What does a nursing assistant, care assistant earn?

The average salary is 32,800 SEK per month, but the salary varies depending on experience, education, and employer.

What education is required to become a nursing assistant?

A vocational upper secondary education in health and social care, or adult education (Komvux), is required to work as a nursing assistant.

Are there salary differences between men and women?

Yes, women earn on average 102% of what men do within the profession.

What is the job market like for nursing assistants?

The job market is very good with great opportunities for employment and increasing demand.

What are the duties of a nursing assistant?

Duties include personal care, medication management, social support, and documentation.

Can one specialize within the profession?

Yes, there are opportunities for further training in areas such as dementia care or psychiatry.

What are the career paths?

With experience and additional training, one can become a coordinator, supervisor, or pursue further studies to become a nurse.

Assistant nurse, nursing assistant salary

33 800 SEK

Assistant nurses, home care, nursing homes etc.

Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.

29 700 - 37 000 SEK / month

Women earn 101% of what men do.

Hälso- & sjukvård

Average salary 33 800 SEK/month Monthly gross salary

Salary range 29 700 - 37 000 SEK Latest available range Data year 2025 Latest published dataset

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Salary trend About the role What does a nursing assistant, care assistant do? – Tasks and work environment Salary development over time Nursing assistant, care assistant salary – comprehensive overview Open jobs Related occupations About the data FAQ

Salary progression Assistant nurse, nursing assistant

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What does a nursing assistant, care assistant do? – Tasks and work environment

Nursing assistants and care assistants play a central role in Swedish healthcare and social services. Their tasks include providing support and assistance to the elderly, sick, or individuals with disabilities, both in home care and in specialized residences. This can involve helping with personal hygiene, meals, medication, and social activities, as well as observing and reporting changes in patients’ health conditions. The work is often team-based alongside nurses and other professionals, but independent responsibility is common. The work environment is characterized by close contact with people, variety, but also physically and emotionally demanding tasks, especially during inconvenient hours such as evenings, nights, and weekends.

Salary development over time

The salaries for nursing assistants and care assistants have steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,700 SEK per month, rising to 32 800 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 33 800 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 6.8% over three years. This trend reflects the high demand for nursing assistants and care assistants, as well as national investments in elderly care. Rising wages can also be explained by staff shortages and increased skill requirements, driving up compensation levels in both municipal and private sectors.

Nursing assistant, care assistant salary – comprehensive overview

Average salary: 33 800 SEK/month
Lowest salary: 30,100 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, less than 9 years of education)
Highest salary: 35,800 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, up to 2 years of upper secondary education)
Hourly wage: 197 SEK (based on 166 working hours/month)
Women's average salary: 33 900 SEK/month (101% of men's salary)
Men's average salary: 33 400 SEK/month
Regional differences: Salaries vary depending on region and employer, generally higher in metropolitan areas and within municipal sectors.

Education and qualifications

To work as a nursing assistant or care assistant, a vocational upper secondary education in health and social care is usually required. The education provides both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, with additional courses or certifications being advantageous. Employers may sometimes require experience or specific specializations, such as dementia care or palliative care.

Vocational upper secondary education: 3 years
Adult education (Komvux): Possible for adults, often 1–2 years
Practical training/Work placement: Included in the education
Specialized courses: e.g., dementia, psychiatry, or emergency care
Prerequisites: Basic schooling for upper secondary education
Certification: Formal title of nursing assistant from 2023

Many nursing assistants quickly gain a high level of trust from patients and relatives, which often makes the role an important link between the patient and other healthcare staff. This requires high empathy and communication skills.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

The profession often offers benefits such as shift allowances for evening and weekend work, wellness contributions, paid further training, and sometimes extra vacation days. Many employers also provide pension contributions, insurance, work clothing, and access to occupational health services.

Challenges and competition

The demand for nursing assistants and care assistants is high and expected to increase further due to an aging population. At the same time, there is a paradoxical recruitment situation where many work part-time, which can complicate matching supply and demand. The work is physically and emotionally demanding, with risks of stress and musculoskeletal injuries. Despite good employment prospects, high demands are placed on flexibility, patience, and continuous skill development to meet evolving care needs and methods.

Tips for those who want to become a nursing assistant, care assistant

To succeed as a nursing assistant or care assistant, it’s beneficial to have a genuine interest in helping others and to be attentive to people's needs. Developing strong empathy is crucial, as interactions often influence the patient’s sense of safety and dignity. Precision and responsibility are important qualities, especially in medication handling and documentation. Flexibility makes it easier when workdays can change quickly, and teamwork skills are essential for functioning well in a team. It’s also recommended to seek internships early in different settings to gain broad experience and build contacts. Continuing education, such as courses in dementia or palliative care, can increase employability and open up more career opportunities.

Key facts about nursing assistant, care assistant

Education level: Vocational upper secondary education
Work environment: Healthcare and social services, often in teams
Working hours: Shift work, including evenings and weekends
Demand: Very high, increasing in the future
Specializations: Possible within areas such as dementia, palliative care

Career paths and outlook

After three to five years in the profession, opportunities open for specialization, such as becoming a specialist nurse in dementia, palliative care, or psychiatry. Further education can lead to roles as a coordinator, supervisor, or trainer within healthcare. Some choose to study further to become a registered nurse or other healthcare professions. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast, the employment prospects remain strong nationally, with expected growth over the next five years. The development is driven mainly by demographic changes and increased quality demands in elder care. The number of available jobs is high, with 375 positions registered in the latest survey.

Frequently asked questions about nursing assistant, care assistant

What does a nursing assistant, care assistant earn?
- The average salary is 33 800 SEK per month, but the salary varies depending on experience, education, and employer.
What education is required to become a nursing assistant?
- A vocational upper secondary education in health and social care, or adult education (Komvux), is required to work as a nursing assistant.
Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn on average 101% of what men do within the profession.
What is the job market like for nursing assistants?
- The job market is very good with great opportunities for employment and increasing demand.
What are the duties of a nursing assistant?
- Duties include personal care, medication management, social support, and documentation.
Can I specialize within the profession?
- Yes, there are opportunities for further training in areas such as dementia care or psychiatry.
What are the career paths?
- With experience and further education, you can become a coordinator, supervisor, or pursue studies to become a nurse.

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-13 12:07:41

Occupation

Salary distributed by age and sector

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24	97%	27000 kr	30500 kr
25-34	97%	28700 kr	32100 kr
35-44	99%	29900 kr	33100 kr
45-54	100%	31000 kr	34300 kr
55-64	102%	31900 kr	35300 kr
65-68	101%	32100 kr	36000 kr
Snitt	101%	30500 kr	33800 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24	97%	27200 kr	30800 kr
25-34	98%	28900 kr	32400 kr
35-44	99%	30100 kr	33300 kr
45-54	101%	31300 kr	34600 kr
55-64	102%	32300 kr	35700 kr
65-68	102%	32400 kr	36500 kr
Snitt	102%	30800 kr	34200 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24	97%	27200 kr	30800 kr
25-34	98%	28900 kr	32300 kr
35-44	99%	30100 kr	33300 kr
45-54	101%	31300 kr	34600 kr
55-64	102%	32300 kr	35700 kr
65-68	102%	32400 kr	36400 kr
Snitt	102%	30800 kr	34200 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24		26800 kr	29100 kr
25-34	98%	31200 kr	35300 kr
35-44	102%	32600 kr	35800 kr
45-54	100%	33600 kr	36900 kr
55-64	103%	35200 kr	38100 kr
65-68		34700 kr	38100 kr
Snitt	102%	33200 kr	36500 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24	97%	26200 kr	29400 kr
25-34	96%	27700 kr	31100 kr
35-44	98%	28700 kr	31800 kr
45-54	97%	29200 kr	32600 kr
55-64	101%	29800 kr	33200 kr
65-68		30300 kr	33900 kr
Snitt	98%	28800 kr	32200 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24	97%	26200 kr	29400 kr
25-34	96%	27700 kr	31100 kr
35-44	98%	28700 kr	31800 kr
45-54	97%	29200 kr	32600 kr
55-64	101%	29800 kr	33200 kr
65-68		30300 kr	33900 kr
Snitt	98%	28800 kr	32200 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24	97%	27200 kr	31200 kr
25-34	97%	28600 kr	32700 kr
35-44	99%	29500 kr	33400 kr
45-54	100%	30400 kr	34200 kr
55-64	102%	30900 kr	34700 kr
65-68	101%	31400 kr	35700 kr
Snitt	101%	29500 kr	33400 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24	97%	27400 kr	31600 kr
25-34	98%	28800 kr	32900 kr
35-44	99%	29700 kr	33600 kr
45-54	101%	30600 kr	34300 kr
55-64	102%	31400 kr	35100 kr
65-68	102%	31800 kr	35700 kr
Snitt	102%	29800 kr	33600 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24	97%	27400 kr	31600 kr
25-34	98%	28800 kr	32900 kr
35-44	99%	29700 kr	33600 kr
45-54	101%	30600 kr	34300 kr
55-64	102%	31400 kr	35100 kr
65-68	102%	31800 kr	35700 kr
Snitt	102%	29700 kr	33600 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34	98%	29700 kr	35800 kr
35-44	102%	32500 kr	35200 kr
45-54	100%	33400 kr	37000 kr
55-64	103%	35100 kr	36900 kr
Snitt	102%	32100 kr	35800 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24	97%	26400 kr	30100 kr
25-34	96%	27700 kr	32100 kr
35-44	98%	28400 kr	32300 kr
45-54	97%	29300 kr	33700 kr
55-64	101%	29200 kr	33100 kr
Snitt	98%	28400 kr	32600 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24	97%	26400 kr	30100 kr
25-34	96%	27700 kr	32100 kr
35-44	98%	28400 kr	32300 kr
45-54	97%	29300 kr	33700 kr
55-64	101%	29200 kr	33100 kr
Snitt	98%	28400 kr	32600 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24	97%	27000 kr	30300 kr
25-34	97%	28800 kr	31900 kr
35-44	99%	29900 kr	33000 kr
45-54	100%	31000 kr	34300 kr
55-64	102%	32000 kr	35400 kr
65-68	101%	32100 kr	36100 kr
Snitt	101%	30600 kr	33900 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24	97%	27200 kr	30600 kr
25-34	98%	29000 kr	32100 kr
35-44	99%	30200 kr	33300 kr
45-54	101%	31400 kr	34600 kr
55-64	102%	32300 kr	35700 kr
65-68	102%	32400 kr	36500 kr
Snitt	102%	31000 kr	34300 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24	97%	27200 kr	30600 kr
25-34	98%	29000 kr	32100 kr
35-44	99%	30200 kr	33300 kr
45-54	101%	31400 kr	34600 kr
55-64	102%	32300 kr	35700 kr
65-68	102%	32400 kr	36500 kr
Snitt	102%	31000 kr	34300 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24		27300 kr	30400 kr
25-34	98%	31400 kr	35200 kr
35-44	102%	32600 kr	35800 kr
45-54	100%	33600 kr	36900 kr
55-64	103%	35200 kr	38100 kr
65-68		34700 kr	38100 kr
Snitt	102%	33300 kr	36600 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24	97%	26200 kr	29200 kr
25-34	96%	27700 kr	30700 kr
35-44	98%	28700 kr	31700 kr
45-54	97%	29200 kr	32500 kr
55-64	101%	29900 kr	33200 kr
65-68		30300 kr	33600 kr
Snitt	98%	28900 kr	32100 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
18-24	97%	26200 kr	29200 kr
25-34	96%	27700 kr	30700 kr
35-44	98%	28700 kr	31700 kr
45-54	97%	29200 kr	32500 kr
55-64	101%	29900 kr	33200 kr
65-68		30300 kr	33600 kr
Snitt	98%	28900 kr	32100 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 Assistant nurse, nursing assistant has the SSYK code 5321, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.