Play therapist salary

Play Therapist Salary and Job Description

Working as a play therapist involves using play as a tool to support children's development and well-being, especially in healthcare settings. Play therapists help children process emotions and experiences through creative play and educational activities. It is a profession that requires both educational and therapeutic competence.

What does a Play Therapist do?

As a play therapist, you often work in hospitals or other healthcare facilities where you support children who are hospitalized for care. Job responsibilities include:

• Planning and conducting play and activity sessions for children of various ages.
• Adapting play according to the child's medical condition and emotional needs.
• Collaborating with healthcare professionals to integrate play into care plans.
• Providing support and counseling to families.

Play Therapist Salary

What does a Play Therapist earn? The average salary for a play therapist is 34 600 SEK per month. However, there are differences between genders:

• Women: 34 700 SEK
• Men: 32 400 SEK

The highest reported salary is 39,700 SEK for a woman with a doctoral degree in the public sector, while the lowest salary is 23,000 SEK for a woman with pre-secondary education. The average hourly wage is 208 SEK.

Salary Development Over Time

The salary for play therapists has increased from 33 600 SEK last year to 34 600 SEK this year, indicating a positive salary development within the profession.

Education and Qualifications

To become a play therapist, a preschool teacher education or other educational training focused on children and youth is typically required. Further education in child psychology or therapy may be advantageous.

Common Benefits

Benefits for play therapists may include paid training, opportunities for professional development, and in some cases, flexible working hours.

Competition and Challenges

According to the Employment Agency, job opportunities as a play therapist are significant, but there is a paradoxical recruitment situation with difficulties filling positions while unemployment is high. Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.

Tips for Those Considering a Career in the Field

For those considering a career as a play therapist, it is important to develop strong communication skills and an understanding of children's psychological needs. Experience working with children in various environments is also valuable.

Career Paths

Experience as a play therapist can lead to other roles within childcare and education, or to specialized roles in child therapy and psychological counseling.

Future Outlook and Demand

The future outlook for play therapists is promising with many job openings and stable demand. The Employment Agency assesses that job opportunities are significant, especially within hospitals and specialized care units.

Frequently Asked Questions about Play Therapist

• What does a Play Therapist earn? The average salary is 34 600 SEK per month.
• How do you become a Play Therapist? Typically, a preschool teacher education or other educational training is required.
• Is it easy to get a job? Yes, job opportunities are significant according to the Employment Agency.
• Is it stressful to work as a Play Therapist? The job can be emotionally demanding, but it is also very rewarding.
• What qualities are important as a Play Therapist? Good communication skills, empathy, and the ability to work with children in sensitive situations.