- Salary statistics
- Caregiver, substance abuse care salary
Caregiver, substance abuse care salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
30 100 - 44 300 SEK / month
Women earn 100% of what men do.
Hälso- & sjukvård
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Salary progression Caregiver, substance abuse care
What does a care worker in addiction treatment do? – Tasks and work environment
A care worker in addiction treatment supports individuals struggling with alcohol, drugs, or other dependencies. Tasks range from providing practical daily support to motivating clients for change and participating in treatment efforts. The work often takes place in teams alongside social workers, nurses, and psychologists. The work environment can vary between treatment homes, supported housing, and outpatient clinics, involving both day and night shifts, as well as weekend work. An important part of the role is creating safety and structure for clients, while maintaining high standards of responsiveness and professionalism.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, salaries for care workers in addiction treatment have shown a steady upward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 31,300 SEK per month, increasing to 33 600 in 2023. The latest report for 2024 indicates that the average salary is now 34 300. This corresponds to a total increase of approximately 7.3% over three years, slightly above the average for similar healthcare professions. Salary growth is driven by increased demand for qualified staff, a greater focus on work environment, and investments by employers in skill development and salary increases. Gender pay differences are small, with women earning on average 100% of what men do in the profession.
Care worker in addiction treatment salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 34 300 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 30,800 SEK/month (female, public sector)
- Highest salary: 37,100 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, research education)
- Hourly wage: 202 SEK/hour
- Women compared to men: Women earn 34 300 SEK, men 34 400 SEK (100%)
- Regional differences: Data is lacking on clear salary differences between regions
Working as a care worker in addiction treatment often involves meeting people in very vulnerable situations – the job requires patience and strong emotional resilience. Many describe it as a profession where small progress feels like big victories, and where daily interactions with clients make the work meaningful.
Education and qualifications
To work as a care worker in addiction treatment, a typical requirement is upper secondary vocational education in healthcare and social care, often supplemented with courses in addiction treatment or psychiatry. Practical experience from similar work is advantageous, and many employers value personal suitability highly. Internal training and supervision are also commonly offered to enhance competence.
- Vocational upper secondary education: Healthcare and social care program (3 years)
- Supplementary courses: Addiction treatment, psychiatry, motivational interviewing
- Internship: Often required or preferred in practical training or work experience
- Certifications: Some employers require certificates in addiction care
- Personal suitability: High importance is placed on empathy, stress resilience, and communication skills
Common benefits and compensations
Care workers in addiction treatment are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, insurance, and wellness allowances. Shift work can include supplements for inconvenient hours, and many employers provide supervision, skills development, and opportunities for further education. Some workplaces also offer employee support and discounted wellness activities.
Competition and challenges
The job market for care workers in addiction treatment is relatively stable, but the profession encompasses a broad group where competition can vary locally. The number of vacancies is often linked to municipal and private treatment centers and changes in social services priorities. Challenges include high workload, emotionally demanding situations, and sometimes insecure employment conditions in project-based positions. Despite this, there are good employment prospects for those with the right education and experience, especially in larger cities and areas with increasing needs for addiction care.
Tips for those wanting to become a care worker in addiction treatment
To succeed as a care worker in addiction treatment, it is helpful to be empathetic and capable of engaging with people in difficult life situations. Flexibility and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing workdays are valuable, especially since unexpected situations often arise. Clear communication and attentiveness are essential for building trust with clients and collaborating with colleagues. Good stress resilience is also important, as the work can sometimes be mentally taxing. Continuous education and adopting new methods in addiction care increase opportunities for development. Good teamwork skills and a genuine interest in people's well-being make the work sustainable and meaningful in the long term.
Key facts about Care Workers in addiction treatment
- Salary range: 30,800–37,100 SEK/month
- Average salary: 34 300 SEK/month
- Education level: Vocational upper secondary education with supplementary courses
- Work environment: Treatment homes, supported housing, outpatient clinics
- Job openings: 375 within the profession (May 2024)
Career paths and future prospects
After some years in the role, care workers in addiction treatment can advance to positions such as supervisor, coordinator, or pursue further education as treatment assistants or social workers. Additional training in psychotherapy or social pedagogy can open doors to more specialized roles, such as within outpatient teams or as project managers. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, precise future outlooks are difficult to predict due to limited data, but there remains a strong demand for qualified care workers nationwide. The need for expertise in addiction care continues to grow, especially in regions facing increasing social challenges.
Frequently asked questions about Care Workers in addiction treatment
- What does a care worker in addiction treatment earn?
- The average salary is 34 300 SEK per month, but it can vary between 30,800 and 37,100 SEK depending on experience and education. - What education is required to become a care worker in addiction treatment?
- Basic requirements include a vocational upper secondary education in healthcare and social care, often supplemented with courses in addiction treatment. - Are there salary differences between women and men?
- Yes, but the differences are small. Women earn 100% of what men do in the profession. - What is the job market like for care workers in addiction treatment?
- There are good employment opportunities, with 375 job openings in May 2024. - What personal qualities are important?
- Empathy, stress resilience, flexibility, and good teamwork skills are essential for success and development in the field. - What benefits are common?
- Common benefits include occupational pension, wellness allowance, supervision, and shift work supplements. - Can you advance within the profession?
- Yes, further education can lead to roles such as supervisor, coordinator, or treatment assistant.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 25900 kr | 30400 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 28500 kr | 32700 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 30200 kr | 33900 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 31100 kr | 35000 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 32000 kr | 35700 kr |
| 65-68 | 100% | 32000 kr | 36700 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 30400 kr | 34300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 25700 kr | 30400 kr |
| 25-34 | 97% | 28600 kr | 32700 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 30500 kr | 34300 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 31700 kr | 35600 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 32500 kr | 36400 kr |
| 65-68 | 100% | 32500 kr | 37500 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 30900 kr | 35000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 26100 kr | 30200 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 29400 kr | 32500 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 31100 kr | 33600 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 32000 kr | 34600 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 32400 kr | 35200 kr |
| 65-68 | 103% | 32000 kr | 35400 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 31300 kr | 34100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 25500 kr | 30600 kr |
| 25-34 | 97% | 28000 kr | 32800 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 30000 kr | 34800 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 31400 kr | 36600 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 32600 kr | 37600 kr |
| 65-68 | 100% | 32900 kr | 38800 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 30600 kr | 35700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 26000 kr | 30400 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 28400 kr | 32800 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 29500 kr | 33200 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 29700 kr | 33500 kr |
| 55-64 | 103% | 30800 kr | 34000 kr |
| 65-68 | 30200 kr | 34100 kr | |
| Snitt | 103% | 29300 kr | 33100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 26000 kr | 30400 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 28400 kr | 32800 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 29500 kr | 33200 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 29700 kr | 33500 kr |
| 55-64 | 103% | 30800 kr | 34000 kr |
| 65-68 | 30200 kr | 34100 kr | |
| Snitt | 103% | 29300 kr | 33100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 25800 kr | 30500 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 28100 kr | 33000 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 30000 kr | 34100 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 30900 kr | 35400 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 31700 kr | 35900 kr |
| 65-68 | 100% | 31400 kr | 36600 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 30000 kr | 34400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 25400 kr | 30700 kr |
| 25-34 | 97% | 28200 kr | 33200 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 30200 kr | 34900 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 31400 kr | 36200 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 32000 kr | 36900 kr |
| 65-68 | 100% | 31900 kr | 37500 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 30500 kr | 35400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 25700 kr | 30500 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 28900 kr | 32900 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 30700 kr | 34100 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 31500 kr | 34600 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 31800 kr | 35200 kr |
| 65-68 | 103% | 31500 kr | 34700 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 30800 kr | 34200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 25200 kr | 30800 kr |
| 25-34 | 97% | 27800 kr | 33400 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 29800 kr | 35500 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 31300 kr | 37200 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 32200 kr | 38000 kr |
| 65-68 | 100% | 32100 kr | 38800 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 30300 kr | 36100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 26100 kr | 30400 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 28000 kr | 32700 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 29700 kr | 32900 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 29600 kr | 33300 kr |
| 55-64 | 103% | 30900 kr | 33200 kr |
| Snitt | 103% | 29000 kr | 32600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 26100 kr | 30400 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 28000 kr | 32700 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 29700 kr | 32900 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 29600 kr | 33300 kr |
| 55-64 | 103% | 30900 kr | 33200 kr |
| Snitt | 103% | 29000 kr | 32600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 25900 kr | 30300 kr |
| 25-34 | 99% | 28800 kr | 32500 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 30300 kr | 33700 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 31200 kr | 34800 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 32100 kr | 35600 kr |
| 65-68 | 100% | 32300 kr | 36800 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 30600 kr | 34300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 25900 kr | 30300 kr |
| 25-34 | 97% | 28800 kr | 32300 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 30800 kr | 33800 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 31800 kr | 35200 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 32700 kr | 36200 kr |
| 65-68 | 100% | 32900 kr | 37500 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 31200 kr | 34700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 26300 kr | 30100 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 29700 kr | 32300 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 31400 kr | 33400 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 32200 kr | 34500 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 32600 kr | 35200 kr |
| 65-68 | 103% | 32200 kr | 35700 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 31500 kr | 34100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 99% | 25700 kr | 30500 kr |
| 25-34 | 97% | 28100 kr | 32300 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 30100 kr | 34200 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 31400 kr | 36000 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 32900 kr | 37300 kr |
| 65-68 | 100% | 33500 kr | 38800 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 30900 kr | 35300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 25900 kr | 30400 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 28800 kr | 32800 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 29400 kr | 33500 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 29700 kr | 33600 kr |
| 55-64 | 103% | 30800 kr | 34400 kr |
| Snitt | 103% | 29500 kr | 33500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 25900 kr | 30400 kr |
| 25-34 | 100% | 28800 kr | 32800 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 29400 kr | 33500 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 29700 kr | 33600 kr |
| 55-64 | 103% | 30800 kr | 34400 kr |
| Snitt | 103% | 29500 kr | 33500 kr |
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 Caregiver, substance abuse care has the SSYK code 5341, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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