Personal Assistant

What does a personal assistant do? – Tasks and work environment

A personal assistant works closely with individuals with disabilities and assists with daily activities to enable an independent life. The tasks vary depending on the individual's needs and may include personal care, help with household chores, cooking, transfers, and accompanying to activities outside the home. The work often takes place in the client's home, but sometimes also at workplaces, schools, or during leisure activities. The work environment is characterized by close and trusting cooperation as well as flexibility regarding working hours, since assistance is often needed around the clock.

Personal assistant salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 31 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 29,400 SEK/month (men), 29,700 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 34,000 SEK/month (men), 33,200 SEK/month (women)
• Hourly wage: 187 SEK/hour (average for hourly workers, based on 166 hours/month)
• Gender differences: Women and men earn approximately the same
• Regional differences: Less variation, but metropolitan areas may have slightly higher salary levels

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salaries for personal assistants have shown stable growth. The latest measurement indicates an average salary of 31 200 SEK/month, with marginal increases from previous years. The trend suggests a modest but steady positive salary development, reflecting both labor market demand and the influence of collective agreements on the profession's salary structure.

Education and qualifications

• Formal diplomas: Healthcare and social care programs (3 years, high school level) are most common but not mandatory
• Certifications/courses: Courses in LSS, ergonomics, lifting techniques, and basic medical training are advantageous
• Internships/traineeships: Workplace internships are part of training programs and can be beneficial for employment
• Prerequisites: Personal suitability is often sufficient, but experience in healthcare or social care is viewed positively
• Self-study/online: Web-based courses on disabilities and ethics are available
• Tips for choosing: Engagement and interest in helping others often weigh more than formal education

Common benefits and compensations

Personal assistants are often covered by collective agreements that entitle them to holiday pay, overtime pay for evening, night, and weekend work, and occupational pension. Other benefits may include wellness allowances and compensation for work clothing. Some employers also offer skills development and supervision.

Competition and challenges

The labor market for personal assistants is characterized by high demand and recruitment difficulties. Many positions are filled continuously, but employers often seek individuals with the right personal suitability and engagement. A challenge is that the work can be physically and emotionally demanding and involve irregular hours. At the same time, the profession offers great opportunities to make a difference in someone else's daily life.

Personal qualities

• Thoroughness
• Analytical ability
• Communication
• Stress resilience
• Initiative/responsibility

Tips for those who want to become a personal assistant

For those considering working as a personal assistant, it is valuable to acquire basic knowledge about different disabilities and ethical issues regarding personal privacy. Practical experience in healthcare or social care can be advantageous, but personal suitability and the ability to build trust are often decisive. Being flexible and able to work varying hours is an advantage, as well as having a genuine interest in supporting others in their daily lives.

Key facts about personal assistants

• Average salary: 31 200 SEK/month
• Salary range: 29,400–34,000 SEK/month
• Education level: High school education most common, but not mandatory
• Work environment: Home environment, flexible and sometimes irregular hours
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment in the coming years

Career paths and future outlook

After a few years of experience as a personal assistant, there are opportunities to advance to supervisory roles, such as coordinator, team leader, or operations manager within assistance companies. Some choose to further their education in healthcare, social work, or pedagogy. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, job prospects are strong, and demand is expected to increase further over the next five years. The profession is characterized by many part-time employees, which may affect the competitive situation.

Frequently asked questions about personal assistants

• What does a personal assistant earn?
  - A personal assistant has an average salary of 31 200 SEK/month, with a range between 29,400 and 34,000 SEK/month.
• Is education required to become a personal assistant?
  - Formal education is not required, but a high school healthcare and social care program is common and advantageous.
• What is the work environment like for a personal assistant?
  - The work environment is usually the client's home, and the job may involve irregular hours and physically demanding tasks.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Salaries are generally equal for men and women within this profession.
• What are the future prospects for personal assistants?
  - Projections show that demand for personal assistants will increase over the next five years.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Empathy, thoroughness, responsibility, and the ability to work independently are key qualities.