Paramedics, ambulance drivers

What does a healthcare worker in an ambulance do? – Tasks and work environment

An ambulance healthcare worker plays a crucial role in emergency interventions and transports of ill or injured individuals. Tasks include quickly assessing the patient's condition, providing first aid and medical care on-site, and during transport to the hospital. The job involves working closely with colleagues, often in pairs with an ambulance nurse, and managing stressful and unpredictable situations. Work is shift-based, including day, evening, and night shifts, demanding high flexibility and endurance. The work environment is characterized by quick decision-making, physically demanding tasks, and encounters with people in crisis.

Salary development over time

The salary for ambulance healthcare workers has shown steady and positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,800 SEK per month, which increased to 36 200 SEK in 2023 and further to 37 500 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 7.7% over three years. This rise can partly be explained by increased demand for qualified ambulance personnel and higher requirements for education and skills in the profession. The salary development also reflects employers' desire to retain experienced staff in a sector where workload is often high and the work environment demanding. Despite this positive trend, certain differences remain between men and women, with women earning 94% of men's salaries in the profession.

Healthcare worker, ambulance driver salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 37 500 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 35,400 SEK/month (women), 36,700 SEK/month (men)
• Highest salary: 39,000 SEK/month (women), 43,000 SEK/month (men)
• Hourly wage: 225 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 94% of what men do
• Regional differences: Data on regional salary differences are limited, but variations occur depending on employer and region.

Education and qualifications

To work as an ambulance healthcare worker, a secondary school healthcare education focusing on emergency care or a post-secondary vocational training, often supplemented with specific courses in ambulance care and heavy vehicle driving licenses, is typically required. Practical experience and good physical ability are important qualification components. Many employers also require specific certifications and experience working under pressure.

• Secondary healthcare education: Care and Nursing Program (3 years)
• Post-secondary training: YH training for ambulance healthcare workers (1.5–2 years)
• Driver's license: B-license, often also C1/C-license for ambulance
• Certifications: Emergency care, CPR, trauma management
• Practical training: Mandatory internship in ambulance care

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for ambulance healthcare workers include overtime pay for unsocial hours, wellness subsidies, extra vacation days, and pension contributions. Many employers also offer training opportunities and supervision to promote skill development. In some regions, special allowances for on-call duty and emergency responses may also be included.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as ambulance healthcare workers varies by region, but demand is generally stable. Challenges in the profession mainly involve managing high physical and mental demands, making quick decisions under pressure, and working during inconvenient hours. The work environment is often demanding, with risks of threatening situations and heavy lifting. Limited data makes it difficult to provide precise forecasts for future recruitment, but the number of available jobs in the profession is relatively high. Staff turnover and the need for ongoing training are factors influencing both salary development and working conditions.

Tips for those wanting to become an ambulance healthcare worker

To succeed as an ambulance healthcare worker, it is good to combine practical action skills with empathy and stress resilience. Training to make quick decisions under pressure is crucial, as is developing good physical condition to handle physically demanding tasks. Communication skills and attentiveness are important qualities, since the work often involves contact with patients in crisis and collaboration with colleagues. It is recommended to gain experience early in healthcare or care roles, preferably through internships or summer jobs. Staying updated on new routines and medical guidelines enhances competence and increases employment chances. Finally, flexibility and the ability to handle irregular working hours are important for long-term satisfaction in the profession.

Key facts about Healthcare workers, ambulance drivers

• Average salary: 37 500 SEK/month
• Lowest–highest salary: 35,400–43,000 SEK/month
• Education level: Secondary healthcare education + YH (1.5–2 years)
• Demand: 375 available jobs in the profession
• Gender salary gap: Women earn 94% of men's salaries

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an ambulance healthcare worker, opportunities include further training to become an ambulance nurse or taking on more responsibility as a team leader or instructor in emergency care. Some choose to specialize in prehospital care or advance to leadership roles within ambulance services. Forecasts from the Employment Service show stable demand within the profession, although exact job prospects cannot be specified due to limited statistical data. With 375 available jobs in Sweden, the job market remains favorable for those with the right qualifications.

Frequently asked questions about Healthcare workers, ambulance drivers

• What is the salary of a healthcare worker, ambulance driver?
  - The average salary is 37 500 SEK per month, with a range from 35,400 to 43,000 SEK.
• What education is required to become a healthcare worker in an ambulance?
  - Secondary healthcare education and YH training in ambulance care are required, along with a driver's license and practical training.
• Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
  - Yes, women earn on average 94% of men's salaries in the profession.
• What is the work environment like for an ambulance healthcare worker?
  - The work environment is often demanding, with shift work, physical strain, and stressful situations.
• What is the job market like for healthcare workers in ambulances?
  - Currently, there are 375 available jobs in the profession, indicating good demand.
• What is the most common hourly wage?
  - The hourly wage averages 225 SEK.
• What career options are available after some years of experience?
  - Opportunities include further education to become an ambulance nurse or taking on leadership roles within the organization.