How much does a Companion make

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Companion

31 200 kr

Personal assistants

29 400 - 34 000 kr / month

Women earn 100% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Companion

Average salary 31 200 kr
Males 31 100 kr
Females 31 200 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 1165 Vacant jobs ->

What does a companion do? – Tasks and work environment

A companion works to provide support and assistance to individuals with disabilities or other needs to manage daily activities outside the home. Tasks can vary, but typically include accompanying to activities, helping with doctor visits, walks, shopping, or leisure interests. The companion plays an important role in creating security and facilitating the user's participation in society. The work is often carried out in close contact with one or more people and can be performed both outdoors and indoors, depending on the user's wishes and needs. The work environment is characterized by flexibility, personal responsibility, and a high degree of social interaction.

Salary development over time

The salary for companions has experienced stable and positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 29100 SEK per month, which increased to 30 300 SEK in 2023 and then to 31 200 SEK in 2024. This increase corresponds to approximately 7.2% over the three-year period. The trend has been influenced by the increasing demand for companion services, especially as more people need support to live independently. Salary increases also reflect the labor market's need to attract and retain competent companions, while employers in the public sector have adjusted salaries to meet competition and address staff shortages.

Companion salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 31 200 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 29,400 SEK (men), 29,700 SEK (women)
  • Highest salary: 34,000 SEK (men), 33,200 SEK (women)
  • Hourly wage: 187 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Women earn the same as men
  • Regional differences: No significant difference reported

Education and qualifications

To work as a companion, no formal education is often required, but many employers prefer applicants with a high school diploma in care and social work or similar experience. Personal qualities and practical skills are highly valued, and it is common for employers to offer introductory or internal training for new companions. Some experience from working with people or previous engagement in similar professions can be advantageous.

  • High school diploma: Care and social work programs (3 years) recommended
  • Introductory training: Often provided by the employer
  • Practical experience: Prior work in care or service is advantageous
  • Prerequisites: Good knowledge of Swedish and social skills
  • Courses: First aid and communication courses can be beneficial

Working as a companion often provides a wide variety of tasks and close contact with people from different backgrounds. It is a profession where patience and responsiveness develop naturally, and many companions feel they make a tangible difference in others' lives.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Companions are often covered by collective agreements and offered benefits such as paid vacation, occupational pension, and sometimes wellness contributions. Overtime pay may also be added for work during inconvenient hours. Some employers offer training opportunities and supervision, which can contribute to personal development and security in the profession.

Competition and challenges

The market for companions is characterized by high demand, which means good job prospects both short and long term. At the same time, there are challenges, such as many part-time positions and varying workloads depending on the user's needs and the resources available to the employer. Recruitment difficulties occur, especially in certain regions and during periods of high sick leave or staff turnover. The profession requires high presence, flexibility, and the ability to quickly adapt to changing situations, which can be challenging for some.

Tips for those who want to become a companion

To succeed as a companion, it is good to be attentive and flexible, as the needs of users can vary from day to day. Patience helps when the pace is uneven or when communication requires extra time and effort. Good social skills facilitate cooperation with both users and relatives, and it is valuable to show empathy in meetings with people in different life situations. Engagement and a sense of responsibility are important qualities, especially when it comes to building trust and creating security for the person supported. It is also wise to participate in offered training and supervision, as it provides a better understanding of the profession and enhances personal competence. Finally, being proactive and willing to make independent decisions in unforeseen situations is an advantage.

Key facts about Companions

  • Education level: At least high school, often in care and social work
  • Work environment: Flexible and social, both indoors and outdoors
  • Work arrangements: Part-time and hourly employment are common
  • Demand: Great opportunities for work and increasing need
  • Special skills: Approach and communication with people with disabilities

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years as a companion, there are opportunities to develop further within care professions, such as personal assistant, support assistant, or team leader within LSS activities. According to the Swedish Employment Agency’s forecast, opportunities for work as a companion and personal assistants are large, and demand is expected to increase over the next five years. Many choose to further their education in social work, pedagogy, or healthcare to broaden career options. Since the profession often involves contact with various actors, experience from the companion role can be valuable when applying for education or other positions within the public sector. Currently, there are 237 job openings in the field, underscoring the strong labor market and future need for new companions.

Frequently asked questions about Companions

  • What does a companion earn per month?
    - The average salary for a companion is 31 200 SEK per month.
  • Are there differences in salary between men and women?
    - No, women and men practically have the same salary within this profession.
  • What is required to work as a companion?
    - Usually, a high school diploma, preferably in care and social work, and good social skills are required.
  • What are the future prospects for companions?
    - Demand for companions is expected to increase, and job opportunities are considered very good.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for companions?
    - The highest salary is 34,000 SEK and the lowest is 29,400 SEK, depending on experience, education, and sector.
  • What is the work environment like?
    - The work environment is varied, social, and can involve both indoor and outdoor work.
  • Is there an opportunity for further training?
    - Yes, many employers offer additional training and supervision within the profession.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-12 15:53:19

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Companion is 34000 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 33200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Companion is 29400 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 29700 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 99% 24600 kr 29400 kr
25-34 100% 25900 kr 30500 kr
35-44 100% 26700 kr 31200 kr
45-54 100% 27100 kr 31700 kr
55-64 101% 27600 kr 32100 kr
65-68 103% 27500 kr 31700 kr
Snitt 100% 26600 kr 31200 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Companion has the SSYK code 5343, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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