Home caregiver

What does a home care worker do? – Tasks and work environment

A home care worker provides support and care to individuals who live in their own homes but need assistance with daily activities. Tasks often include personal care, hygiene assistance, dressing, medication management, basic medical procedures, as well as social support and companionship. Many home care workers also perform practical chores such as cleaning, cooking, and shopping. The work takes place in the client’s home and often involves visits to several different people during a workday. Working hours can vary and often include evenings, weekends, and sometimes nights, requiring flexibility and the ability to work independently.

Salary development over time

Home care workers' salaries have steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 26,700 SEK per month, rising to 27 900 in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has further increased to 28 700. This represents a total salary increase of approximately 7.5% over three years. The trend indicates an increased value for the profession, which can be explained by high demand for healthcare workers, especially considering an aging population and increased quality requirements in home care. The fact that both men and women have exactly the same average salary also reflects a certain level of gender equality within the profession.

Home care worker salary – a complete overview

• Average salary: 28 700 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 26,900 SEK/month (men, municipal sector); 27,000 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 30,200 SEK/month (both men and women, privately employed officials)
• Hourly wage: 172 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
• Gender differences: None – women and men have the same average and highest salaries
• Regional differences: Data on regional variation is not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a home care worker, formal higher education is usually not required, but many employers prefer applicants to have completed the vocational care and social work program at the upper secondary level or equivalent adult education. Practical experience in healthcare and social care is advantageous, and personal suitability is often decisive in hiring. Employers may sometimes offer internal training or introductory courses for new employees.

• Upper secondary education: Care and social work program, 3 years
• Adult education: Komvux or equivalent care training
• Practical training: Often included in education or as an introduction at the workplace
• Prerequisites: Often requirements for good Swedish language skills in speech and writing
• Certifications: Some employers offer internal courses in lifting techniques, dementia care, or medication management

Common benefits and compensations

Home care workers are often offered benefits such as overtime pay for evening, night, and weekend work, wellness contributions, work clothing, and opportunities for skills development. Some employers also provide work uniforms, subsidized lunches, and collective insurance policies. In the municipal sector, extra compensation for work on major holidays is common.

Challenges and competition

The profession of home care worker is characterized by high demand, which provides good opportunities for employment nationwide. However, there are challenges, such as many positions being part-time and the physically and emotionally demanding nature of the work. Staff may encounter stress, heavy lifting, and emotionally challenging situations. Recruitment is challenging, especially in certain geographic areas, leading employers to actively compete for experienced and trained candidates. The chance of securing full-time employment varies between employers and regions.

Tips for those wanting to become a home care worker

To succeed as a home care worker, it helps to combine empathy and attentiveness with a practical approach to daily problems. Flexibility makes it easier when workdays can change quickly depending on clients’ needs. Precision is important, as many tasks like medication management and documentation require accuracy. Social skills and patience help build trustful relationships with clients and their families. Being independent and able to make decisions when working alone in clients’ homes is also an advantage. Good physical health is necessary to handle heavy lifting and active work. Finally, being open to continuous learning is valuable, as the care profession constantly evolves with new methods and tools.

Key facts about Home Care Workers

• Education level: Vocational care and social work education recommended
• Work environment: Clients’ homes, often solo work and varying hours
• Demand: Very high, with over 370 job vacancies nationwide
• Gender distribution: Equal pay between men and women
• Future prospects: Great opportunities for employment in the coming five years

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years as a home care worker, there are opportunities to advance to more responsible roles, such as coordinator, team leader, or assistant nurse, with additional training. The Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast indicates that demand for home care workers and other care assistants is expected to increase over the next five years, primarily due to an aging population and increased quality requirements in care. The industry faces recruitment difficulties, which leads employers to offer internal training and further education opportunities. The chance of permanent employment is good, and the job market is expected to remain strong in the long term. Related professions include assistant nurse, personal assistant, and caregiver in specialized residential care.

Frequently asked questions about Home Care Workers

• What is the average salary of a home care worker?
  - A home care worker has an average salary of 28 700 SEK per month.
• Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
  - No, both men and women have the same average and highest salaries within the profession.
• What is the highest salary for a home care worker?
  - The highest salary is 30,200 SEK per month for both men and women working as privately employed officials.
• What education is required to become a home care worker?
  - A vocational care and social work program is recommended, but some employers hire without formal education.
• What is the demand like in the job market?
  - Opportunities for employment are very high, and demand is expected to increase further in the coming years.
• Does a home care worker mostly work full-time or part-time?
  - Many positions are part-time, but there are also full-time jobs depending on the employer and region.
• What benefits are common for home care workers?
  - Common benefits include overtime pay, wellness contributions, work clothing, and opportunities for skills development.