How much does a Social assistance officer make

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  2. Social assistance officer
Image that illustrates Social assistance officer

Social assistance officer

35 000 kr

Social insurance officers

32 300 - 36 900 kr / month

Women earn 98% of what men do.

Administration, ekonomi

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Social assistance officer

Average salary 35 000 kr
Males 35 700 kr
Females 34 900 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 2 Vacant jobs ->

What does a social assistance officer do? – Tasks and work environment

A social assistance officer works with investigating, assessing, and deciding on entitlement to financial support – often called social assistance. The profession involves meeting people in vulnerable life situations, conducting personal interviews, collecting and analyzing information, and making decisions in accordance with social services legislation. The officer is also responsible for documentation and case follow-up, and maintains regular contact with other authorities such as the Employment Service and the Social Insurance Agency. The work is mainly office-based and requires high standards of structure, professionalism, and legal certainty in case handling.

Salary development over time

The salary for social assistance officers has increased steadily over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 32,100 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 33 500 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 35 000 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 9 % over the period. This positive trend can partly be explained by increased demand for officers in social services, as well as employers competing for experienced staff. Additional factors influencing salary development include education level and regional differences, with municipalities with higher living costs often offering slightly higher salaries.

Social assistance officer salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 35 000 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 32,300 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 36,900 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 210 SEK
  • Women: 34 900 SEK/month (98 % of men's salary)
  • Men: 35 700 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Present, with higher salaries in larger cities and regions with high demand for expertise

Education and qualifications

To work as a social assistance officer, a university degree in social work or related fields is usually required, often the social work program. Employers may also value experience from social services, especially within authority work. Internships and relevant courses increase employment opportunities, and personal suitability and previous experience working with people are often viewed positively.

  • Social worker degree: 3.5 years at university or college
  • Courses in social law and authority work: Meritorious
  • Internship in social services: Recommended during studies
  • Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies
  • Further education: Possible through courses or master's programs

An unexpected aspect of the profession is that social assistance officers often become experts in interpreting complex regulations and quickly adapting to legislative changes. This means the role is constantly evolving and offers opportunities for specialization within areas such as children and youth or addiction issues.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Many social assistance officers are covered by collective agreements that include occupational pensions, generous holiday policies, and opportunities for wellness allowances. Flexitime, professional development, and subsidized meals or other staff benefits are also common, depending on the employer and region.

Challenges and competition

The job market for social assistance officers is characterized by relatively steady demand, although competition for positions can vary between regions. Challenges in the profession include high workload, complex cases, and sometimes difficult conversations with clients in vulnerable situations. The legal framework around social support changes regularly, requiring ongoing training. Shortages of experienced officers may occur, especially in larger cities and regions with higher staff turnover. The work environment can be pressured during busy periods but also offers variety and opportunities for development.

Tips for those wanting to become a social assistance officer

To succeed as a social assistance officer, it is helpful to develop strong empathy and listening skills, as the work involves significant contact with people in difficult situations. Structured working methods and accuracy are crucial for handling complex cases and ensuring legally sound decisions. Being stress-resistant and able to prioritize in a high-paced environment aids during busy periods. Good teamwork skills are important, as the work is often performed in teams and involves collaboration with other authorities. Finally, being communicative and clear, both in meetings with clients and in documentation, is a great advantage.

Key facts about social assistance officers

  • Average salary: 35 000 SEK/month
  • Educational level: Social worker degree (3.5 years)
  • Typical work environment: Office-based, authority work
  • Salary range: 32,300–36,900 SEK/month
  • Job openings: 758 within the field

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience, social assistance officers can advance to specialist roles, such as method support or supervising new colleagues. It is also common to pursue further education for management positions within social services or switch to other types of case management, such as working with children and youth or addiction treatment. Forecasts from the Employment Service do not provide an exact assessment due to limited data, but there is steady demand within related fields like social insurance case officers, with many available positions. Digitalization and legislative changes influence the work content and can create new career opportunities for those interested in specialization or taking on more responsibility.

Frequently asked questions about social assistance officers

  • What does a social assistance officer earn?
    - The average salary is 35 000 SEK per month, but it varies between 32,300 and 36,900 SEK depending on experience and education.
  • What education is required to become a social assistance officer?
    - Usually, a degree in social work (3.5 years) or equivalent university education in social services.
  • Are there salary differences between women and men?
    - Yes, women earn on average 98 % of what men do within the profession.
  • What is the job market like for social assistance officers?
    - There is steady demand with 758 available jobs, although regional competition varies.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Empathy, accuracy, stress resilience, and good collaboration skills are especially important.
  • What are the most common tasks?
    - Investigating, assessing, and making decisions about financial support, as well as documenting and case follow-up.
  • Are there opportunities for further education?
    - Yes, many choose to pursue additional training in specialized areas or leadership roles.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-08 02:46:37

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Social assistance officer is 36900 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 36600 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Social assistance officer is 32300 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 33200 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 99% 33700 kr 33700 kr
35-44 100% 35000 kr 35000 kr
45-54 95% 35900 kr 35900 kr
55-64 95% 35800 kr 35800 kr
65-68 36500 kr 36600 kr
Snitt 98% 35000 kr 35000 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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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 Social assistance officer has the SSYK code 3353, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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