Speech therapist

What does a Speech Therapist do? – Tasks and Work Environment

Speech therapists work to investigate, diagnose, and treat various speech, language, voice, and swallowing difficulties. The work often involves close collaboration with other health care professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and special educators. Speech therapists meet patients of all ages—from young children with speech delays to elderly individuals with swallowing issues after illness or injury. The work environment varies depending on the workplace and can include hospitals, health centers, habilitation centers, schools, or private practices. The profession requires great sensitivity, good communication skills, and the ability to tailor treatments to the individual.

Salary Development Over Time

Over the past three years, the salary for a speech therapist has shown steady growth. In 2022, the average salary was 35,300 SEK per month, increasing to 36 400 SEK in 2023 and now reaching 37 900 SEK in 2024. This development corresponds to a total increase of approximately 7.4% during the period. The trend indicates that demand for speech therapists remains strong, which can also be linked to increased focus on early interventions in schools and healthcare, as well as a growing awareness of the importance of speech and communication difficulties for quality of life. The salary increase can also be explained by a high level of education and specialized skills within the profession.

Speech Therapist Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 37 900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 34,900 SEK/month (male, municipal sector, post-secondary education of 3 years or more)
• Highest salary: 48,100 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, doctoral degree)
• Hourly wage: 228 SEK
• Women: 38 000 SEK/month
• Men: 36 000 SEK/month
• Women earn: 106% of what men do
• Regional differences: Some variation may occur, higher salaries in metropolitan areas

Education and Qualifications

To work as a speech therapist, an academic university degree is required. The education includes both theoretical and practical components and leads to a professional qualification and licensure from the National Board of Health and Welfare. Practical experience during the training prepares students to work with patients with various communication difficulties in real environments.

• Education: University program in speech therapy (4 years, 240 hp)
• Licensure: Issued by the National Board of Health and Welfare after completing the education
• Practical training: Clinical practice (VFU) is included as a mandatory part
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility and specific requirements in biology, physics, chemistry, and mathematics
• Further education: Opportunities for master's, postgraduate, or doctoral studies

Common Benefits and Allowances

Speech therapists often have access to collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, and paid further training. Flexitime and remote work options are available at some workplaces, as well as compensation for unsocial hours and skill development. The extent of benefits may vary depending on whether employment is within the public or private sector.

Competition and Challenges

The demand for speech therapists is generally stable, but competition for certain positions can be high, especially in metropolitan areas where the number of applicants is larger. Conversely, there are regions with a noticeable shortage of speech therapists, which can lead to high workload and challenges in accommodating all patients. The profession often involves working with complex cases and sometimes meeting patients with long-term or difficult problems, requiring patience and strong engagement. Staying updated with research and new treatment methods is an important but time-consuming part of the work. Additionally, speech therapists are often expected to educate and supervise other professionals regarding communication and speech disorders.

Tips for Aspiring Speech Therapists

To succeed as a speech therapist, it is good to develop great patience and active listening skills for both patients and relatives. Strong analytical abilities help identify and understand complex language and communication problems, which are crucial in assessment work. Creativity and flexibility are also important, as treatments often need to be adapted to the individual's needs. Social skills and empathy facilitate contact with patients of all ages and situations. Being meticulous and organized helps with documentation and planning, while an interest in lifelong learning makes it easier to stay updated on new methods and research within the field.

Key Facts about Speech Therapists

• Educational level: University degree (4 years, licensure required)
• Work environment: Hospitals, health centers, schools, private practices
• Number of job openings: 375 within the profession of audiologists and speech therapists
• Common employment form: Full-time, daytime
• Special expertise: Language development, speech and voice disorders, swallowing issues

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After three to five years in the profession, a speech therapist can develop into specialist roles such as pediatric speech therapy, neurorehabilitation, or voice disorders. There are also opportunities to work as supervisors, educators, or take on managerial roles within organizations. Advanced studies, such as master's or postgraduate degrees, open doors to research and development work. The Public Employment Service's forecasts for audiologists and speech therapists show a total of 375 job openings, but no specific assessment is made for speech therapists due to limited data. Overall, demand is considered good, especially within the public sector and in regions with growing populations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Speech Therapists

• What is the average salary for a Speech Therapist?
  - The average salary for a speech therapist is 37 900 SEK per month.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a Speech Therapist?
  - The highest salary is 48,100 SEK and the lowest is 34,900 SEK per month.
• Are there gender differences in salary?
  - Yes, women earn on average 38 000 SEK and men 36 000 SEK per month. Women thus earn 106% of what men do.
• What education is required to become a speech therapist?
  - University program in speech therapy, four years, and licensure from the National Board of Health and Welfare.
• What is the job market like for speech therapists?
  - There are 375 job openings within the profession, and demand is generally good, especially in the public sector.
• What workplaces are common for speech therapists?
  - Hospitals, health centers, schools, habilitation centers, and private clinics.
• Can speech therapists pursue further education?
  - Yes, there are opportunities for master's, postgraduate, or doctoral studies and specialization in various areas.