Caregiver, elderly

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

A care worker in elderly care supports and assists older individuals in their daily lives. Tasks include personal care, hygiene assistance, dressing, meals, social support, and activation. The care worker also observes health status and reports changes to nurses or other medical staff. The work often takes place in nursing homes, home care, or other healthcare facilities, where the work environment involves close contact with clients, varied working hours, and sometimes physically demanding tasks. The profession requires strong social skills and the ability to handle routine situations and emergencies with empathy and attentiveness.

Salary development over time

The salary for a care worker in elderly care has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 26,700 SEK per month, which increased to 27 900 SEK in 2023 and further to 28 700 SEK in 2024. This development represents a salary increase of approximately 7.5 % over three years. Factors influencing this positive trend include increased demand for healthcare staff due to an aging population and a growing need for elderly care. At the same time, labor market parties have worked for better conditions and higher wages within the industry, contributing to a more consistent and attractive salary progression for the profession.

Care worker, elderly salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 28 700 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 26,900 SEK/month (men, municipal sector); 27,000 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 30,200 SEK/month (both men and women, private sector)
• Hourly wage: 172 SEK
• Gender differences: None – men and women have the same average and top salaries
• Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as a care worker in elderly care, a high school education in health and social care is usually required, but there are also opportunities to supplement with courses or validation of previous experience. Internships are common during training and provide important skills for the profession. In some cases, employers may offer internal training to ensure staff meet all requirements and standards.

• High school education: Health and social care program (3 years)
• Additional courses: For example, dementia care, palliative care
• Internship: Included in most training programs
• Validation: Possible for individuals with prior experience
• Internal training: Offered by some employers

Common benefits and compensations

Elderly care workers are often offered benefits such as overtime pay for evening and weekend work, wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes opportunities for further training at the employer's expense. Other common compensations include extra vacation days and pension supplements, especially in municipal or private sectors. Job security and collective agreements are also common.

Challenges and competition

The profession as an elderly care worker is characterized by high demand for labor, which provides good opportunities for employment even for newly trained staff. At the same time, challenges include high workload, physically demanding tasks, and sometimes resource or staffing shortages. Recruitment difficulties are common, especially in smaller municipalities and rural areas. Many work part-time, which can affect income and work environment. The demographic trend of an aging population is expected to further increase the need for healthcare personnel in the future.

Tips for those who want to become a care worker in elderly care

To succeed as a care worker in elderly care, it is good to have a genuine concern for others and a desire to make a difference in people's daily lives. Patience and stress tolerance help when the pace is high and situations vary, while flexibility makes it easier to adapt to different tasks and clients’ needs. Good communication skills are essential for building trust and creating secure relationships with both elderly and colleagues. A professional attitude facilitates handling challenging moments and contributes to a positive work environment. It is also valuable to be curious and open to learning new methods and approaches, as elderly care is constantly evolving. Finally, taking care of your own health, both physically and mentally, is important to sustain and enjoy the profession over time.

Key facts about Care workers, elderly

• Average salary: 28 700 SEK/month
• Salary range: 26,900–30,200 SEK/month
• Education level: High school (health and social care program)
• Demand: Great job opportunities, 371 vacancies
• Typical employment: Full-time or part-time, often shift work

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years of experience as a care worker in elderly care, opportunities open for further education and career development into roles such as assistant nurse, supervisor, or specialist in areas like dementia care. According to the Employment Service's forecasts, the job market is very favorable for care assistants, with demand expected to increase further over the next five years due to an aging population. Recruitment challenges mean that individuals with the right education and experience have excellent chances of employment and advancement. Larger organizations also offer opportunities to work in training or mentoring new colleagues.

Frequently asked questions about Care workers, elderly

• What does a care worker in elderly care earn?
  - The average salary is 28 700 SEK/month, with a range between 26,900 and 30,200 SEK/month.
• Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
  - No differences – both men and women have the same average and top salaries.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - Demand is very high and expected to increase in the coming years according to the Employment Service.
• What education is required to become a care worker in elderly care?
  - High school education in health and social care is most common, but validation or internal training is also available.
• What are the working hours like?
  - Shift work is common, including day, evening, and weekend shifts.
• What benefits are offered?
  - Common benefits include overtime pay, wellness allowances, work clothing, and collective agreements.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - No available data on significant regional differences for this profession.