Funeral assistant salary

What does it mean to work as a Funeral Assistant?

Working as a Funeral Assistant involves taking care of practical and administrative tasks during funerals. A funeral assistant may be involved in organizing ceremonies, handling documentation, and coordinating with various service providers. The profession requires respect and understanding for people in grief, as well as a large amount of empathy and professionalism. Funeral assistants often work closely with relatives, facilitating the process by offering support and guidance.

Funeral Assistant Salary

The average salary for a Funeral Assistant is 33 800 SEK per month. However, there are variations based on gender, with men earning an average of 34 300 SEK and women 33 400 SEK. Therefore, women earn 97% of what men do in the same profession. Hourly funeral assistants have an average hourly wage of 203 SEK, based on 166 working hours per month.

Salary Changes

There has been a positive trend in the salaries of funeral assistants. The average salary has increased from 31 500 SEK to 33 800 SEK since the last measurement, indicating an improvement in compensation for the profession.

Highest and Lowest Salaries

The highest salary for a male funeral assistant is 34 300 SEK, while the highest salary for a female is 34200 SEK. On the other end of the spectrum, the lowest salary for a female is 33 400 SEK and for a male 34 300 SEK. These salaries reflect both private sector employees and different educational levels.

Education and Qualifications

There are no strict formal education requirements to become a funeral assistant, but it is advantageous to have a background in healthcare, service, or administration. Many employers offer internal training to ensure that staff have the necessary knowledge and skills. In some cases, courses in ethics, psychology, or customer service may be valuable to enhance one's skills in the profession.

Working Conditions and Benefits

Funeral assistants often work in a calm and respectful environment, where subdued lighting and a harmonious atmosphere are common. Working hours may vary and include weekends depending on the need to organize funerals. Benefits such as paid training may sometimes be offered by employers to ensure that staff are up to date with the latest knowledge in the field. Other benefits such as a company-paid mobile phone or the opportunity to work from home are less common due to the nature of the profession, which requires physical presence at ceremonial events.

Future Outlook and Challenges

The profession of funeral assistant is part of the broader category of "Social Services Occupations." Due to limited data, no specific forecast has been made for funeral assistants, but there is a steady demand for the profession as deaths are a constant part of society. Challenges in the profession may include dealing with emotionally challenging situations and the need to always maintain a high level of professionalism.

Recruitment Situation

Considering the continuous demand for the services that a funeral assistant provides, the recruitment situation is relatively stable. However, it is important for those considering this profession to have the personal qualities required to handle the emotions and situations that may arise.

Considerations for Funeral Assistants

For those considering a career as a funeral assistant, it is important to be aware that the work can be emotionally demanding. It requires the ability to balance empathy with professionalism and to work effectively in stressful situations. Furthermore, it is advantageous to be comfortable with handling administrative tasks and to have good planning skills.

The profession offers a meaningful opportunity to support people in one of their most difficult times and can provide great personal satisfaction for those who have the right calling.