What does a care counselor do? – tasks and work environment
A care counselor works to provide support and guidance to individuals in difficult life situations, often within social services, healthcare, or care. Responsibilities include conversations, assessments, and coordination of efforts to improve clients' life situations. The work environment is often office-based but may also include home visits and collaboration with other professional groups in healthcare and social work.
Care counselor salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 40100 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 36,200 SEK (female, public sector, pre-secondary education)
- Highest salary: 49,200 SEK (male, municipal sector, doctoral education)
- Hourly wage: 241 SEK (based on 166 working hours/month)
- Gender differences: Women earn the same as men in this profession
- Regional differences: Data is lacking for clear regional variations
Care counselors often need to have strong communication skills and empathy to build trust with clients in vulnerable situations.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, the average salary of care counselors has increased from 37,500 SEK in 2022 to 38 800 SEK in 2023 and further to 40100 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total salary increase of about 7 percent during the period. The gradual increase reflects a growing demand for qualified counselors in social services and healthcare, as well as a general salary adjustment within the public sector. A stable level of education and the important social mission also contribute to salary development. Although the increase is moderate, the trend shows that the profession is gaining increased financial appreciation over time.
Education and qualifications
To become a care counselor, a relevant college education in social work or a counseling program is usually required. The complexity of the profession places high demands on theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
- Formal degree: Degree in social work or counseling education (3–4 years)
- Certifications/courses: Continuing education in psychology, social work, or similar
- Internship/trainee: Common to have internships during education, often in social services or healthcare settings
- Prerequisites: Basic secondary education, often with specific eligibility for higher education
- Tips for choice: Choose education with a strong connection to social work and psychology for the best preparation
Common benefits and compensations
Care counselors are often offered benefits such as wellness grants, occupational pensions, and the possibility of flexible hours. Many employers in the public sector also provide support for further education and have collective agreements that regulate vacation and sick pay. Compensation may vary depending on the sector and type of employment.
Competition and challenges
The profession of care counselor often involves a high workload with emotionally demanding situations. Competition for jobs is moderate but can vary regionally. One challenge is staying updated with new methods and legislation in social work. At the same time, good stress resilience and the ability to handle complex client cases are required to succeed in the profession.
Tips for those who want to become care counselors
To succeed as a care counselor, it is beneficial to develop strong communication skills since the profession involves a lot of conversations with people in difficult life situations. Empathy is an important trait that helps build trust and understanding of clients' needs. It is also valuable to be structured as tasks often require careful documentation and coordination. Demonstrating patience during stressful periods contributes to better management of the workload. Finally, a willingness to continuously learn new methods and update one's knowledge helps to remain relevant in the profession.
Key facts about care counselors
- Education level: College degree in social work or counseling program
- Salary range: 36,200–49,200 SEK/month
- Work environment: Office-based with client contact
- Hourly wage: 241 SEK
- Gender distribution: Equal pay between women and men
Career paths and future prospects
After a few years of experience, a care counselor can advance to senior counselor, specialist, or leadership positions within social services or healthcare organizations. Some choose to specialize in specific areas such as children and youth or psychiatry. The employment agency's forecasts for counselors are uncertain due to limited data, but the profession is part of a larger occupational group with a social focus where approximately 237 job openings are registered. This suggests that the demand for counselors is generally stable.
Frequently asked questions about care counselors
- What does a care counselor earn?
- The average salary is around 40100 SEK per month with an hourly wage of 241 SEK.
- What education is required to become a care counselor?
- A college education in social work or a counseling program is usually necessary.
- Are there gender differences in salary for care counselors?
- No, women and men earn approximately the same in this profession.
- What is the work environment like for a care counselor?
- The work environment is often office-based but may include home visits and collaboration with other professional groups.
- What personal qualities are important in the profession?
- Empathy, patience, and good communication skills are central qualities.
- How has the salary developed in recent years?
- The salary has increased by about 7 percent from 2022 to 2024.
- What are the future prospects for care counselors?
- Projections are uncertain, but the demand within the counseling profession is considered stable.
