What does a reception assistant do? – Tasks and work environment
Reception assistants mainly work within the healthcare and social care sector, supporting licensed staff with practical tasks at clinics and reception areas. Tasks vary but often include receiving patients, assisting with simple examinations, handling administrative duties, and ensuring waiting rooms and reception areas are orderly. Reception assistants contribute to a smooth patient flow and create a safe and welcoming environment for visitors. The work is usually daytime and involves close collaboration with nurses, doctors, and other healthcare staff.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, the salary for reception assistants has shown steady growth. In 2022, the average salary was 27,100 SEK per month, increasing to 29 400 SEK in 2023, which corresponds to an increase of about 8.5%. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 30 200 SEK, representing a total increase of just over 11% over the three-year period. The positive salary trend can be explained by increased demand within the healthcare sector, changes in working conditions, and greater professionalization of the profession. Salary increases also reflect the general trend in the public sector where wages are adjusted to meet labor market needs and attract more workers into the profession.
A reception assistant is a profession where contact with people is central. Meeting patients with empathy and creating a sense of security is often as important as the practical tasks. Many working in the profession report that the variation and daily collaboration with different professional groups make the workdays both rewarding and meaningful.
Reception assistant salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 30 200 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 26,500 SEK/month (female, government sector)
- Highest salary: 41,700 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, research education)
- Hourly wage: 181 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 30 400 SEK (102 % of men's salary, men: 29 800 SEK)
- Regional differences: No specific data available
Education and qualifications
To work as a reception assistant, no specific university education is required, but high school education with a focus on healthcare and social care is common. Many employers view previous experience from healthcare or service professions positively, and some may offer internal training or onboarding at the workplace. Practical experience, good language skills, and the ability to meet people are particularly valuable qualities.
- High school education: Healthcare and social care program (3 years)
- Workplace introduction: Common upon employment
- Internship: Meritorious but not always a requirement
- Language skills: Proficiency in Swedish, both spoken and written, is necessary
- Personal qualities: Service-mindedness and stress resilience
Common benefits and compensations
Reception assistants are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, paid vacations, and opportunities for skills development. Employers in the public sector may also provide collective insurance, pension contributions, and sometimes subsidized lunches or staff discounts.
Competition and challenges
Competition for positions as a reception assistant varies by region and employer. There is a continuous need for staff in healthcare and social care, but since the profession does not require extensive formal education, competition can be high for permanent positions. Challenges in the profession often include managing stressful situations, meeting many different people, and quickly adapting to changing tasks. Workload can be uneven, and the pace high, especially during periods with many patient visits.
Tips for aspiring reception assistants
To succeed as a reception assistant, it is good to have a genuine service attitude and the ability to meet people with respect and empathy. Being flexible and resilient under stress makes it easier when the workday changes quickly and many patients need assistance simultaneously. Attention to detail and organizational skills are important qualities for responsibly handling both administrative and practical tasks. It is also valuable to be attentive and able to collaborate with different professional roles, as reception assistants often work in teams. Showing initiative and being open to learning new tasks can create opportunities for development and increased job satisfaction.
Key facts about reception assistants
- Education level: High school, healthcare and social care
- Work environment: Reception, clinic, or health center
- Work hours: Often daytime, sometimes evenings/weekends
- Demand: 371 available positions within the profession
- Special skills: Service, empathy, administration
Career paths and future prospects
Reception assistants can serve as a gateway to other roles within healthcare and social care, such as assistant nurse, medical secretary, or administrator. After 3–5 years in the profession, it is common to pursue further education or take on more responsibility, such as team leader for assistants or specializing in a specific area. The employment agency’s prognosis for the broader healthcare and social care workforce is uncertain due to a lack of sufficient data for an exact assessment. However, the number of available positions indicates stable demand, especially in the public sector and larger clinics. The profession offers good opportunities for those who want to work with people and develop within healthcare.
Frequently asked questions about reception assistants
- What does a reception assistant earn?
- The average salary for a reception assistant is 30 200 SEK per month.
- What education is required to become a reception assistant?
- High school education in healthcare and social care is most common, but formal requirements may vary between employers.
- Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn on average 30 400 SEK and men 29 800 SEK, which means women earn 102 % of men's salaries.
- What is the job market like for reception assistants?
- There are 371 available positions within the profession, indicating good demand.
- What personal qualities are important in this profession?
- Service-mindedness, empathy, stress resilience, and attention to detail are especially valuable qualities.
- What are the highest and lowest salaries for reception assistants?
- The highest salary is 41,700 SEK (female, municipal sector, research education), the lowest is 26,500 SEK (female, government sector).
- What development opportunities are available?
- Opportunities exist to further education and advance to roles such as assistant nurse or administrator.
