Image that illustrates Caregivers, children

Caregivers, children

32 300 kr

Caregivers, residential support

29 000 - 35 300 kr / month

Women earn 100% of what men do.

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Salary progression Caregivers, children

Average salary 32 300 kr
Males 32 300 kr
Females 32 400 kr

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

A child care worker supports and assists children in need of special support, often in residential care or specialized facilities. Tasks include providing care, safety, and social training for children, as well as collaborating with parents, school staff, and other professionals. The worker is also responsible for creating a safe and stimulating environment where children can develop according to their individual conditions. The work environment involves both physical and emotional challenges, as it may include practical help in daily routines and managing difficult social situations. The work is often team-based and requires attentiveness and the ability to build trusting relationships.

Salary development over time

The salary for child care workers has shown positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,500 SEK per month, increasing to 31 400 SEK in 2023 and now reaching 32 300 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 6% over the period. The rise can largely be attributed to increased demand for skilled personnel and general wage investments in the care sector. The profession's status has improved through greater awareness of the importance of qualified staff, which has positively impacted salary development. Although salary levels still vary depending on experience and employer, the trend has been clearly upward in recent years.

Child Care Worker Salary – Complete Overview

  • Average salary: 32 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 29,000 SEK/month (female, government sector)
  • Highest salary: 35,300 SEK/month (male, municipal sector, 3-year high school education)
  • Hourly wage: 194 SEK/hour
  • Women/men: Women earn as much as men (women 32 400 SEK, men 32 300 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Slight variations, but wages may be somewhat higher in larger cities

Education and qualifications

To work as a child care worker, a high school diploma from the Care and Welfare program is usually required, along with experience working with children or adolescents. Many employers view additional training or courses in special education, social work, or related fields positively. Practical experience and personal suitability are often highly valued during recruitment, and some workplaces offer internal orientation programs or opportunities for further education.

  • High school education: Care and Welfare program, at least 3 years
  • Additional courses: Special education, child psychology, social work
  • Internship: Often required, or work experience in child care
  • Certifications: Training in LSS or child protection is advantageous
  • Prerequisites: Good Swedish language skills, sometimes background check

In the role of a child care worker, workdays can vary greatly depending on children's needs and current situations. Some days are calm and routine-based, while others require quick problem-solving and extra patience. Flexibility and adaptability are crucial for success and job satisfaction.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Child care workers are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, professional development, and opportunities for further training. Other common benefits include favorable pension contributions, access to occupational health services, and sometimes extra vacation days. Public sector employers may also provide flexible working hours and support for balancing work and family life.

Challenges and competition

The profession is in demand, but recruitment faces difficulties in finding enough qualified applicants. Many work part-time, which can make it challenging for employers to cover full-time needs. Challenges include high workload and emotionally demanding situations, as the work often involves supporting children in vulnerable life circumstances. Competition for the best positions can be intense, especially in larger cities where more candidates seek employment. Therefore, continuous skill development and readiness for changing tasks are important.

Tips for aspiring child care workers

Success in this profession requires strong empathy, as work involves understanding and supporting children’s situations. Patience is vital, especially when working with children with special needs or in difficult life circumstances. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues, parents, and other stakeholders. Flexibility is another key trait, as workdays can change rapidly and require adaptation. Being organized and able to plan work creates safety and continuity for children. Showing engagement and interest in children's development contributes to a positive work environment, and openness to ongoing training allows growth in the role.

Key facts about Child Care Workers

  • Educational level: High school diploma, Care and Welfare program
  • Work environment: Often in residential care or specialized facilities
  • Demand: Strong job opportunities nationwide
  • Work form: Commonly shift and part-time work
  • Special skills: Meritorious with competence in LSS and child psychology

Career paths and future prospects

After gaining experience as a child care worker, there are opportunities to move into more specialized roles such as coordinator, supervisor, or team leader. Some choose to further their education as social pedagogues, treatment assistants, or study further in social work. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the job market for child care workers and residential support staff is expected to have good opportunities over the next five years, with demand remaining stable nationwide. There are good chances of employment, especially for those who are flexible and have broad skills. Currently, there are 237 available jobs in the field, indicating continued strong demand for new staff.

Frequently asked questions about Child Care Workers

  • What does a Child Care Worker earn?
    - The average salary is 32 300 SEK per month, with minor differences between women and men.
  • What education is required to become a child care worker?
    - Typically, a high school diploma from the Care and Welfare program and experience working with children.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - No, women and men earn roughly the same within this profession.
  • What are the most common workplaces?
    - Residences for children with special needs, HVB homes, and other specialized facilities.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - Job opportunities are plentiful, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for a child care worker?
    - Highest salary is 35,300 SEK (male, municipal sector), lowest is 29,000 SEK (female, government sector).
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Empathy, patience, flexibility, and good teamwork skills are key to thriving in the role.
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Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Caregivers, children is 35300 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Municipal sector with a high school education, 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 34100 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Caregivers, children is 29000 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 30100 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 99% 24300 kr 28600 kr
25-34 97% 27500 kr 31300 kr
35-44 99% 29400 kr 32500 kr
45-54 100% 30300 kr 33400 kr
55-64 101% 30600 kr 33900 kr
65-68 103% 30300 kr 34000 kr
Snitt 100% 28900 kr 32300 kr
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 Caregivers, children has the SSYK code 5342, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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