How much does a Caregivers, mentally handicapped make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Caregivers, mentally handicapped
Image that illustrates Caregivers, mentally handicapped

Caregivers, mentally handicapped

32 300 kr

Caregivers, residential support

29 000 - 35 300 kr / month

Women earn 100% of what men do.

Socialt arbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Caregivers, mentally handicapped

Average salary 32 300 kr
Males 32 300 kr
Females 32 400 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 139 Vacant jobs ->

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

A psychiatric care worker supports individuals with mental disabilities in their daily lives. Tasks include assisting with personal care and practical chores, motivating and guiding social activities, and establishing safe routines. The work can take place in group homes, supported housing, day activities, or in the client’s own home. The work environment is characterized by close contact with clients and colleagues, often in teams alongside nurses and occupational therapists, where high demands are placed on empathy, responsiveness, and the ability to handle stressful or unpredictable situations.

Salary development over time

The salary for a psychiatric care worker has shown stable and clearly 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. The latest measurement from 2024 shows an average salary of 32 300 SEK, which corresponds to a total salary increase of approximately 5.9% over the period. This development reflects ongoing demand for the profession and a gradual, steady adjustment of wages to market needs. Factors such as increased awareness of mental health issues and higher competence requirements in psychiatric care have likely contributed to this salary growth.

Psychiatric care worker salary – comprehensive 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)
  • Hourly wage: 194 SEK/hour
  • Women/men: Women 32 400 SEK, men 32 300 SEK
  • Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as a psychiatric care worker, a high school diploma in health and social care is usually required, often with a focus on psychiatry or disabilities. Many employers also require specific courses or experience working with individuals with mental disabilities. Practical experience is highly valued, and it’s common to start as a substitute or on a temporary basis before being offered a permanent position. Some workplaces may require additional training or supervision in specific methods.

  • High school diploma: Care and social work program (3 years)
  • Special courses: Psychiatry, disabilities, communication
  • Internship: Often required, or relevant work experience
  • Additional training: May be required depending on the employer
  • Prerequisites: Good Swedish language skills, empathy, and personal suitability

A psychiatric care worker often encounters people in very vulnerable life situations, gaining a unique insight into both societal and individual challenges. The work offers opportunities for personal development and requires a lot of creativity in problem-solving and communication.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Employment as a psychiatric care worker often includes compensation for unsocial hours, access to wellness allowances, and sometimes extra vacation days. It is common to have collective agreements covering insurance, pension contributions, and opportunities for skills development through the employer. Some workplaces offer supervision and support in daily work, as well as options to influence your schedule.

Competition and challenges

The job market for psychiatric care workers is characterized by high demand and good employment opportunities, but also recruitment difficulties. Many work part-time, which sometimes makes it hard for employers to meet all needs. Challenges in the profession often involve managing complex and sometimes unpredictable situations, while meeting high demands for documentation and collaboration with other professionals. Mental strain and the need for recovery are important factors to consider, especially in environments where the work can be emotionally and physically demanding. The profession also requires continuous skills development to meet new methods and legal requirements.

Tips for those who want to become a psychiatric care worker

To succeed as a psychiatric care worker, it’s good to be responsive and genuinely willing to help others, which facilitates interactions with people with special needs. Being stress-resistant is a big advantage, as the work often involves quick adjustments and unexpected situations. Good teamwork skills make it easier to work in teams and create safety for both clients and colleagues. It is also important to be thorough, especially regarding documentation and routines. Finally, an open attitude to learning and development is helpful, as new methods and approaches are constantly introduced in psychiatric care.

Key facts about Psychiatric care workers

  • Salary range: 29,000–35,300 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school diploma, health and social care program
  • Average hourly wage: 194 SEK
  • Job market: Large opportunities nationwide
  • Gender differences: No difference between men and women

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a psychiatric care worker, there are opportunities to advance to more specialized roles, such as housing support worker, supervisor, or team leader. Further education can lead to careers as a caregiver in psychiatry, nurse, or social worker. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the job market for care workers and housing support workers is expected to remain strong over the next five years, with continued high demand. Despite recruitment challenges and many part-time positions, employment opportunities are plentiful, with a regular influx of job openings within the field.

Common questions about Psychiatric care workers

  • What does a psychiatric care worker earn?
    - The average monthly salary is 32 300 SEK, with a range between 29,000 and 35,300 SEK depending on experience, sector, and education.
  • Are there salary differences between women and men?
    - No, women and men practically earn the same within this profession.
  • What education is required to become a psychiatric care worker?
    - Usually, a high school education in health and social care, preferably with a focus on psychiatry or disabilities.
  • What is the job market like for psychiatric care workers?
    - There is high demand and good job opportunities, with 237 available positions according to the latest statistics.
  • What personal qualities are important in this profession?
    - Empathy, stress resilience, teamwork skills, and the ability to create structure are central qualities.
  • Are there opportunities for further education?
    - Yes, good opportunities exist to further qualify as a caregiver, nurse, or supervisor.
  • What does a typical workday look like?
    - The work involves supporting clients in daily activities, creating safety, and collaborating with colleagues from various professional backgrounds.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-08 11:12:55

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Caregivers, mentally handicapped 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, mentally handicapped 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
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
Register an account before you can comment

To write a comment you need to create an account.

Default Avatar

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, mentally handicapped has the SSYK code 5342, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

Search salary statistics for occupation
8000 kr
<-|->
90000 kr
Vacant jobs
Show more
Similar occupations
Latest posts
  • Public Opinion - Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Public Opinion

    Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35
  • National Debt - The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    National Debt

    The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00
Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

With our Swedish tax calculator, you can easily calculate your after-tax income (net salary).

Swedish Church Member

* Updated with 2025 taxes

Explore more topics