Image that illustrates Car mechanic, washing, polishing

Car mechanic, washing, polishing

29 500 kr

Car detailers, window cleaners etc.

23 700 - 32 600 kr / month

Women earn 92% of what men do.

Sanering och renhållning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Car mechanic, washing, polishing

Average salary 29 500 kr
Males 30 100 kr
Females 27 600 kr

What does a car care professional in washing and polishing do? – Tasks and work environment

A car care professional specializing in washing and polishing works on cleaning, maintaining, and restoring vehicles to the best possible condition. Tasks include hand washing, machine washing, waxing, polishing paint, and cleaning interiors and engine compartments. The role often involves using specialized products and equipment to remove dirt, scratches, and other defects on the car's surface. The work environment is usually in workshops, garages, or car washes where chemicals and moisture are present, and the work can be physically demanding with repetitive movements and periods of standing.

Salary development over time

Wages for car care professionals in washing and polishing have varied over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 26,700 SEK per month, rising to 30 700 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has slightly decreased to 29 500 SEK, representing a reduction of about 4% compared to the previous year. This trend can be explained by changes in demand, workforce composition, and adjustments in collective agreements or industry conditions. Despite the recent decline, the salary relation of the profession to other service trades remains stable, and demand for skilled car care workers is still high according to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts.

Car care professional, washing, polishing salary – full overview

  • Average salary: 29 500 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 23,700 SEK/month (female, public sector)
  • Highest salary: 32,600 SEK/month (male, private sector)
  • Hourly wage: 177 SEK
  • Gender differences: Men 30 100 SEK, women 27 600 SEK (women 92% of men's salary)
  • Regional differences: Data on regional variations is unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as a car care professional in washing and polishing, formal education is usually not required, but a high school diploma in vehicle care or equivalent is advantageous. Many employers offer internal training or onboarding at the workplace. Practical experience, attention to detail, and an interest in cars are valuable qualities for success in the profession.

  • High school education: Vehicle and transport program, specialization in bodywork/painting (3 years)
  • Internal training: Often provided by the employer
  • Practical training: Workplace-based learning is common
  • Certifications: Specific courses in detailing and chemical handling may be available
  • Prerequisites: Basic Swedish, good physical condition, and meticulousness

Many car care workers quickly develop a trained eye for details and can, over time, identify paint damages or hidden problems on vehicles that others easily miss. This experience often leads some to take on responsibilities for quality control or special assignments, opening doors to new career opportunities within the automotive industry.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Car care professionals in washing and polishing are often offered benefits such as work clothing, wellness allowances, employee discounts on car care products, and the possibility of bonuses or piecework pay depending on the workplace. Some employers also provide training and skills development. The extent of benefits varies between companies and sectors.

Competition and challenges

The job market for car care professionals in washing and polishing is characterized by a paradoxical situation where there are both good job opportunities and difficulties in recruiting staff. Despite demand being stable nationwide and a high number of vacancies, there is high turnover and many part-time positions. Challenges in the profession include physical strain, monotonous tasks, and exposure to chemicals, which require good occupational health and safety measures. Competition for permanent positions at attractive workplaces can be tough, especially in urban areas.

Tips for those aspiring to become a car care professional in washing and polishing

To succeed as a car care professional in washing and polishing, it is beneficial to combine meticulousness with a genuine interest in vehicles. Showing initiative and willingness to learn new techniques can make a big difference, especially when new products or equipment are introduced. Good physical endurance facilitates daily tasks, as the work is often physically demanding. Service orientation and the ability to interact professionally with customers are appreciated by employers, especially when working in customer-facing environments. Flexibility and teamwork skills are also important, as the work is often performed in teams. Finally, investing time in understanding different car care products and environmental requirements can enhance opportunities for further development within the industry.

Key facts about Car Care Professional, washing, polishing

  • Educational level: High school education recommended but not required
  • Work environment: Workshop, garage, or car wash; physical work
  • Work form: Full-time or part-time, often permanent employment
  • Demand: Large opportunities, 123 vacancies nationwide
  • Special skills: Paint care, interior cleaning, chemical handling

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a car care professional can advance to supervisor, quality manager, or trainer within vehicle care. There are also opportunities to specialize further in areas such as paint protection, advanced detailing, or to start their own business. The Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast indicates continued large employment opportunities, with demand expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Despite recruitment challenges, competent car care workers have room to develop and take on more qualified roles, especially in larger dealerships or workshop chains.

Common questions about Car Care Professional, washing, polishing

  • What does a car care professional in washing and polishing earn?
    - The average salary is 29 500 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience, gender, and sector.
  • What education is required to work as a car care professional?
    - A high school diploma in vehicle care is recommended but not mandatory; many are trained on the job.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 92% of what men do in the profession.
  • What are the future prospects for car care workers?
    - Opportunities for employment are plentiful, and demand is expected to remain unchanged in the coming years.
  • What are the occupational health and safety risks?
    - Strains, chemical contact, and moisture pose the main risks.
  • What career paths are available within the profession?
    - With experience, one can become a supervisor, quality manager, or specialize in advanced vehicle care.
  • Are there many job openings for car care workers?
    - Yes, there are 123 vacancies nationwide.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Car mechanic, washing, polishing is 32600 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a pre-secondary education shorter than 9 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 29200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Car mechanic, washing, polishing is 23700 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 25200 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 91% 26800 kr 27600 kr
25-34 106% 25900 kr 26500 kr
35-44 89% 29900 kr 31000 kr
45-54 90% 29000 kr 30300 kr
55-64 96% 29500 kr 30500 kr
Snitt 92% 28600 kr 29500 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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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 Car mechanic, washing, polishing has the SSYK code 9120, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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