Service assistant, care

What does a care service assistant do – tasks and work environment

A care service assistant works to support healthcare staff and patients in various care settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and home care. Tasks often include assisting with basic care, serving meals, helping with cleaning, and transporting materials or patients. Many service assistants serve as an important link between care recipients and other staff, contributing to creating a safe and pleasant environment for both patients and relatives. The work environment is characterized by close contact with people, varied tasks, and sometimes a high pace, especially during staffing shortages or intensive care periods.

Salary development over time

The salary for a care service assistant has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 26,700 SEK per month. In 2023, it rose to 27 900 SEK, corresponding to an increase of about 4.5%. In 2024, there was a further increase to 28 700 SEK, which is approximately a 2.9% increase compared to the previous year. Overall, the profession has experienced a positive salary development of nearly 7.5% over a three-year period. This development can mainly be explained by increased demand for healthcare personnel, partly due to an aging population and a growing need for supportive functions within healthcare. Additionally, labor market parties have worked to improve conditions and wages for care aides and service staff.

Care service assistant salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 28 700 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 26,900 SEK/month (men, municipal sector), 27,000 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 30,200 SEK/month (both men and women, private sector employee)
• Hourly wage: 172 SEK
• Gender differences: None – same average salary for men and women
• Regional differences: Vary, depending on employer and location

Education and qualifications

To work as a care service assistant, often no formal healthcare education is required, but some employers may prefer candidates with experience from healthcare or social care. Basic introductory training is often provided at the workplace, and there are opportunities to supplement with shorter courses in healthcare and social care to strengthen skills. Practical experience and social ability are highly valued during recruitment.

• High school education: Care and social programs are advantageous but not mandatory
• Introductory training: Usually at the workplace, 1–4 weeks
• Additional courses: For example, hygiene, communication, or lifting techniques
• Internship: Experience from healthcare or social care is advantageous
• Prerequisites: Good Swedish skills in speaking and writing, social skills

Common benefits and compensations

Care assistants in healthcare often have access to benefits such as night shift supplements for evening and weekend work, wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes opportunities for further education during paid working hours. Other compensations may include meal subsidies, collective pension agreements, and holiday and sick pay according to applicable agreements.

Competition and challenges

The profession as a care service assistant is characterized by a labor market with high demand and good job opportunities, but there are also challenges. Competition for permanent positions can occur in some regions, while others face staff shortages. Many positions are part-time, which can affect income and work environment. Physically demanding tasks, irregular hours, and sometimes high pace require endurance and stress resilience. At the same time, job satisfaction and the ability to make a difference for others are strong motivators for many in the profession.

Tips for those wanting to become a care service assistant

To succeed as a care service assistant, it is good to be flexible and able to adapt to various tasks and situations, as workdays are often diverse. Good teamwork skills are important because the work is performed in teams with healthcare staff and patients, requiring attentiveness and respect. Being service-minded and genuinely interested in helping others facilitates daily work and contributes to a positive work environment. The ability to handle stress and work structured is also crucial, especially during busy periods. Showing initiative by taking responsibility and asking for help when needed is valuable. Finally, empathy and patience are central qualities to create safety and treat care recipients respectfully, regardless of the situation.

Key facts about care service assistants

• Salary range: 26,900–30,200 SEK/month
• Average salary: 28 700 SEK/month
• Education level: Often no formal requirement, introduction at the workplace
• Work environment: Close contact with patients and varied pace
• Demand: Great job opportunities, especially due to an aging population

Career paths and future prospects

After some years as a care service assistant, there are good opportunities to further train as an assistant nurse or take on more responsibility within the team, such as team leader or coordinator. Many choose to combine work with studies to broaden their skills within healthcare and social care. According to the Swedish Employment Service’s forecast, the outlook is very positive, with significant opportunities for employment both short and long term. Demand is expected to increase further over the next five years, especially due to an increasingly aging population and increased healthcare needs. Currently, there are approximately 375 job openings in the profession. Those pursuing further education can also advance to roles such as nurse, specialist assistant nurse, or supervisor within healthcare and social services.

Common questions about care service assistants

• What does a care service assistant earn?
  - A care service assistant has an average salary of 28 700 SEK per month.
• Are there pay differences between men and women?
  - No, both men and women have the same average salary within this profession.
• What is the highest salary for a care service assistant?
  - The highest salary is 30,200 SEK per month for both men and women.
• What education is required to become a care service assistant?
  - Often no formal education is required, but introduction at the workplace and the care and social programs are advantageous.
• What is the job market outlook for care service assistants?
  - Opportunities for employment are plentiful and demand is expected to increase in the coming years.
• What is the hourly wage for a care service assistant?
  - The hourly wage is 172 SEK for hourly paid staff.
• What are the typical tasks of a care service assistant?
  - Tasks include basic care, serving food, cleaning, and assisting healthcare staff and patients.