Play therapist salary

Working as a Play Therapist: An Insight into the Profession

As a play therapist, you have a crucial role in healthcare where you combine pedagogy and therapy to support children and adolescents in their development. The profession is often linked to hospital environments where play therapists help children manage stress and anxiety through play and creative activities. The goal is to improve children's well-being, promote their development, and give them a sense of normalcy in an otherwise stressful environment.

Salary for Play Therapists

The average salary for a play therapist is 34 600 SEK per month. There is a salary difference between genders, with women earning 34 700 SEK and men earning 32 400 SEK, meaning that women earn 107% of what men do in this profession. The hourly wage for a play therapist working on an hourly basis is around 208 SEK, based on 166 working hours per month. Notably, the average salary has increased from 33 600 SEK to 34 600 SEK since the last measurement.

Salary Variations

Salary variations within the profession are significant. The highest salary for a play therapist is 39,700 SEK, and this salary belongs to a woman working in the public sector with a research education. Similarly, the highest salary for a man in the same profession is 36,100 SEK. The lowest salary for a play therapist is 23,000 SEK, which applies to a woman in the public sector with a pre-secondary education shorter than 9 years. The lowest salary for a man is 23,300 SEK.

Education and Competency Requirements

To become a play therapist, a degree in preschool education or similar pedagogical programs is usually required. Experience working with children and adolescents is often a prerequisite, and additional training in therapy or special education can be advantageous. Further education and certification may also be required depending on the employer and specific requirements within different healthcare settings.

Future Outlook and Job Market

According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, the opportunities to find work as a play therapist are very good at the national level. The demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. This means that despite some recruitment difficulties, there is a high demand for play therapists, making the profession attractive for those interested in working with children in healthcare.

Recruitment Situation and Challenges

Despite the great opportunities in the job market, there are challenges related to the recruitment situation. There is a paradox where recruitment difficulties exist simultaneously with high unemployment rates and a high proportion of part-time workers. This situation can make it challenging for employers to find qualified candidates.

Working Conditions and Benefits

Play therapists often work in hospital environments where the work may involve daytime and sometimes evening or weekend shifts depending on the needs. Benefits may vary depending on the employer, but it is not uncommon to have access to paid training and other benefits that can facilitate the work. Flexibility and opportunities for personal development are often appreciated aspects of the profession.

Considerations

For those considering a career as a play therapist, it is important to have a passion for working with children and possess strong communication skills. Creativity and the ability to adapt to different situations are also important qualities. Since work can take place in emotionally demanding environments, having a high level of empathy and patience is crucial.

In conclusion, being a play therapist is a profession that offers both challenges and rewards. With competitive pay and good prospects for the future, it is an attractive career path for those dedicated to contributing to children's well-being and development.