X-ray assistant

What does a Radiology Assistant do? – Tasks and Work Environment

Radiology assistants mainly work within hospital radiology departments or private radiology clinics, assisting radiology nurses and doctors in daily tasks. Responsibilities include preparing patients for examinations, assisting with image capturing, and handling simpler technical equipment. The role also includes administrative duties such as record management and ordering materials. The work environment is often fast-paced and requires good teamwork skills as well as the ability to interact with patients with calmness and empathy. Radiology assistants typically work daytime hours, but some evening and weekend shifts may occur depending on the workplace’s needs.

Salary Development Over Time

The salary for radiology assistants has shown a clear positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,100 SEK per month, which increased to 29 400 SEK in 2023 – an increase of approximately 8.5%. In 2024, the average salary has continued to rise to 30 200 SEK, representing a further increase of 2.7% compared to the previous year. This salary development can be partly explained by increased demand for support staff in healthcare, as well as general salary adjustments within the public sector. Changes in education requirements and opportunities for skill development have also contributed to making the profession more attractive and improving salary levels. Although salary increases have been relatively stable, levels vary depending on factors such as experience, education, and geographic location of the workplace.

Radiology Assistant Salary – Complete Overview

• Average Salary: 30 200 SEK/month
• Lowest Salary: 26,500 SEK/month (female, government sector, pre-high school education)
• Highest Salary: 41,700 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, postgraduate education)
• Hourly Wage: 181 SEK
• Women earn: 102% of men's salary (women: 30 400 SEK, men: 29 800 SEK)
• Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on region and sector

Education and Qualifications

To work as a radiology assistant, extensive formal education is usually not required, but employers often prefer candidates with healthcare experience or education in caregiving. Many workplaces offer internal training and onboarding on-site. Practical experience from healthcare or patient-facing work is meritorious, and personal suitability is highly valued.

• High school education: Healthcare and care programs are recommended
• Introductory training: Often provided by the employer upon hiring
• Meritorious experience: Internships or work within health and medical care
• Language skills: Good Swedish skills are required for documentation and patient contact
• Personal suitability: Strongly emphasized during recruitment

Common Benefits and Compensation

Radiology assistants are often covered by collective agreements and thus have access to benefits such as occupational pension, paid vacation days, and compensation for unsociable hours. Healthcare, wellness allowances, and opportunities for skill development are also common. Some employers also offer subsidized lunches and staff discounts.

Competition and Challenges

The competition for positions as a radiology assistant can vary depending on region and workplace, but there is generally a stable demand for support staff in Swedish healthcare. Challenges in the profession include a high work pace, requirements for accuracy, and the ability to handle stressful situations. Since the role often involves close contact with patients in vulnerable situations, high demands are placed on empathy and communication skills. Another challenge is staying updated on new routines and technical tools used in radiology departments.

Tips for Aspiring Radiology Assistants

To succeed as a radiology assistant, it’s good to be service-oriented, as much of the work involves helping and guiding patients through examinations. Good teamwork skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues and specialists, and flexibility is important to adapt to changing tasks and working hours. Being meticulous contributes to a safe and efficient work environment, especially when handling technical equipment and patient records. Stress resilience is a valuable trait in high-paced situations with multiple patients waiting. Lastly, being attentive and having strong communication skills are advantageous for engaging with patients in a confident and respectful manner.

Key Facts about Radiology Assistants

• Average Salary: 30 200 SEK/month
• Salary Range: 26,500–41,700 SEK/month
• Educational Level: High school diploma, usually healthcare and care
• Work Environment: Hospitals and clinics, patient-facing work
• Job Availability: 375 job openings in the profession

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After three to five years in the profession, a radiology assistant can choose to further train as, for example, an assistant nurse, radiology nurse, or other specialist roles within healthcare. Opportunities for internal training and skill enhancement exist, which can improve chances for more qualified tasks and higher salaries. The forecast for future job opportunities is difficult to determine precisely for radiology assistants, as the profession is part of a broader group where the Employment Service does not make separate assessments. However, there is a stable need for support staff in healthcare, and currently, there are 375 job openings. Regional differences may occur, and demand is often higher in larger cities and major hospitals.

Common Questions about Radiology Assistants

• What does a Radiology Assistant earn?
  - The average salary for a radiology assistant is 30 200 SEK per month.
• How do salary differences between men and women look?
  - Women earn an average of 30 400 SEK and men 29 800 SEK, which means women earn 102% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a radiology assistant?
  - High school education in healthcare and care is usually preferred, along with introductory training upon employment.
• Are there many job openings for radiology assistants?
  - Yes, there are currently 375 job openings in the profession.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - Forecasts are unavailable, but the need for support staff in healthcare is stable and demand is considered good.
• Which workplaces hire radiology assistants?
  - Hospitals, private radiology clinics, and sometimes larger health centers.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a radiology assistant?
  - The highest salary is 41,700 SEK (female, municipal sector), and the lowest is 26,500 SEK (female, government sector).