Play therapist

What does a lekterapeut do? – Tasks and work environment

A lekterapeut works to support children's development, well-being, and rehabilitation through pedagogical and therapeutic play-focused activities. The role involves planning and implementing activities tailored to the individual needs of children, often at hospitals, habilitation centers, or special residences. The lekterapeut collaborates closely with healthcare staff, parents, and other specialists to create safe environments where children can express themselves, process experiences, and develop at their own pace. The work environment is varied and can include everything from hospital settings to play therapy rooms and outdoor environments, requiring creativity and flexibility.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salaries for lekterapeuts have shown steady growth. In 2022, the average salary was 33,600 SEK per month, increasing the following year to 34 600 SEK, representing an approximate 3% rise. Between 2023 and 2024, the trend continued upward, with the average salary reaching 36 300 SEK per month, an additional increase of about 4.6%. This development reflects an increased demand for skills in pedagogical and therapeutic professions, as well as a greater focus on supporting children during care and rehabilitation. Salary growth is also influenced by factors such as education level, experience, and sector, with public sector employers often offering slightly higher wages than private providers.

Lekterapeut salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 36 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 23,700 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, pre-secondary education)
• Highest salary: 40,100 SEK/month (female, public sector, research education)
• Hourly wage: 218 SEK
• Women earn: 36 300 SEK (102% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 35 700 SEK
• Regional differences: No specific statistics available, but salary levels may be affected by location and employer.

Education and qualifications

To work as a lekterapeut, a pedagogical university degree is usually required, often with a focus on preschool teachers or leisure pedagogues, supplemented with further training in lektherapy. Many employers also seek experience working with children requiring special support, as well as good knowledge of child development and psychology.

• Formal degree: Preschool teacher education or equivalent (3.5 years)
• Further education: Specialized courses in lektherapy or pediatric healthcare
• Internship: Internships in child and youth care are recommended
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies
• Tips for choosing: Select programs focusing on child development and pedagogy

Common benefits and compensations

Lekterapeuts are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, professional development, and opportunities for further training. Additional perks may include occupational pension, flexible working hours, and collective insurance schemes. In the public sector, extra vacation days and salary exchange options are also common.

Competition and challenges

Competition for lekterapeut positions is relatively low, but challenges include high demands for specialized skills and the ability to meet individual children's needs. The work can be emotionally demanding, as it often takes place in environments with sick or vulnerable children. The shortage of lekterapeuts and specialized training can make recruitment difficult for employers. Additionally, adaptability is essential, as tasks vary depending on children's situations and institutional resources. However, the profession offers significant opportunities for personal growth and meaningful work.

Tips for aspiring lekterapeuts

To succeed as a lekterapeut, it is beneficial to combine empathy with pedagogical skill and creativity. Building relationships with children and their families requires sensitivity and good communication skills, while collaboration with other professionals is crucial. Ongoing education and staying updated on new methods in lektherapy are valuable. Flexibility and adapting approaches to meet individual children's needs make a big difference. For those with patience and a genuine desire to contribute to children's development, being a lekterapeut can be highly rewarding. Gaining practical experience through internships during training often provides valuable insights and enhances employability. Finally, self-awareness and emotional resilience are important, as the work can involve difficult situations and meetings.

Key facts about Lekterapeut

• Education level: University degree, often preschool teacher (3.5 years) + further training
• Work environment: Hospitals, habilitation centers, special residences, health centers
• Demand: Excellent job prospects nationwide
• Typical work arrangement: Full-time, often daytime
• Special requirements: Experience working with children requiring special support

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a lekterapeut, there are opportunities to advance to leadership roles within child and youth services, such as supervisor, trainer, or coordinator for lektherapy. Further education in pedagogy, special education, or child psychology is common to broaden responsibilities. The Swedish Public Employment Service forecasts continued strong demand for professionals within the field, with stable prospects over the next five years. There is a paradoxical recruitment situation nationally, with both difficulties in hiring and staff turnover. As of early 2024, there were 434 job openings in the profession, highlighting the need for qualified personnel. Lekterapeuts with specialist skills or experience in complex care situations have particularly good opportunities for career development.

Frequently asked questions about Lekterapeut

• What does a lekterapeut earn?
  - A lekterapeut has an average salary of 36 300 SEK per month.
• How to become a lekterapeut?
  - The common path is preschool teacher education or similar pedagogical training, supplemented with further education in lektherapy.
• Are there job opportunities for lekterapeuts?
  - Yes, job opportunities are plentiful and demand is expected to remain unchanged in the coming years.
• Which workplaces hire lekterapeuts?
  - Primarily hospitals, habilitation centers, special residences, and pediatric healthcare.
• What does a lekterapeut do?
  - The lekterapeut works with children's development and rehabilitation through educational and therapeutic activities.
• What is the gender distribution in the profession?
  - Women are in the majority and earn on average 102% of men's salaries.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Salaries can vary depending on location and employer, but detailed statistics are lacking.