Operations Assistant

What does an operations assistant do? – Tasks and work environment

An operations assistant plays an important role within healthcare, especially in surgical departments and clinics. Their tasks involve assisting surgical staff before, during, and after operations. This includes preparing operating rooms, handling and sterilizing instruments, and assisting with patient preparation and transport. The work is often carried out in close cooperation with nursing assistants, nurses, and doctors, requiring precision and good communication skills. The work environment is intense and demands high standards of hygiene, accuracy, and the ability to handle stressful situations.

Salary development over time

The salary for an operations assistant has shown a stable and positive development over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,300 SEK per month. In 2023, this increased to 32 700 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 4.5%. In 2024, the average salary has reached 34 000 SEK per month, which is a further increase of about 4% compared to the previous year. This salary trend reflects an increased need for operations assistants as the healthcare sector expands and surgical volumes grow. The demand for experienced staff, along with general wage increases in healthcare professions, has contributed to raising salaries further.

Operations assistant salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 34 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,400 SEK/month (female, public sector, post-secondary education of 3 years or more)
• Highest salary: 36,200 SEK/month (male, municipal sector, research education)
• Hourly wage (average): 204 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Women earn 101% of men's salaries (women: 34 000 SEK, men: 33 800 SEK)

Education and qualifications

To work as an operations assistant, a high school education in the care and welfare program is usually required, sometimes supplemented with specific courses in surgical and sterilization techniques. Practical experience from healthcare is highly valued, and many employers offer introductory or internal training for new employees. Formal certifications are rare, but employers value initiative and the ability to adapt to rapid changes in the operating environment.

• High school education: Care and welfare program
• Practical experience: Experience from healthcare internships is advantageous
• Internal training: Introduction and supervision at the workplace
• Further training: Opportunities for courses in sterilization and operating room services
• Personal qualities: Accuracy, stress tolerance, teamwork skills

Common benefits and compensations

For operations assistants, benefits such as evening and weekend shift supplements, extra compensation for on-call duties, and wellness allowances are common. Many employers also offer paid further education, flexible working hours, and subsidized staff cafeterias. Pension contributions and collective agreements are standard in both public and private sectors.

Competition and challenges

The job market for operations assistants is characterized by medium opportunities for employment nationwide. One of the main challenges is the high pace and physically demanding tasks, especially during staffing shortages or unforeseen situations in the operating room. Since the profession often involves working irregular hours, flexibility and good stress management are required. Competition for positions can vary regionally, particularly in metropolitan areas where demand is sometimes higher. Employers value experience and specialized skills, which can be an advantage for those seeking to increase their employment prospects.

Tips for those who want to become an operations assistant

To succeed as an operations assistant, it is helpful to be meticulous and detail-oriented, as proper handling of instruments and materials is crucial. Being stress-resistant helps you handle unexpected situations in a busy environment, while good teamwork skills facilitate communication with the medical team. Showing engagement and taking the initiative for further education can give an edge in recruitment and contribute to long-term career development. Flexibility is also important since working hours can vary, and a professional attitude towards colleagues and patients is highly appreciated in healthcare. Being service-minded and showing care makes the work more rewarding and valued by the team. Finally, it pays to stay updated on new routines and techniques within the operating environment.

Key facts about Operations Assistant

• Salary range: 31,400–36,200 SEK/month
• Education level: High school diploma with a focus on healthcare, often supplemented with internal training
• Work environment: Hospitals, surgical departments, and clinics
• Demand: Moderate opportunities, with projections of increasing need
• Number of job openings: 375 (within the profession)

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an operations assistant, there are opportunities to take on more responsibility, such as supervising new colleagues or further training as an assistant nurse with specialization in surgical or anesthesia care. The forecast from the Employment Service indicates that demand for operations assistants, as well as other assistant nurses in healthcare and specialized units, is expected to increase over the next five years. There are also good opportunities to change workplaces within hospitals or health centers and participate in development projects related to surgical logistics. For those wishing to develop further, training in sterilization, instrument care, or advanced studies to become a registered nurse are potential pathways.

Frequently asked questions about Operations Assistant

• What does an operations assistant earn?
  - An operations assistant has an average monthly salary of 34 000 SEK.
• What education is required to become an operations assistant?
  - High school education in the care and welfare program is most common, often supplemented with internal training.
• Are there salary differences between women and men?
  - Yes, women earn on average 34 000 SEK and men 33 800 SEK, which means women earn 101% of men's salaries.
• What are the future prospects for operations assistants?
  - Demand is expected to increase and there are moderate employment opportunities according to the Employment Service.
• What personal qualities are important for an operations assistant?
  - Accuracy, stress tolerance, and good teamwork skills are especially valuable.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for operations assistants?
  - The highest salary is 36,200 SEK and the lowest 31,400 SEK depending on education, gender, and sector.
• How many job openings are available for operations assistants?
  - There are currently 375 job openings within the profession.