What does a Hygiene Assistant in healthcare do? – Tasks and work environment
A Hygiene Assistant in healthcare works to maintain and improve hygiene routines within various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, health centers, and elderly care homes. Tasks include cleaning and disinfecting medical equipment and premises, replenishing consumables, and assisting healthcare staff with infection control and prevention. In many cases, training colleagues on hygiene routines and ensuring compliance is also part of the job. The work environment demands high precision, responsibility, and good physical condition, as the work can be physically demanding and involve contact with infectious environments.
Salary development over time
The salary for a Hygiene Assistant in healthcare has shown a clear upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,100 SEK per month, increasing to 29 400 SEK in 2023, which is approximately an 8.5% increase. In 2024, the average salary has continued to rise and is now 30 200 SEK per month, representing an additional increase of just over 2.7% compared to the previous year. This salary growth can largely be explained by increased demand for healthcare and social care staff, as well as a greater focus on work environment and infection control in connection with pandemics and other hygiene challenges. Education level and experience also play a role, especially as employers seek documented competence in the field.
Hygiene Assistant, healthcare salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 30 200 SEK/month
- Lowest salary (women): 26,500 SEK
- Lowest salary (men): 26,800 SEK
- Highest salary (women): 41,700 SEK
- Highest salary (men): 35,600 SEK
- Hourly wage (average): 181 SEK
- Women earn: 102% of what men do (women: 30 400 SEK, men: 29 800 SEK)
- Regional differences: Salaries may vary between regions, but exact figures are not available
Education and qualifications
To work as a Hygiene Assistant in healthcare, no formal university education is usually required, but employers prefer applicants with high school education in healthcare and social care or experience with similar tasks. Relevant internal training and certifications in infection control and hygiene are advantageous, as well as internships or work experience from the healthcare sector. Additional training in the field is often offered by employers to ensure the right competence.
- High school education: Healthcare and social care program, 3 years
- Internal training: Infection control, hygiene routines, and work environment
- Internship: Workplace-based learning in healthcare and social care
- Valuable prior knowledge: Experience from healthcare environment or service work
- Certifications: Opportunities for workplace-based hygiene training
Many Hygiene Assistants quickly gain a broad insight into healthcare routines and collaboration, making the profession an excellent entry point for those who want to develop further within the healthcare sector. Working close to both patients and healthcare staff provides valuable practical experience and understanding of everyday healthcare.
Common benefits and compensations
In addition to the base salary, Hygiene Assistants in healthcare are often offered benefits such as shift allowances for inconvenient working hours, access to wellness grants, opportunities for skill development, and subsidized work clothing and protective equipment. The work may also include collective insurance schemes and pension contributions, contributing to a more secure employment.
Competition and challenges
The job market for Hygiene Assistants in healthcare is characterized by stable demand, especially in times of increased awareness of infection control and hygiene. However, competition for permanent positions can be significant in metropolitan areas where many seek healthcare roles. Challenges in the profession often involve managing stressful situations, quickly changing tasks, and maintaining high hygiene standards under pressure. Lack of formal education can sometimes hinder career advancement, but experience and internal training are often highly valued during recruitment. Additionally, good collaboration and communication skills with different healthcare professionals are essential.
Tips for those who want to become a Hygiene Assistant in healthcare
To succeed as a Hygiene Assistant in healthcare, it is important to be meticulous and responsible, as the work requires constant attention to detail and routines. Showing flexibility and the ability to adapt to different tasks and pace changes is a great advantage, especially when the work environment changes rapidly. Service-mindedness and teamwork facilitate contact with both patients and colleagues, contributing to a positive work climate. Taking initiative and a willingness to learn new routines are appreciated by employers, as is a professional attitude even in stressful situations. Good communication skills make it easier to understand instructions and share knowledge within the team. Finally, patience and perseverance are key qualities for thriving and developing in the role of Hygiene Assistant.
Key facts about Hygiene Assistant in healthcare
- Education level: High school education in healthcare and social care
- Work environment: Hospitals, elderly care homes, and health centers
- Typical employment form: Full-time or hourly employment, often shift work
- Demand: 375 available jobs within the group
- Gender distribution: Women earn more on average than men
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a Hygiene Assistant in healthcare, there are opportunities to further education and move into roles such as assistant nurse, sterilization technician, or hygiene representative. Some choose to specialize further in infection control and work with training and advising on hygiene routines at unit level. The employment service does not provide specific forecasts for the Hygiene Assistant profession, but within the healthcare and social care personnel group, demand is considered stable, with 375 reported available jobs. Opportunities for permanent employment and career development depend on regional needs, educational level, and experience. In the longer term, further studies can open doors to roles such as registered nurse or other specialized healthcare positions.
Frequently asked questions about Hygiene Assistant in healthcare
- What does a Hygiene Assistant in healthcare earn?
- The average salary is 30 200 SEK per month.
- Are there differences between women's and men's salaries?
- Yes, women earn on average 30 400 SEK and men 29 800 SEK, which means women earn 102% of men's salaries.
- What is the hourly wage for a Hygiene Assistant in healthcare?
- The average is 181 SEK per hour.
- What education is required to become a Hygiene Assistant?
- High school education in healthcare and social care is recommended, along with internal hygiene training.
- What does the job market look like?
- There are 375 available jobs within the healthcare and social care personnel group.
- What are the highest and lowest salaries in the profession?
- Highest salary is 41,700 SEK (female, municipal sector, research education), and the lowest is 26,500 SEK (female, government sector, short pre-secondary education).
- Are there regional salary differences?
- Yes, salaries can vary between regions but exact figures are not available.
