Catering assistant

What does a school meal assistant do? – Tasks and work environment

A school meal assistant primarily works in schools, elderly care homes, hospitals, and other large-scale catering settings where food is served to many people daily. Tasks include preparing the dining area, serving food, dishwashing, cleaning, and simple kitchen duties such as chopping vegetables or portioning. They often help with receiving deliveries, unpacking goods, and ensuring hygiene regulations are strictly followed. The work environment is often fast-paced and social, as contact with colleagues and guests is part of the daily routine.

Salary development over time

The salary for school meal assistants has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 25,200 SEK per month, rising to 26 600 SEK in 2023. Between 2023 and 2024, the salary increased further to 27 900 SEK, representing a rise of about 10.7% over three years. This development reflects increased demand for workforce in large-scale catering and efforts by labor market parties to raise salary levels for the profession. Despite the increase, the salary remains below the national average, which is linked to the low formal education requirements and high proportion of part-time employment in the sector. The market is characterized by stable demand, especially within the public sector.

School Meal Assistant salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 27 900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 24,800 SEK/month (female, private sector, pre-secondary education)
• Highest salary: 33,700 SEK/month (male, public sector, pre-secondary education less than 9 years)
• Hourly wage (average): 168 SEK
• Men earn: 28 300 SEK/month
• Women earn: 27 600 SEK/month
• Women’s salary as a percentage of men’s: 98%

Education and qualifications

To work as a school meal assistant, usually no extensive formal education is required. Many employers seek basic knowledge of food handling and hygiene, often supplemented with short introductory courses. The restaurant and food program from upper secondary school is advantageous but not mandatory. Practical experience and personal suitability are often highly valued in the selection process.

• Education: Basic education or restaurant and food program from upper secondary school (3 years)
• Courses/certifications: Food hygiene, HACCP, and self-monitoring
• Internships: Workplace-based learning during upper secondary education or practical placement
• Prerequisites: Often no formal requirements, but good knowledge of Swedish is an advantage
• Tips: Self-study on food safety and allergens can provide an advantage in employment

Common benefits and compensations

Benefits offered to school meal assistants vary depending on employer and sector. Common perks include meal subsidies, access to wellness allowances, and favorable working hours in the public sector. Opportunities for skills development and further training in food hygiene are also available, as well as extra compensation for unsociable hours.

Competition and challenges

The job market for school meal assistants is characterized by good employment opportunities, especially in schools and elderly care. However, many positions are part-time, affecting income and job security. Recruitment difficulties occur, particularly in larger cities and during periods of high sick leave. The work is physically demanding and can involve stressful situations, especially during high workload or staff shortages. There is also an increasing demand for personnel capable of handling special diets and allergens, which requires ongoing skills development.

Tips for those who want to become a school meal assistant

To succeed as a school meal assistant, it is beneficial to be flexible and adaptable to various tasks and working hours. Precision is crucial, especially when handling food and special diets, to ensure guest safety. A positive attitude and good teamwork skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues and contribute to a pleasant work environment. Being service-minded helps guests feel welcome and appreciated, which is central to the profession. Initiative and willingness to learn new routines or equipment are appreciated by employers and can open up more opportunities. Patience and the ability to handle stressful situations calmly are also important qualities for long-term success in the profession.

Key facts about School Meal Assistant

• Education level: Basic education or upper secondary school
• Work environment: Large-scale catering such as schools, elderly care, and hospitals
• Common employment forms: Part-time or temporary employment
• Demand: Great opportunities for work nationwide
• Special skills: Food hygiene and allergen handling

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience, a school meal assistant can advance to more responsible roles such as kitchen supervisor, team leader, or further education to become a chef. There are also opportunities to specialize in nutrition and dietetics or take responsibility for special diet management. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast for restaurant and kitchen helpers, the opportunities for employment are large both now and in five years, with expected unchanged demand. Despite many working part-time and some competition for full-time positions, the labor market remains stable. Currently, there are 123 job openings in the profession, confirming the strong demand.

Frequently asked questions about School Meal Assistant

• What does a School Meal Assistant earn?
  - A school meal assistant has an average salary of 27 900 SEK per month.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, men earn on average 28 300 SEK and women 27 600 SEK, which means women earn 98% of men's salaries.
• How has the salary development been for school meal assistants?
  - Salaries have increased from 25,200 SEK in 2022 to 27 900 SEK in 2024, corresponding to an increase of about 10.7%.
• What education is required to become a school meal assistant?
  - Usually, basic education and sometimes a restaurant and food program from upper secondary school, along with knowledge of food hygiene, are required.
• What are the tasks of a school meal assistant?
  - Tasks include serving, dishwashing, cleaning, and simple kitchen work in large-scale catering.
• What is the job market like for this profession?
  - The job market is stable with many opportunities and 123 available positions nationwide.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a school meal assistant?
  - The highest salary is 33,700 SEK and the lowest 24,800 SEK per month, depending on employment type and experience.