Caretaker

What does a care worker do? – Tasks and work environment

A care worker primarily works in psychiatric care or social care and is responsible for supporting patients in their daily lives and treatment processes. Tasks include assisting patients with personal care, creating a safe and structured environment, and participating in treatment efforts together with other healthcare staff. Care workers often work in teams where collaboration with nurses, doctors, and psychologists is central. The work environment is characterized by both physical and mental challenges, with shift work and high demands on presence and stress tolerance. Many workplaces are institutions, departments, or residences with varying degrees of inpatient or outpatient care.

Salary development over time

The profession of care worker has shown a clear salary development in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,300 SEK per month. In 2023, the average increased to 32 400 SEK, corresponding to an increase of about 3.5%. The positive trend has continued, and in 2024, the average salary is 33 600 SEK, a further increase of just over 3.7% from the previous year. The salary growth is partly driven by increased demand for staff in psychiatric care and a growing focus on working conditions in the healthcare sector. Union negotiations and regional initiatives have also contributed to the stable salary increase, although the profession still belongs to the lower salary levels in the healthcare sector.

Care worker salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 33 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,800 SEK/month (female, public sector)
• Highest salary: 37,100 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, research education)
• Hourly wage: 202 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
• Gender differences: Women earn 99% of what men do (men: 33 700 SEK, women: 33 500 SEK)
• Regional differences: Variations occur, especially between rural and urban areas, but detailed figures are lacking

Education and qualifications

To work as a care worker, a gymnasium-level healthcare and social care education with a focus on psychiatry or equivalent competence is usually required. Many employers also seek experience from healthcare and social care work, as well as personal suitability. Further education in psychiatry, communication, and conflict management is meritorious and can increase employability.

• Gymnasium healthcare and social care education: 3 years, often with a focus on psychiatry
• Additional courses/certifications: Psychiatry, communication, coercive care, conflict management
• Internship/trainee: Common during education, providing valuable work experience
• Prerequisites: Often approved grades in Swedish and social studies
• Tips for choosing: Select schools or courses with practical training and supervision in psychiatric care

Common benefits and compensations

Care workers are often offered benefits such as overtime pay for evening and weekend work, wellness allowances, opportunities for skills development, and sometimes extra vacation days. Pension schemes and insurance are usually included, especially in the public sector. Some employers also offer supervision and support in work environment issues.

Competition and challenges

The labor market for care workers is relatively stable with a recurring need for personnel, but competition for permanent positions can vary regionally. A large number of job openings (375 within the profession) indicate some demand, but there are also challenges such as mentally demanding work environments, risk of threats and violence, and high demands on empathy and stress resilience. The profession requires continuous skills development and the ability to work in teams. Limited data makes it difficult to provide an exact forecast for future competition.

Tips for those who want to become a care worker

To succeed as a care worker, it is good to be confident in yourself and have a high level of empathy, as contact with patients often requires understanding and responsiveness. Being stress-resistant facilitates when situations change quickly and workload is high. It is also important to show willingness to collaborate and communicate clearly with colleagues and patients. Flexibility and openness to learning new ways of working can be advantageous in an environment where routines often change. Initiative is appreciated, especially when it comes to contributing to improvements within the organization. Applying for internships or summer jobs during education provides valuable insights and contacts for the future. Finally, patience and the ability to stay calm are crucial for creating security both for oneself and those encountered in the professional role.

Key facts about Care Workers

• Salary range: 30,800–37,100 SEK/month
• Educational requirement: Gymnasium healthcare and social care education
• Typical work environment: Inpatient psychiatric ward or residence within psychiatry
• Job openings: 375 positions within the profession (May 2024)
• Gender salary difference: Women earn 99% of what men do

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a care worker, opportunities exist to advance to roles such as coordinator, team leader, or specialist in psychiatry. Further education can open doors to roles like treatment assistant, support pedagogue, or further studies to become a nurse. The employment agency’s prognosis for the profession is uncertain due to limited data, but the shortage of personnel in psychiatric care and the large number of job openings suggest good future prospects for those engaged and willing to develop. For those wishing to broaden their skills, work in addiction treatment or forensic psychiatry can be alternatives.

Common questions about Care Workers

• What does a care worker earn per month?
  - A care worker has an average monthly salary of 33 600 SEK according to current statistics.
• What is required to become a care worker?
  - Gymnasium-level healthcare and social care education, often with a focus on psychiatry, as well as personal suitability and sometimes experience from the healthcare sector.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Women earn on average 99% of what men do (men: 33 700 SEK, women: 33 500 SEK).
• What is the work environment like for care workers?
  - The work environment is often demanding and can involve both physical and psychological challenges, especially in psychiatric inpatient care.
• What career opportunities are there?
  - Opportunities include advancing to coordinator, specialist, treatment assistant, or further education to become a nurse.
• How many job openings are there for care workers?
  - Currently, there are 375 job openings within the profession according to current statistics.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for care workers?
  - The highest salary is 37,100 SEK and the lowest is 30,800 SEK, depending on education, sector, and experience.