Home care worker

What does a Hemtjänstvårdare do? – Tasks and work environment

A Hemtjänstvårdare provides support, care, and assistance to individuals living at home who need help in their daily lives. Tasks range from personal care, such as hygiene and dressing, to practical chores like cleaning, laundry, and cooking. The caregiver may also assist with medication management after delegation, accompany clients on errands or walks, and offer social support to reduce loneliness. Most work is performed in the client’s residence and often involves many short visits during a workday. The work environment can be physically demanding due to heavy lifting and transfers, and the work is often independent but in close collaboration with colleagues and relatives.

Salary development over time

The salary for Hemtjänstvårdare has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,700 SEK per month, increasing to 31 900 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 32 800 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 6.8% over the period. This positive salary trend can largely be attributed to the increasing demand for care staff, especially considering an aging population and difficulties in recruiting experienced workers. Salary differences between men and women are small, but women have slightly higher average salaries, which is uncommon in many professions. The status of the profession and workload have also been discussed, possibly influencing the positive salary development.

Hemtjänstvårdare salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 32 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,100 SEK/month (female, private sector)
• Highest salary: 35,800 SEK/month (female, municipal sector)
• Hourly wage: 197 SEK (based on 166 hours/month)
• Women: 32 900 SEK (102% of men's salary)
• Men: 32 300 SEK
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary between municipalities and regions, but national differences are relatively small.

Education and qualifications

To work as a Hemtjänstvårdare, a high school education in care and nursing is usually required, although some employers may accept other relevant experience. Practical experience and personal qualities are highly valued, but formal education improves employment prospects and salary development. Further training and courses in areas such as dementia or medication management can be advantageous.

• High school education: Care and Nursing program (3 years)
• Adult education (Komvux): Vuxenutbildning in care and nursing (1–2 years)
• Certifications: Courses in delegation, dementia, lifting techniques
• Internship: Workplace-based learning (APL) is usually included
• Prerequisites: Good knowledge of Swedish, sometimes a driver’s license

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for Hemtjänstvårdare include overtime pay for evening, night, and weekend work, wellness allowances, and opportunities for further training through the employer. Many workplaces also offer work clothing and sometimes access to a service bicycle or car. Some municipalities provide extra vacation days or pension contributions beyond collective agreements.

Competition and challenges

The job market for Hemtjänstvårdare is characterized by high demand and a shortage of qualified personnel, leading to good employment opportunities. At the same time, challenges include high workload, stress, and sometimes irregular working hours. Many work part-time, which can affect both work environment and income. The profession requires a high degree of flexibility, as tasks and client needs can vary greatly from day to day. Recruitment is strained, especially in smaller municipalities, and there is a need to attract more people to training programs to meet future demand.

Tips for those who want to become Hemtjänstvårdare

To succeed as a Hemtjänstvårdare, it is good to have a genuine interest in people and a high level of empathy, as the work often involves close contact with the elderly and individuals with various needs. Flexibility makes it easier when the workday can change quickly and new situations arise. Good collaboration skills are also important, as cooperation with colleagues and relatives is part of everyday life. It is recommended to actively seek internships during training to gain insight into the profession’s demands and work environment. Improving communication skills and taking the initiative to further education in areas such as dementia or medication management can strengthen competence and attractiveness on the job market.

Key facts about Hemtjänstvårdare

• Education level: High school education in care and nursing
• Work environment: Independent work in clients’ homes
• Typical work form: Often part-time with varying hours
• Demand: High, with good future prospects
• Special skills: Dementia, medication management, lifting techniques

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a Hemtjänstvårdare can further qualify as an assistant nurse with specialist competence in areas such as dementia or palliative care. There are also opportunities to work as a coordinator, team leader, or move into administrative roles within home care. According to the Swedish Employment Service’s forecast, job prospects are very good, and demand is expected to increase over the next five years, partly due to an aging population. The profession is part of a larger occupational group with currently 375 job openings nationwide, reflecting the significant recruitment need. Simultaneously, new working methods and technological aids are expected to develop, potentially changing the role and creating additional career opportunities.

Common questions about Hemtjänstvårdare

• What does a Hemtjänstvårdare earn?
  - The average salary is 32 800 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 197 SEK.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn an average of 32 900 SEK and men 32 300 SEK, which means women earn 102% of men’s salaries.
• What education is required to become a Hemtjänstvårdare?
  - The most common is a high school education in care and nursing, often via the Care and Nursing program or adult education (Komvux).
• What is the job market like for Hemtjänstvårdare?
  - Demand is high, and the number of available jobs is expected to increase in the coming years.
• What are the most common tasks?
  - Personal care, practical help at home, medication management, and social support.
• Are there development opportunities within the profession?
  - Yes, with experience and further education, one can become a specialist, coordinator, or team leader.
• What influences the salary of a Hemtjänstvårdare?
  - Factors such as education, experience, employer, and region can affect the salary level.