Care assistant, at institution

What does a care assistant in an institution do – tasks and work environment

A care assistant in an institution works to provide support, service, and care to individuals living in special housing or institutions. Tasks often include helping residents with daily routines such as personal hygiene, meals, and leisure activities, as well as creating a safe and stimulating environment. The role also involves collaborating with other professional groups like nurses and occupational therapists, documenting efforts, and following individual care plans. The work often involves shift work, including evenings and weekends, and the work environment is characterized by close contact with people, sometimes in challenging situations where flexibility and patience are crucial.

Salary development over time

The salary for a care assistant in an institution has increased noticeably over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,600 kronor per month. In 2023, it rose to 33 424 kronor, representing a significant increase of just over 21%. In 2024, the trend continued slightly upward to 33,563 kronor, a modest increase of about 0.4% compared to the previous year. The large salary increase between 2022 and 2023 is likely linked to increased demand for care staff and changes in collective agreements. The marginal increase in the last year suggests that salary development has now stabilized, which often happens when the market has met increased demand and salary levels have adjusted accordingly.

Care assistant in an institution salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 30 000 kr/month
• Lowest/Highest salary: 27600–33563 kr/month
• Hourly wage: 180 kr/hour
• Gender differences: Men 30 900 kr, women 28 500 kr (women 92% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Data varies, but metropolitan municipalities tend to offer slightly higher salaries

Education and qualifications

To work as a care assistant in an institution, a general upper secondary care and welfare program is usually required, but some employers may also recruit individuals with other relevant experience. In addition to formal education, practical experience and personal qualities are highly valued. Many employers also offer internal training and introductory programs for new employees, especially in specialized areas. Opportunities for further education and certification are available for those who wish to develop within the profession.

• Education: Care and welfare program (3 years, upper secondary level)
• Certifications: Opportunities for assistant nurse certification or specialization courses
• Internship: Mandatory internship at an institution or residence during training
• Prerequisites: Basic education and sometimes prior experience in care work
• Further education: Employers can offer internal courses and supervision

Common benefits and compensations

Care assistants in an institution are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness grants, regular health checks, and opportunities for skills development. Shift work sometimes includes night shift allowances for evening and weekend work, and many employers also offer extra days off or shortened working hours for inconvenient shifts. Collective agreements also provide security regarding salary, insurance, and working conditions.

Challenges and competition

The competition for positions as a care assistant in an institution is generally moderate but can vary depending on the region and type of operation. Challenges in the profession often involve meeting residents' individual needs while managing high workload, especially during staffing shortages or illness periods. Physically demanding tasks and emotionally taxing situations are common, which require resilience and empathy. Despite this, demand for care staff remains high, creating good employment opportunities in the long term. For those wishing to develop within the profession, continuous learning and adaptation to new working methods and regulations are necessary.

Tips for those who want to become a care assistant in an institution

To succeed as a care assistant in an institution, it is beneficial to have a genuine interest in helping others and a high degree of empathy. Being able to work systematically and carefully makes it easier to follow routines and document efforts correctly. Flexibility is an important trait, as tasks can vary from day to day and sometimes involve quick changes. Good teamwork skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues and other professional groups within the institution. Patience and stress tolerance are also crucial, especially when working with residents with complex needs or under time pressure. Taking the initiative for further education or specialization can also increase opportunities for new tasks and responsibilities. Finally, prioritizing self-recovery is essential to sustain oneself in this meaningful and sometimes demanding profession.

Key facts about a care assistant in an institution

• Education level: General upper secondary care and welfare education
• Work environment: Institutional residences, often shift work
• Typical employment form: Permanent or hourly employment
• Demand: High – 123 available jobs in the current profession
• Gender distribution: Women are the majority but have lower average salaries than men

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a care assistant in an institution, there are opportunities to advance to more qualified roles such as assistant nurse, team leader, or coordinator. Further education in areas like dementia care, psychiatry, or leadership can also open doors to specialist positions or supervisory roles. The employment agency's forecasts indicate continued high demand for care staff, especially in elderly care and LSS residences, making the profession stable in the long term. For those wanting to broaden their skills, work in outpatient care or social services is also relevant. The profession thus offers good opportunities for development and secure employment.

Frequently asked questions about a care assistant in an institution

• What is the salary of a care assistant in an institution?
  - A care assistant in an institution has an average salary of 30 000 kronor per month.
• How has the salary development been for a care assistant in an institution?
  - The salary has increased from 27,600 kronor in 2022 to 33,563 kronor in 2024, with a significant rise between 2022 and 2023.
• What education is required to become a care assistant in an institution?
  - A general upper secondary care and welfare program is most common, sometimes supplemented with additional courses or certifications.
• Are there salary differences between women and men?
  - Yes, women earn on average 28 500 kronor, which is 92% of men's salary of 30 900 kronor.
• What are the job responsibilities of a care assistant in an institution?
  - Job tasks include support in daily routines, personal care, documentation, and collaboration with other professional groups.
• What is the job market like for a care assistant in an institution?
  - Demand is high with 123 available jobs within the profession according to current statistics.