Rehabilitation Assistant

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

A rehabilitation assistant works to support and guide individuals who need help regaining or maintaining their physical, mental, or social functioning. Tasks often involve collaboration with other healthcare and social care professionals, such as occupational therapists, nurses, and social workers. Interventions may include motivation work, practical training, social activation, and follow-up of individual rehabilitation plans. The work environment varies between workplaces such as municipal services, private treatment homes, or government institutions, and may involve day, evening, and weekend shifts. Contact with clients is often in groups or individually, and the work entails a high social responsibility.

Salary development over time

The salary development for rehabilitation assistants has been steadily positive in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,200 SEK per month, increasing to 34 800 in 2023, and further to 36 100 in 2024. This represents a salary increase of approximately 8.7% over three years. This trend reflects continued demand for skills in the field and can also be linked to increased complexity in tasks and requirements for relevant education. The market for treatment and social pedagogues has been relatively stable, with salaries following the general wage development within the public sector. The gap between men’s and women’s salaries is small, indicating some gender equality in the profession, although some differences still exist.

Rehabilitation assistant salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 36 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,800 SEK/month (women), 32,400 SEK/month (men)
• Highest salary: 41,500 SEK/month (women), 39,200 SEK/month (men)
• Hourly wage: 217 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 98% of what men do
• Regional differences: Available data suggest variation between municipalities and regions, but the average is close to the national average

Education and qualifications

To work as a rehabilitation assistant, a high school diploma in healthcare and social care or social work is usually required, often supplemented with post-secondary courses or YH-education. Practical experience from similar activities is often advantageous, and employers may require specific courses or certifications within treatment, rehabilitation, or social pedagogy. The flexibility of educational pathways allows people from different backgrounds to qualify for the profession.

• High school education: Healthcare and social care programs or Child and Recreation programs
• Post-secondary education: YH-education (1–2 years) focused on rehabilitation or social pedagogy
• Internship: Workplace-based learning or internship within rehabilitation services
• Courses/certificates: Supplementary education in communication techniques, addiction care, or psychiatry
• Prerequisites: Often experience working with people in vulnerable situations

Common benefits and compensations

Rehabilitation assistants are often offered collective agreement-based occupational pensions, wellness grants, and opportunities for skills development through courses and training. Other common benefits include subsidized lunches, work clothes, and flexible working hours or reduced working hours depending on the employer and the organization’s setup.

Competition and challenges

The job market for rehabilitation assistants is characterized by balance, where the number of trained professionals roughly matches demand. According to Arbetsförmedlingen, there are nationally 237 available jobs within the group of treatment assistants and social pedagogues, and the forecast for the next five years is that demand will remain unchanged. Major challenges include high demands on emotional stability, the ability to handle stressful situations, and working with people in difficult life situations. Competition for the most attractive positions can be high, especially in metropolitan areas, while the availability of temporary and fixed-term positions is good.

Tips for those who want to become a rehabilitation assistant

To succeed as a rehabilitation assistant, it is good to combine strong empathy with structure and clarity in your work. Being attentive and able to build trustful relationships is crucial, especially when working with people in vulnerable situations. Flexibility and patience facilitate when tasks and clients’ needs can change quickly. Good teamwork skills are important since the work often takes place in teams with other professionals, and integrity is needed to handle personal boundaries and difficult conversations. Staying updated on new methods and participating in further training strengthens the professional role, and a solution-focused mindset helps find ways forward even when challenges arise.

Key facts about Rehabilitation Assistant

• Education level: High school diploma with supplementary YH-education (1–2 years)
• Typical work environment: Municipal services, treatment homes, and government institutions
• Work form: Often scheduled day and evening shifts, sometimes weekends
• Demand: Moderate, with 237 available jobs nationwide
• Special skills: Communication techniques, addiction care, and documentation

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a rehabilitation assistant, there are opportunities to advance to more specialized roles such as supervisor, team coordinator, or further education as a social pedagogue or treatment pedagogue. Some choose to deepen their expertise in areas like addiction treatment, psychiatry, or work with young adults. According to the Arbetsförmedlingen job forecast, the labor market is expected to remain balanced, with demand for the profession remaining unchanged over the coming five years. Those wishing to broaden their skills can also aim for roles within social work or educational initiatives within healthcare and social care.

Common questions about Rehabilitation Assistant

• What does a rehabilitation assistant earn?
  - The average salary is 36 100 SEK/month, with variations depending on experience and employer.
• Are there significant salary differences between men and women?
  - Women earn 98% of what men do, which indicates a relatively small difference.
• What education is required to become a rehabilitation assistant?
  - Typically, a high school diploma in healthcare and social care, supplemented with YH-education or courses.
• What is the job market like for rehabilitation assistants?
  - The job market is considered balanced with moderate employment opportunities and 237 available jobs nationwide.
• Which workplaces hire rehabilitation assistants?
  - Municipal services, government institutions, and private treatment centers are common employers.
• What is the hourly wage for a rehabilitation assistant?
  - An average hourly wage is 217 SEK for hourly employees.
• What career paths are available after a few years in the profession?
  - Opportunities include further education as a social pedagogue, supervisor, or specialization within different areas.