Gas station workers

What does a Gas Station Attendant do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Gas Station Attendant is responsible for providing service to customers at gas stations, which includes selling fuel and store products, as well as basic maintenance of the station area. The work often involves cash handling, restocking shelves, cleaning, and assisting customers with questions about products or services. The work environment is varied and can be both indoors and outdoors, often fast-paced with customer contact at the center. Safety routines, especially when handling fuel and cash, are an important part of the daily work.

Salary development over time

The salary for a Gas Station Attendant has shown steady growth over recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,800 SEK per month, which increased to 33 000 SEK in 2023. The latest figure from 2024 shows a further increase to 34 000 SEK per month. This represents a salary increase of approximately 10.4% over a three-year period, slightly above the average for similar service professions. Contributing factors may include increased demand for service staff, higher living costs, and a greater focus on working conditions in retail. There are still differences between genders, with women earning about 98% of men's salaries, although the gap has narrowed somewhat over time.

Gas Station Attendant salary – full overview

• Average salary: 34 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 33,100 SEK/month (female, regional sector, 3-year high school education)
• Highest salary: 35,600 SEK/month (male, private sector, < 3 years post-secondary education)
• Hourly wage (average): 204 SEK/hour
• Women earn: 33,700 SEK/month (98% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 34 400 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Small, but highest salaries occur in metropolitan regions and among private sector employees

Education and qualifications

To work as a Gas Station Attendant, no formal university education is usually required, but high school education in commerce or service is often advantageous. Employers place great importance on personal suitability, customer service skills, and the ability to handle stressful situations. Orientation and internal training often take place at the workplace, focusing on safety routines and cash handling.

• High school education: Commercial and administrative programs (3 years) recommended
• Internal training: Usually on-site, focusing on cash handling, safety, and service
• Internships: Often included as part of high school education or during introduction
• Prerequisites: Good Swedish language skills, basic math skills
• Certifications: Safety training for handling fuel may be required

Common benefits and compensation

Gas Station Attendants often have access to benefits such as employee discounts on store products, evening and weekend shift allowances, and wellness contributions. Some employers also offer bonus programs linked to sales targets and opportunities for training in service and safety. Occupational pensions and insurance are also common benefits within the industry.

Competition and challenges

The job market for Gas Station Attendants is characterized by relatively high turnover, with many viewing the profession as an entry point into working life or as a temporary job. The number of available positions is large, but competition for permanent full-time roles can be higher, especially in big cities. Challenges include shift work, working during inconvenient hours, and handling stressful situations, especially during rush hours or incidents. Digitalization and self-service stations also impact job tasks, requiring increased flexibility and technical understanding from staff.

Tips for those wanting to become a Gas Station Attendant

To succeed as a Gas Station Attendant, it is good to be service-minded and enjoy meeting many different people every day. Patience is an advantage, especially when the pace is high and customers have different needs. Flexibility is important, as working hours often vary between day, evening, and weekends. Good teamwork skills facilitate collaboration and problem-solving. Being thorough and following safety routines is crucial, especially when handling fuel and cash. Good communication skills help provide the best possible service and quickly resolve misunderstandings. Finally, initiative is appreciated, as employers value staff who take responsibility and suggest improvements in daily operations.

Key facts about Gas Station Attendants

• Education level: High school, often within commerce or service
• Work pattern: Shift work, often evenings and weekends
• Work environment: Customer-oriented, both indoors and outdoors
• Demand: 550 job openings in the field
• Special skills: Cash handling and safety routines

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience as a Gas Station Attendant, there are good opportunities to advance to roles such as shift supervisor, store manager, or responsible for daily operations at the station. Many employers in the industry encourage internal recruitment and offer further training for staff who want to develop. Some choose to move on to other service professions or roles within retail. According to the latest forecasts from the Employment Service, there is no specific assessment for Gas Station Attendants, but the profession continues to have demand for service staff, with a total of 550 job openings. Digitalization and changing customer behaviors may influence future tasks and skill requirements.

Frequently asked questions about Gas Station Attendants

• What does a Gas Station Attendant earn?
  - The average salary is 34 000 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 204 SEK.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 98% of what men do in the profession.
• What education is required to become a Gas Station Attendant?
  - High school education in commerce or similar is advantageous, but no formal university education is required.
• What is the work environment like?
  - The work environment is customer-oriented and varied, with both indoor and outdoor work, often involving shifts.
• What career opportunities are available?
  - Advancement to shift supervisor, store manager, or further within retail is possible.
• What is the job market like for Gas Station Attendants?
  - There are approximately 550 job openings in the field, but future prospects are uncertain due to lack of statistics.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Customer service skills, flexibility, accuracy, and teamwork ability are especially valuable in the profession.