How much does a Social worker make

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  2. Social worker
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Social worker

40 300 kr

Social workers

34 800 - 54 300 kr / month

Women earn 102% of what men do.

Socialt arbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Social worker

Average salary 40 300 kr
Males 39 500 kr
Females 40 400 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 275 Vacant jobs ->

What does a social counselor do? – Responsibilities and work environment

A social counselor primarily supports individuals, families, and groups in socially vulnerable situations. This can involve advice on financial assistance, substance abuse, family issues, or other social matters. The work often takes place within municipal services, such as social services, but also in private healthcare providers or non-profit organizations. The work environment is characterized by meetings with people in various life situations and close collaboration with colleagues, authorities, and other societal institutions. Social counselors handle complex cases, document interventions, and continuously work to find solutions that enhance the individual's ability to lead a functioning life.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, social counselors have seen a steady increase in salary levels. In 2022, the average salary was 37,500 SEK per month, which increased to 38 800 SEK in 2023 and further to 40 300 SEK in 2024. This represents a total salary increase of approximately 7.5% during the period. This positive trend can be linked to increased demand for social skills within the welfare sector, higher educational requirements, and a greater focus on working conditions in the public sector. Women continue to earn slightly more than men, which is uncommon in many other professions. Forecasts indicate continued stable salary development, especially if the labor market's need for social competence continues to grow.

Social counselor salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 40 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 34,800 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 54,300 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 242 SEK
  • Women earn: 40 400 SEK (102% of men's salary)
  • Men earn: 39 500 SEK
  • Regional differences: Some variation depending on employer and municipality

Education and qualifications

To work as a social counselor, a university degree in social work, often the social work program, is usually required. Practical experience from social services or related fields is advantageous and can be decisive in recruitment. Some employers also require specific courses or training in areas such as counseling methods, substance abuse issues, or child protection. Good knowledge of documentation, legislation, and a strong ethical approach are central to the profession.

  • Social work degree: 3.5 years at university or college
  • Practical experience in social work: Common during education
  • Specialized courses: For example in counseling methods or substance abuse
  • Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for higher education
  • Certification: Usually no requirement, but may occur

Social counselors meet people in vulnerable life situations daily and therefore need a high degree of empathy and confidence in handling difficult conversations. It is a profession where both emotional strength and the ability to set boundaries are crucial for long-term sustainability.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Social counselors employed in the public sector often have access to collective agreements including occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexitime, and generous holiday policies. Other common benefits include professional development, supervision, subsidized lunch, and the possibility of remote work depending on the employer’s policy.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a social counselor is assessed as moderate, meaning there is neither a surplus nor a shortage of qualified candidates. One of the biggest challenges is workload, as case numbers can be high and documentation requirements substantial. Psychological stress and the risk of burnout are factors that employers try to counteract through support and supervision. Success in the profession requires a combination of professional distance and engagement, as well as good prioritization skills.

Tips for those who want to become a social counselor

To succeed as a social counselor, it is beneficial to develop strong empathy and to be attentive to others’ needs while maintaining a professional attitude. Managing stress and handling multiple cases simultaneously require good organizational skills. Communication is central to the profession, so practicing clear expression and active listening gives an advantage. An open mind to new working methods and a willingness to continue learning are important, as laws and routines can change. Self-reflection and the ability to set boundaries protect against burnout, especially in emotionally demanding situations. Taking advantage of supervision and mentorship opportunities increases confidence and development prospects in the profession.

Key facts about social counselors

  • Average salary: 40 300 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 34,800–54,300 SEK/month
  • Educational requirement: Degree in social work (3.5 years)
  • Women earn: 102% of men's salaries
  • Demand: 237 available jobs, increasing over five years

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a social counselor can develop into more specialized roles, such as family counselor, addiction counselor, or supervisor within social services. Opportunities for further education and managerial positions exist, especially in larger municipalities or agencies. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, the demand for social counselors is expected to continue rising over the next five years, with a balanced national recruitment situation. The job market is stable, and the number of available positions is expected to remain high, particularly within the public sector and larger cities.

Frequently asked questions about social counselors

  • What does a social counselor earn?
    - The average salary is 40 300 SEK per month, with a range between 34,800 and 54,300 SEK.
  • What education is required to become a social counselor?
    - A degree in social work (3.5 years) from university or college is the most common requirement.
  • What is the job market like for social counselors?
    - The forecast is stable with 237 available jobs and increasing demand over the next five years.
  • Are there salary differences between women and men?
    - Yes, women earn on average 102% of men's salaries within the profession.
  • What personal qualities are important for a social counselor?
    - Empathy, resilience to stress, good communication skills, and professional distance are central qualities.
  • Can you work as a social counselor without a social work degree?
    - It's uncommon, but some employers may accept other relevant higher education and experience.
  • What benefits are typically offered?
    - Occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexitime, supervision, and professional development are common.
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Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-08 02:50:57

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Social worker is 54300 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Public sector with a data missing. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 51400 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Social worker is 34800 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 37300 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 33800 kr 34100 kr
25-34 102% 37500 kr 37700 kr
35-44 103% 40600 kr 40900 kr
45-54 105% 42100 kr 42500 kr
55-64 102% 42900 kr 43300 kr
65-68 102% 43300 kr 44000 kr
Snitt 102% 40000 kr 40300 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 worker has the SSYK code 2661, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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