- Salary statistics
- Operations Assistant salary
Operations Assistant salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
49 200 - 58 600 SEK / month
Women earn 102% of what men do.
Hälso- & sjukvård
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Salary progression Operations Assistant
What does an Operations Assistant do? – Tasks and work environment
An Operations Assistant plays a central role in the operating room and works closely with operating nurses, surgeons, and other healthcare staff. Tasks include preparing the operating room, sterilizing instruments, assisting during surgeries, and handling and documenting materials and equipment. Operations Assistants ensure everything is in place for surgeries to be carried out smoothly and safely. The environment is often intense, with high demands on precision, teamwork, and stress management, as the work is directly connected to patient care and life-saving procedures.
Salary development over time
The salary for an Operations Assistant has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 45,500 SEK per month, rising to 49 900 SEK in 2023 and further to 51 000 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 9.7% over three years, which is higher than the general wage growth in many other healthcare professions. The positive trend is linked to increased demand for surgical staff, while recruitment difficulties and high skill requirements help push wages upward. The job market for Operations Assistants remains strong, and the trend indicates that wages will continue to develop positively as the need for qualified personnel increases.
Operations Assistant salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 51 000 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 47,600 SEK/month (female, private sector worker, post-secondary education 3+ years)
- Highest salary: 56,000 SEK/month (male, private sector worker, post-secondary education <3 years)
- Hourly wage: 300 SEK
- Gender pay gap: Women and men practically earn the same salary (women 51 000 SEK, men 50 300 SEK)
- Regional differences: Specific figures are not available, but variations may occur between regions and employers
Many Operations Assistants have the opportunity to participate in advanced medical technology training and further education directly at their workplace. This provides a unique chance to continuously develop skills and specialize within different surgical areas.
Education and qualifications
To work as an Operations Assistant, a healthcare education with a focus on surgical operations is usually required, often at post-secondary level. The education combines theoretical studies with practical training and covers both medical knowledge and technical skills. Some employers may also offer internal trainee programs or supplementary courses to ensure the right competence.
- Formal education: Post-secondary healthcare education, often 1–3 years
- Certifications: Courses in sterilization techniques and surgical hygiene
- Practical training: Internship periods at hospitals or clinics are standard
- Prerequisites: Care and nursing programs or equivalent basic healthcare experience
- Additional training: Opportunities for further education and specialization within different surgical fields
Common benefits and compensations
Operations Assistants are often offered benefits such as evening and weekend shift allowances, extra vacation, wellness contributions, and opportunities for skills development. Some employers also provide compensation for work attire and meals during long shifts, as well as pension contributions and insurance coverage.
Challenges and competition
The job market for Operations Assistants is characterized by high demand but also a paradoxical recruitment situation where there is a shortage of experienced candidates while many leave the profession or work part-time. Heavy workload, demanding work environment, and the need for continuous skills development are some of the main challenges. To meet the increasing demand for qualified surgical staff, investments in education and working conditions are necessary. Additionally, high flexibility and teamwork skills are required, especially in situations with rapid changes or unforeseen events in the operating room.
Tips for aspiring Operations Assistants
To succeed as an Operations Assistant, it’s good to have a strong sense of accuracy and order, as the work requires precision and responsibility for sterile environments. Being stress-resistant is crucial since the pace can be high and unexpected situations may arise quickly during surgeries. Develop your teamwork and communication skills, as you work closely with other professionals and need to follow instructions and provide support in urgent situations. Show engagement in continuously learning new techniques and routines, as medical technology advances rapidly. Finally, empathy and respect for patient integrity are important qualities to create safety and quality in healthcare.
Key facts about Operations Assistants
- Education level: Post-secondary healthcare education (1–3 years)
- Work environment: Operating room at hospital or clinic
- Demand: Very high, 375 available jobs nationwide
- Equal pay: Women and men have essentially the same salary
- Specialization: Opportunities for further training within various surgical fields
Career paths and future prospects
After 3–5 years in the role of Operations Assistant, there are good opportunities for advancement, such as senior roles, specialization in specific surgical areas, or further education to become an surgical nurse. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast for the profession of surgical nurses, demand is expected to increase further over the next five years, and job opportunities are considered very good nationwide. The high number of available jobs and recruitment difficulties mean employers often offer competitive conditions to attract new staff. Operations Assistants therefore represent a future-proof career choice for those who want to work in a dynamic and vital part of healthcare.
Frequently asked questions about Operations Assistants
- What does an Operations Assistant earn?
- The average salary is 51 000 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 300 SEK. - Are there salary differences between women and men?
- No, women and men have essentially the same salary within this profession. - What is the job market like for Operations Assistants?
- The job market is very good with high demand and over 375 available positions nationwide. - What education is required to become an Operations Assistant?
- Post-secondary healthcare education, often 1–3 years, plus practical training in surgical operations. - What are the most common job tasks?
- Preparing the operating room, sterilizing instruments, and assisting during surgeries. - Can I further my education within the profession?
- Yes, there are opportunities for further training and specialization within various surgical fields. - What personal qualities are important?
- Accuracy, stress tolerance, teamwork skills, and a sense of responsibility are central qualities.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 41100 kr | 42600 kr | |
| 35-44 | 45300 kr | 47300 kr | |
| 45-54 | 49600 kr | 51900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 52000 kr | 54900 kr | |
| 65-68 | 55300 kr | 58600 kr | |
| Snitt | 102% | 48700 kr | 51000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 96% | 40600 kr | 42200 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 44800 kr | 46900 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 49000 kr | 51800 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 51800 kr | 54900 kr |
| 65-68 | 100% | 54100 kr | 56300 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 48100 kr | 50600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 53800 kr | 57700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 50600 kr | 53100 kr | |
| Snitt | 109% | 50100 kr | 53200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 95% | 40600 kr | 42200 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 44800 kr | 46900 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 48900 kr | 51800 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 51800 kr | 54900 kr |
| 65-68 | 100% | 54100 kr | 56300 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 48100 kr | 50600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 51700 kr | 52900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 51700 kr | 52900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 102% | 47300 kr | 50300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 96% | 41600 kr | 44000 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 44800 kr | 47700 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 49500 kr | 54000 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 51700 kr | 54500 kr |
| 65-68 | 100% | 53800 kr | 56000 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 47000 kr | 50100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 109% | 47200 kr | 49500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 95% | 41700 kr | 44100 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 44800 kr | 47700 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 49400 kr | 54000 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 51700 kr | 54500 kr |
| 65-68 | 100% | 53800 kr | 56000 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 47000 kr | 50100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 41000 kr | 42400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 45300 kr | 47200 kr | |
| 45-54 | 49600 kr | 51800 kr | |
| 55-64 | 52000 kr | 54900 kr | |
| 65-68 | 55400 kr | 58800 kr | |
| Snitt | 102% | 48800 kr | 51100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 96% | 40500 kr | 42000 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 44800 kr | 46800 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 48900 kr | 51700 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 51800 kr | 54900 kr |
| 65-68 | 100% | 54100 kr | 56300 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 48200 kr | 50700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 55600 kr | 59900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 50600 kr | 53100 kr | |
| Snitt | 109% | 50800 kr | 54100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 95% | 40500 kr | 42000 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 44800 kr | 46800 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 48900 kr | 51600 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 51800 kr | 54900 kr |
| 65-68 | 100% | 54100 kr | 56300 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 48100 kr | 50600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 51700 kr | 52900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 51700 kr | 52900 kr |
About the data
All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.
All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.
Profession Operations Assistant has the SSYK code 2231, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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