Assistant

What does a vakbiträde do? – Tasks and work environment

A vakbiträde works closely with patients in healthcare and social care, often in hospitals, elderly care homes, or other healthcare facilities. Tasks revolve around monitoring patients who require extra supervision, such as due to serious illness, dementia, or fall risk. The vakbiträde also assists licensed healthcare staff with simple care tasks, helps during meals, supports transfers, and ensures that patients feel safe and cared for during their shift. The work can involve both day and night shifts and requires patience, responsiveness, and a high degree of empathy. The work environment is often intense and demands good teamwork with other staff.

Salary development over time

The salary for vakbiträden has shown a clear increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,100 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 29 400 SEK, representing a salary increase of approximately 8.5%. In 2024, the average salary reached 30 200 SEK, which is a further increase of about 2.7% from the previous year. This positive trend can be partly explained by increased demand for healthcare workers, especially in elder care and long-term care, as well as general salary adjustments within the healthcare sector. Salaries have also been influenced by a greater focus on working conditions and skills development within the profession. Overall, the profession has become somewhat more attractive in terms of salary, although the pay level remains relatively low compared to many other healthcare roles.

Vakbiträde salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 30 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 26,500 SEK/month (female, government sector, pre-secondary education)
• Highest salary: 41,700 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, doctoral education)
• Hourly wage (average): 181 SEK
• Women earn: 30 400 SEK/month (102% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 29 800 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a vakbiträde, usually no formal education longer than secondary level is required, but employers prefer candidates with healthcare and social care experience or completed upper secondary healthcare and social care programs. Practical experience and personal suitability are often decisive, and there are opportunities to supplement with shorter courses or internal training. The profession is especially suitable for individuals who are thorough, empathetic, and capable of handling stressful situations.

• Upper secondary healthcare and social care education: 3 years
• Internal introductory training: Often mandatory upon employment
• Practical experience in healthcare/social care: Meritorious
• No licensing required: Personal suitability weighs heavily
• Additional courses in communication and ethics: Recommended

Common benefits and compensations

Vakbiträden are often covered by collective agreements that include extra overtime pay for evening and night shifts, paid vacation, wellness allowances, and sometimes staff discounts or subsidized meals. Occupational pensions and insurance are usually included, and some employers also offer skills development or training support.

Competition and challenges

Competition for vakbiträde positions varies by region and workplace, but there is generally stable demand in elder care and hospital services. One of the main challenges is that the work can be mentally taxing, especially during long shifts or when caring for seriously ill patients. Irregular hours and a sometimes high pace require good stress management and flexibility. The lack of clear career paths within the profession can also be a challenge for those wanting to advance within healthcare. Despite this, many are attracted to the profession for the opportunity to work closely with people and make a tangible difference in daily life.

Tips for those wanting to become a vakbiträde

To succeed as a vakbiträde, it is important to be attentive and able to perceive patients’ needs even when expressed subtly. Patience is key, especially during long or stationary shifts where maintaining focus and presence is essential. Flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to changing situations are also important, as healthcare environments are often unpredictable. Strong empathy facilitates interactions with both patients and relatives, and teamwork skills make it easier to work effectively with other healthcare staff. A positive attitude and good stress resilience also help manage emotional challenges that may arise. Showing respect and integrity in every encounter is crucial to building trust and security with those you monitor.

Key facts about vakbiträde

• Salary range: 26,500–41,700 SEK/month
• Educational level: Recommended upper secondary healthcare and social care education
• Work environment: Hospitals, elder care homes, and healthcare facilities
• Typical work form: Shifts, often night and weekend work
• Number of job openings: 375 within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

Opportunities for further development for vakbiträden often include taking on more responsibility within the healthcare team or advancing to become a nursing assistant or other healthcare professional with licensure. After 3–5 years, those interested can pursue roles with more specialized tasks, such as within dementia care, rehabilitation, or palliative care. Projections from the Employment Service indicate that demand for healthcare and social care personnel remains stable, although no specific assessment is made for vakbiträde as a standalone title. There are many available positions, providing good opportunities for those seeking employment in the field. Education and experience can also pave the way for future career steps within the healthcare sector.

Frequently asked questions about vakbiträde

• What does a vakbiträde earn?
  - A vakbiträde has an average salary of 30 200 SEK per month.
• How do salary differences between men and women look?
  - Women earn an average of 30 400 SEK per month, which is 102% of men's salary, which is 29 800 SEK.
• What education is needed to become a vakbiträde?
  - A general healthcare and social care education at the upper secondary level is recommended, but personal suitability and practical experience are often most important.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for vakbiträde?
  - The highest salary is 41,700 SEK (female, municipal sector, doctoral education) and the lowest is 26,500 SEK (female, government sector, short pre-secondary education).
• How does the job market look for vakbiträden?
  - There are approximately 375 job openings within the profession, with stable demand according to the Employment Service.
• What benefits can you receive as a vakbiträde?
  - Common benefits include overtime compensation, wellness allowances, occupational pension, and insurance according to collective agreements.