- Salary statistics
- Nurse, psychiatric care salary
Nurse, psychiatric care 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 Nurse, psychiatric care
What does a nurse in psychiatric care do? – Tasks and work environment
A nurse in psychiatric care is responsible for providing care, support, and treatment to patients with mental illnesses or mental disabilities. The work involves assessing patients' mental and physical states, administering medications, participating in treatment planning, and collaborating with relatives and other healthcare staff. The work environment is often characterized by a fast pace and varied tasks, where both independent responsibility and teamwork are central. Many work in psychiatric wards or clinics, but there are also opportunities within outpatient care and municipal services.
Salary development over time
The salary for a nurse in psychiatric care has shown a clear upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 41,400 SEK per month, rising to 46 900 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has increased further to 47 800 SEK, which is an increase of about 13.3% over three years. This development reflects increased demand for specialist competence in psychiatry as well as general wage improvements in the healthcare sector. The shortage of experienced psychiatric nurses and the need to retain staff have likely contributed to the salary increases, with employers competing for qualified personnel.
Psychiatric nurse salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 47 800 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 44,000 SEK/month (female, public sector)
- Highest salary: 51,000 SEK/month (male, municipal sector)
- Hourly wage (average): 282 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 94% of what men do (men: 50 100 SEK, women: 47 200 SEK)
- Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on region and employer
Education and qualifications
To work as a nurse specializing in psychiatric care, a license as a nurse is required, followed by further education in psychiatry. The educational pathway includes both theoretical and practical components, where specialist training is central to gaining in-depth knowledge of psychiatric diagnoses, treatments, and patient interaction. Good reflection and collaboration skills are important qualities during the training process.
- Basic education: Nursing degree (3 years, university or college)
- Further education: Specialist nurse in psychiatric care (1 year, advanced level)
- Licensing: Swedish nursing license required
- Practical training: Clinical practice included in both basic and specialist training
- Additional courses: Communication, crisis management, and medication management are often advantageous
Many psychiatric nurses work in interdisciplinary teams together with psychologists, social workers, and doctors. This provides opportunities for broad skill development and perspective exchange, which often contributes to an stimulating and varied workday.
Common benefits and compensations
Psychiatric nurses are often offered benefits such as extra vacation, paid further education, overtime pay for evening and weekend work, and wellness grants. Many employers also provide pension contributions and opportunities for skill development through internal training and supervision.
Competition and challenges
The job market for psychiatric nurses is characterized by high demand and recruitment difficulties, creating good employment opportunities. At the same time, the profession can be challenging due to complex patient cases, high workload, and the need for continuous competence development. Staff turnover is relatively high, partly due to work environment factors and the emotional engagement required. Handling acute situations and meeting patients in crisis demand high professionalism and personal maturity.
Tips for those wanting to become a psychiatric nurse
To succeed as a psychiatric nurse, it is good to enjoy teamwork and have a genuine desire to help people in vulnerable situations. Empathy and responsiveness are crucial for building trust and relationships with patients. Flexibility and stress tolerance facilitate handling varying workloads and unforeseen situations. Precision and responsibility are needed to manage medication and documentation safely. An open attitude towards further education and actively seeking supervision for professional development are valuable. Good communication skills and patience ease collaboration with colleagues, patients, and relatives. Finally, a high level of integrity and respect for patients' privacy and life situations is essential.
Key facts about Psychiatric Nurse
- Salary range: 44,000–51,000 SEK/month
- Education level: Nursing degree + specialist training (4 years)
- Work environment: Hospitals, clinics, or municipal services
- Demand: Great opportunities for employment, 375 available jobs nationally
- Gender differences: Women earn 94% of what men do
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, there are good opportunities to advance to roles such as ward manager, coordinator, or clinical specialist within psychiatric care. Specialist competence also opens doors to work in research, education, or development projects. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, the opportunities for employment are large, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over five years. However, the recruitment situation is characterized by a paradox: there are both recruitment difficulties and some staff turnover, making employers eager to attract and retain qualified personnel.
Frequently asked questions about Psychiatric Nurse
- What is the salary of a psychiatric nurse?
- The average salary is 47 800 SEK per month, ranging between 44,000 and 51,000 SEK depending on experience and employer. - What are the gender differences in salary?
- Men earn on average 50 100 SEK, women 47 200 SEK, which means women earn 94% of men's salary. - What education is required to work as a psychiatric nurse?
- Licensing as a nurse (3 years) plus specialist training in psychiatric care (1 year). - What is the job market like for this profession?
- Opportunities for employment are plentiful, with approximately 375 available jobs nationwide right now. - What benefits are common in this profession?
- Extra vacation, overtime pay, wellness grants, and opportunities for further training are common. - How has salary development looked over recent years?
- Salaries have increased from 41,400 SEK in 2022 to 47 800 SEK in 2024, an increase of about 13%. - Are there opportunities for career development?
- Yes, advancement to managerial roles, clinical specialist positions, or work in research and education is possible.
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 Nurse, psychiatric care has the SSYK code 2225, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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