- Salary statistics
- Psychiatric nurse salary
Psychiatric nurse salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
45 700 - 52 900 SEK / month
Women earn 94% of what men do.
Hälso- & sjukvård
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Salary progression Psychiatric nurse
What does a psychiatric nurse do? – tasks and work environment
Psychiatric nurses are responsible for providing care and support to patients with mental illnesses and psychological issues. Their tasks include caregiving, conducting assessments, administering medication, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to create a comprehensive understanding of the patient's needs. The work environment can be at hospitals, psychiatric clinics, or outpatient care, often involving a combination of direct patient meetings and documentation work. The role requires high stress tolerance and the ability to handle complex and sometimes emotionally demanding situations.
Salary development over time
The salary for psychiatric nurses has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 41,400 SEK per month, rising in 2023 to 46 900 SEK, and then reaching 47 800 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 13.3% over three years, indicating a positive salary trend. The increase can be linked to increased demand for psychiatric nurses, a general shortage of healthcare workers, and investments in mental health in society. The level of education and specialized skills also contribute to salary growth, as the profession requires both a nursing degree and further training in psychiatry.
Psychiatric nurses often work in teams where empathy and patience are as important tools as medical knowledge. Building trust with patients with complex mental health conditions is an art developed through experience.
Psychiatric nurse salary – a complete overview
- Average salary: 47 800 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 44,000 SEK (female, public sector, shorter post-secondary education)
- Highest salary: 51,000 SEK (male, municipal sector, shorter post-secondary education)
- Hourly wage: 282 SEK (based on 166 hours/month)
- Gender differences: Women earn on average 47 200 SEK, men 50 100 SEK, women earn 94% of men's salaries
- Regional differences: Data unavailable, but salary levels may vary depending on region and employer
Education and qualifications
To become a psychiatric nurse, a basic nursing degree is required, followed by specialist training in psychiatry. The education combines theoretical studies and practical components to provide knowledge about mental health and caregiving.
- Basic degree: Nursing education, 3 years at university or college
- Specialist training: Psychiatric nursing education, typically 1–1.5 years
- Practical training: Clinical practice within psychiatric care is included in the education
- Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies and nursing degree
- Continuing education: Regular courses and certifications to stay updated on new treatment methods
Common benefits and compensations
Psychiatric nurses are generally offered standard benefits such as collective pension agreements, wellness allowances, and holiday pay. Employment within municipal and state sectors may also include occupational pensions and opportunities for further training during working hours. Some workplaces offer flexible working hours and support programs to manage work-related stress.
Challenges and competition
Although demand for psychiatric nurses is considered high, there is a paradox in the recruitment situation. Difficulties in recruiting coexist with high unemployment or a large proportion of part-time employment. The profession often involves high workload and emotional strain, which can lead some to leave the profession. At the same time, job opportunities are good, and the need for specialized care for patients with mental health issues is expected to remain stable in the future.
Tips for aspiring psychiatric nurses
To succeed as a psychiatric nurse, it is beneficial to have strong empathy and patience, as the work often involves meeting vulnerable and distressed individuals. Good communication skills and the ability to collaborate well in teams are important, as care is often conducted in close cooperation with other professionals. High stress tolerance helps manage the pressures that can arise in the profession, along with a willingness to continuously learn new methods and knowledge. Being thorough and responsible ensures high patient safety. Finally, having a genuine desire to contribute to mental health and well-being is valuable.
Key facts about psychiatric nurses
- Education level: Nursing degree + specialist training in psychiatry
- Salary range: 44,000–51,000 SEK/month
- Work environment: Clinical healthcare setting with high emotional demands
- Demand: Large job opportunities, outlook unchanged
- Gender salary gap: Women earn approximately 94% of men's salaries
Career paths and future prospects
After 3–5 years in the profession, psychiatric nurses can advance to specialist roles such as team leaders, supervisors, or work in education and research within psychiatric care. Some choose to further train as psychologists or psychotherapists. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, the opportunities for employment as a psychiatric nurse are large, but demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. The recruitment situation reflects the paradox between recruitment difficulties and high unemployment or part-time work, illustrating the complex labor market of the profession.
Common questions about psychiatric nurses
- What does a psychiatric nurse earn?
- The average salary is approximately 47 800 SEK per month, with variations between 44,000 and 51,000 SEK depending on experience, sector, and gender. - What education is required to become a psychiatric nurse?
- A basic nursing degree and a specialist training in psychiatry are required. - What is the work environment like for psychiatric nurses?
- The work environment is often clinical and can be emotionally demanding with direct patient contact. - Are there good job opportunities in psychiatry?
- Yes, nationally, job opportunities are considered large, although demand is expected to remain unchanged. - Are there gender differences in salary?
- Yes, women earn on average 94% of men's salaries within the profession. - What personal qualities are important in the profession?
- Empathy, patience, stress tolerance, and good communication skills are central qualities. - How does the salary develop over time?
- The salary has increased positively by over 13% in the past three years.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 40900 kr | 43100 kr | |
| 35-44 | 93% | 44300 kr | 46200 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 45800 kr | 47800 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 47000 kr | 49700 kr |
| 65-68 | 48100 kr | 50500 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 45500 kr | 47800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 32400 kr | 39400 kr | |
| 25-34 | 95% | 40900 kr | 43300 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 43900 kr | 45700 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 45800 kr | 48000 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 47000 kr | 49600 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 48100 kr | 50600 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 45500 kr | 47700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 43900 kr | 44900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 97% | 44800 kr | 45700 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 46900 kr | 47300 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 46400 kr | 46900 kr |
| 65-68 | 49600 kr | 50000 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 46000 kr | 46700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 32400 kr | 39400 kr | |
| 25-34 | 95% | 40800 kr | 43200 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 43800 kr | 45700 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 45800 kr | 48000 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 47000 kr | 49700 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 48100 kr | 50700 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 45400 kr | 47800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 93% | 45200 kr | 48700 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 46100 kr | 49700 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 47200 kr | 51700 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 46100 kr | 50100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 95% | 40600 kr | 45100 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 44200 kr | 47200 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 46000 kr | 49700 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 47200 kr | 50800 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 48100 kr | 52600 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 45800 kr | 49400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 97% | 46200 kr | 46600 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 46700 kr | 47200 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 47400 kr | 47400 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 46900 kr | 47300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 95% | 40600 kr | 45200 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 44100 kr | 47300 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 45900 kr | 49800 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 47200 kr | 50900 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 47900 kr | 52700 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 45700 kr | 49500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 40900 kr | 42700 kr | |
| 35-44 | 93% | 44000 kr | 45500 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 45700 kr | 47400 kr |
| 55-64 | 95% | 47000 kr | 49200 kr |
| 65-68 | 48000 kr | 49800 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 45400 kr | 47200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 32400 kr | 39400 kr | |
| 25-34 | 95% | 40900 kr | 42900 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 43800 kr | 45300 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 45800 kr | 47600 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 46900 kr | 49300 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 48100 kr | 50100 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 45400 kr | 47400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 44200 kr | 45300 kr | |
| 35-44 | 97% | 44500 kr | 45400 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 46900 kr | 47400 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 46300 kr | 46800 kr |
| 65-68 | 48900 kr | 49400 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 45800 kr | 46500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 32400 kr | 39400 kr | |
| 25-34 | 95% | 40800 kr | 42800 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 43700 kr | 45300 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 45700 kr | 47600 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 47000 kr | 49400 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 48100 kr | 50100 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 45400 kr | 47400 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 Psychiatric nurse has the SSYK code 2225, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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