrounds, often individuals with mental health issues, addiction problems, or other social difficulties. The work largely takes place in clients’ home environments, which requires flexibility, independence, and the ability to build trusting relationships. The environment can be challenging as workdays are rarely predictable and may involve emotional strain and physical efforts.

Salary development over time

The salary for a home therapist has shown a stable and positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,200 SEK per month, increasing to 34 800 SEK in 2023 and further to 36 100 SEK in 2024. This represents an increase of approximately 8.7% over three years, which is higher than the average wage increase on the labor market overall. The salary increase reflects an increased focus on social care professions and the growing demand for qualified staff in treatment and support services at home. Factors such as education level, work experience, and sector influence salary levels, where higher education and employment in the municipal sector often yield higher compensation.

Home 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
• Men: 36 500 SEK/month
• Women: 35 900 SEK/month
• Women’s salary as a percentage of men’s: 98%

Education and qualifications

To work as a home therapist, a postgraduate education in social work or behavioral sciences is usually required, such as a degree in social work or social pedagogy. Practical experience working with vulnerable populations is highly valued, and many employers view supplementary training in counseling methods or addiction issues positively. Some employers may also require specific certifications or further training in particular treatment methods.

• Formal degree: Degree in social work or social pedagogy (3–3.5 years)
• Certifications: Courses in motivational interviewing, CBT, or addiction issues
• Internship: Mandatory internships or trainee periods during education
• Prerequisites: High school diploma, often with a focus on healthcare and social care
• Further education: Opportunities for specialization through courses or master's studies

Common benefits and compensations

Home therapists are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, professional development, and sometimes extra vacation days. Many employers provide supervision and opportunities for further training, enhancing professional growth. In some cases, flexible working hours and remote work options are available to facilitate work-life balance.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a home therapist is assessed as moderate, with a labor market characterized by a balance between supply and demand. According to the Employment Service’s forecasts for treatment assistants and social pedagogues, demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Challenges in the profession include high demands for emotional resilience, the ability to work independently, and managing sometimes complex or conflict-laden situations in clients’ homes. Flexibility regarding working hours and a high degree of personal maturity are also required.

Tips for those who want to become a home therapist

To succeed as a home therapist, it is good to have a genuine desire to help others and a strong empathetic ability, which facilitates relationship-building with clients in vulnerable situations. Developing patience and stress tolerance is important, as the work often involves encounters with people in crisis or with complex needs. Good communication skills and attentiveness make it easier to understand the client’s perspective and tailor interventions accordingly. It is also valuable to be flexible and solution-oriented, as the workday can involve rapid changes and unexpected situations. Continuously updating your knowledge through training and supervision strengthens confidence and professional competence. Independence and initiative are appreciated by employers, especially since the work often takes place outside traditional office environments. Finally, it is important to set boundaries and handle emotionally demanding situations professionally.

Key facts about home therapists

• Education level: Post-secondary (social worker/social pedagogue, 3–3.5 years)
• Work environment: Clients’ homes, often independent work
• Demand: Moderate, expected to remain unchanged over the next five years
• Typical employment: Permanent employment, sometimes hourly contracts
• Special skills: Counseling methods, addiction issues, social support

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a home therapist, there are opportunities to advance to more specialized roles, such as treatment manager, method developer, or coordinator within social services. Some choose to further their education to become a counselor, psychotherapist, or manager within social care. The job market outlook is stable – according to the National Employment Service’s assessment, demand for treatment assistants and social pedagogues is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, with approximately 237 job openings currently available. The profession suits those seeking long-term security and development opportunities but is influenced by changes in the welfare system and political priorities at the local level.

Frequently asked questions about home therapists

• What does a home therapist earn per month?
  - A home therapist has an average monthly salary of 36 100 SEK.
• What education is required to become a home therapist?
  - Most commonly, a degree in social work or social pedagogy at the postgraduate level.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn 98% of what men do in the profession.
• What does the job market look like for these positions?
  - The labor market is balanced with moderate opportunities according to the Employment Service.
• Who are the most common employers?
  - Municipalities, private care providers, and non-profit organizations employ the most home therapists.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a home therapist?
  - The highest salary is 41,500 SEK (female, municipal sector, research education) and the lowest 31,800 SEK (female, government sector).