What does a home care assistant do? – Tasks and work environment
A home care assistant works to facilitate daily life for individuals who need support in their own homes. Tasks include assisting clients with personal care, cleaning, cooking, shopping, and sometimes simple medical procedures delegated by a nurse. The work requires attentiveness to individual needs, respectful interaction, and the ability to adapt quickly to different situations. The environment is often characterized by independent work or in small teams, where the workday can be physically and mentally demanding. Flexibility and good communication skills are crucial for meeting different people and their unique conditions.
Salary development over time
The salary development for home care assistants has been positive in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 26,700 SEK per month. The following year, 2023, the average increased to 27 900 SEK, representing a growth of about 4.5 percent. In 2024, the salary continued to rise to 28 700 SEK, an increase of another 2.9 percent from the previous year. This trend reflects an increased demand for care workers in home care, partly driven by an aging population and growing home-based care needs. Employers in both municipal and private sectors have had to adjust wages to attract and retain staff in a competitive labor market.
Home care assistant salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 28 700 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 26,900 SEK/month (male, municipal sector), 27,000 SEK/month (female)
- Highest salary: 30,200 SEK/month (private employee, both men and women)
- Hourly wage: 172 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
- Gender differences: None – women and men earn equally
- Regional differences: Vary, but generally small within the profession
Education and qualifications
To work as a home care assistant, usually no formal university education is required, but employers prefer applicants who have completed the healthcare and social care program at high school or equivalent adult education. Personal qualities, caregiving experience, and the ability to work independently are often highly valued in recruitment. Internships or introductory periods at the workplace are common, and some employers offer internal training for new staff.
- Education: Healthcare and social care program (3 years) or equivalent adult education
- Internship: Often included upon employment
- Certifications: No formal requirements, but training certificates can be advantageous
- Prerequisites: Basic Swedish skills and good social ability
- Tips: Volunteering or summer jobs in elderly care can be a pathway in
Many home care assistants experience forming unique relationships with clients and relatives, since the work often takes place in the person's home over a longer period. This provides both responsibility and the opportunity to make a significant difference in someone's daily life.
Common benefits and compensations
Home care assistants often have rights to overtime pay for evening and weekend work, wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes free travel during shifts. In addition to base salary, allowances for special tasks, extra responsibilities, or work during unsociable hours may be provided. Some employers also offer skill development and further training within healthcare and social care.
Competition and challenges
Demand for home care assistants is high and expected to increase further, providing good employment opportunities now and in the future. At the same time, the profession faces challenges such as staff shortages, high pace, and sometimes irregular working hours. Many work part-time, which can affect both work environment and income. The recruitment situation is often described as paradoxical: despite many vacancies, it is difficult to find people with the right engagement and suitable qualities. The physical and emotional demands placed on staff mean the profession requires resilience, empathy, and good stress management.
Tips for those wanting to become a home care assistant
To succeed as a home care assistant, it is good to have genuine care for others and the ability to treat people with respect and patience. Being flexible and able to quickly adapt to different clients' needs makes the work easier and more rewarding. Good organizational skills are important, as the workday often involves many tasks and schedules. Asking colleagues for support when situations are challenging helps create security, and a positive attitude and high work ethic make a big difference for both colleagues and clients. Finally, being attentive and able to collaborate is valuable, as the job often involves close contact with other healthcare and social care professionals.
Key facts about home care assistants
- Education level: Secondary healthcare and social care education or equivalent
- Work environment: Independent work in clients' homes
- Typical employment: Part-time or full-time, often shift work
- Demand: Very high and increasing according to the Employment Service
- Special skills: Personal care and service
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a home care assistant can often advance to assistant nurse through additional training or take on more responsibility as a coordinator or supervisor within home care. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate strong job opportunities and expected growth over five years, mainly driven by an aging population and increased care needs. For those interested in deepening their expertise, there are also opportunities to specialize in dementia care, rehabilitation, or move into other areas of elderly care. The broad experience gained in home care provides a solid foundation for further careers in health and medical services.
Frequently asked questions about home care assistants
- What does a home care assistant earn?
- The average salary is 28 700 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 172 SEK.
- Are there salary differences between men and women?
- No, both men and women earn equally within this profession.
- What education is required to become a home care assistant?
- Usually, a healthcare and social care program or equivalent adult education is needed.
- What are the future prospects for home care assistants?
- Demand is very high and expected to increase further in the coming years according to the Employment Service.
- What are the most common tasks?
- Personal care, cleaning, cooking, shopping, and social support at home.
- What is the work environment like?
- Mainly in clients' homes, often independently and with varied tasks.
- Are there opportunities for further education?
- Yes, many choose to further train as assistant nurses or specialize within healthcare and social care.
