Orderly

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

Healthcare assistants are an essential part of the care team in hospitals, elderly care, and home care. Their tasks often include practical support to assistant nurses and nurses, such as helping patients with personal hygiene, bed-making, serving meals, and simple transports within the healthcare facility. The profession also involves contributing to a safe and pleasant environment for patients, where respectful treatment is central. The work environment can be physically and mentally demanding, with varied tasks and shift work occurring around the clock.

Salary development over time

The salary for healthcare assistants has shown steady positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 26,700 SEK per month. The following year, it increased to 27 900, representing an increase of approximately 4.5%. In 2024, the average salary reached 28 700, which is a further increase of about 2.9% compared to the previous year. This salary growth is partly driven by increased demand for healthcare personnel, especially in elderly care, as well as the industry’s efforts to improve employment conditions and attract more workers. Salaries have also been influenced by collective bargaining agreements and a higher overall awareness of the importance of care-related professions.

Healthcare assistant salary – comprehensive 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 (private sector employees, both men and women)
• Hourly wage: 172 SEK/hour (based on 166 working hours per month)
• Gender differences: None – men and women have identical average and top salaries
• Regional differences: Data unavailable, but salary levels are often affected by local agreements and demand

Education and qualifications

To work as a healthcare assistant, no extensive formal education is required, but a high school diploma in healthcare and social care is often advantageous. Employers may offer internal introductory training and on-the-job supervision. Practical skills and a genuine interest in working with people are highly valued.

• Type of education: High school programs in healthcare and social care (3 years) are advantageous
• Introductory training: Often provided on the job
• Practical experience: Internships or summer jobs are appreciated
• Prerequisites: Good knowledge of Swedish and basic social skills
• Additional courses: Some employers offer shorter internal training or online courses

Common benefits and compensations

Healthcare assistants are often covered by collective agreements that include benefits such as evening and weekend work supplements, holiday pay, wellness allowances, and pension contributions. Many employers also offer wellness stipends, work clothing, and opportunities for skills development. Some workplaces provide access to staff cafeterias or subsidized lunches.

Competition and challenges

The job market for healthcare assistants is characterized by high demand, but also a paradoxical situation where many work part-time and employers find it difficult to recruit full-time staff. The profession demands flexibility and adaptability, as the pace can be high and tasks varied. Challenges include heavy lifting, stressful situations, and the need to handle patients and relatives with sensitivity and empathy. Despite this, many find job satisfaction in making a difference for others and contributing to a functioning healthcare system.

Tips for those who want to become a healthcare assistant

To succeed as a healthcare assistant, it is helpful to be service-minded and attentive, as respectful treatment and communication with patients are central. Showing patience and empathy facilitates interactions with people in vulnerable situations, while flexibility makes it easier to handle varied tasks and working hours. Practical problem-solving skills are appreciated, especially when unexpected situations arise during shifts. It is also important to be careful and responsible, as order and routines facilitate teamwork. Finally, being able to work both independently and in teams is crucial, since the workday often involves collaboration across professional boundaries.

Key facts about Healthcare Assistants

• Average salary: 28 700 SEK/month
• Salary range: 26,900–30,200 SEK/month
• Work form: Shift work, often part-time
• Gender differences: None – equal pay for men and women
• Future prospects: Very good, demand expected to increase

Career paths and future outlook

After gaining some experience as a healthcare assistant, opportunities open to further training as an assistant nurse, which involves more responsibility and higher pay. Many also choose to combine work with studies to eventually become a nurse or work in other parts of the healthcare sector. According to the Employment Service’s forecast, the future outlook is very positive, with an expected increase in demand over the next five years. This is mainly due to an aging population and increased healthcare needs. Job openings are common: currently, there are 375 advertised positions within the healthcare assistant profession. At the same time, recruitment difficulties are reported, especially for full-time positions, making the job market very favorable for those looking to establish themselves in the profession.

Frequently asked questions about Healthcare Assistants

• What is the average salary of a healthcare assistant?
  - The average salary for a healthcare assistant is 28 700 SEK per month.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - No, men and women have the same average and top salaries within this profession.
• What is the lowest and highest salary for healthcare assistants?
  - The lowest salary is 26,900 SEK; the highest salary is 30,200 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a healthcare assistant?
  - No formal education is required, but a high school diploma in healthcare and social care is advantageous.
• What does the future hold for the profession?
  - The prognosis is very good: demand is expected to increase due to an aging population.
• What is the work environment like?
  - The work environment is varied, often physically demanding, and involves shift work.
• What benefits are typically offered?
  - Common benefits include evening and weekend pay supplements, holiday pay, wellness allowances, and pension contributions.