Bookstore assistant

What does a Bookstore Assistant do? – Tasks and work environment

A Bookstore Assistant works in bookstore environments assisting customers, managing merchandise, and contributing to the daily operations of the store. Tasks often include customer advice, cash register work, stocking shelves, price labeling, as well as ordering and receiving new books and goods. The profession also involves arranging displays, organizing events such as book signings, and maintaining order in the store. The work environment is social and requires good service skills, as contact with customers and colleagues is continuous and central to the business. Physical work occurs, especially when handling deliveries and moving books.

Salary development over time

The salary for Bookstore Assistants has seen steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,900 SEK per month, increasing to 31 900 in 2023 and reaching 33 800 in 2024. The total increase corresponds to a salary improvement of approximately 9.4% over three years, which is slightly above the average for many retail professions. This development can partly be explained by an increased focus on customer service skills and digital sales, as well as general wage pressure in the trade sector. The demand for service-oriented staff has also contributed to strengthening salary growth, while the job market has been characterized by some competition for experienced employees.

Bookstore Assistant salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 33 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,200 SEK/month (male, private sector, pre-high school education)
• Highest salary: 36,300 SEK/month (male, regional sector, high school education)
• Hourly wage: 203 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
• Women's average salary: 33 200 SEK/month (96% of men's salary)
• Men's average salary: 34 700 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Small, but slightly higher salaries in larger cities and regional sectors

Education and qualifications

To work as a Bookstore Assistant, no formal higher education is generally required, but a high school diploma, preferably with a focus on commerce or administration, is advantageous. Practical experience from service or retail is considered a great asset. Several employers offer internal training and introduction, especially regarding cash handling and product knowledge. Personal engagement and an interest in literature and customer service are often important factors in recruitment.

• High school diploma: Focus on commerce and administration, 3 years
• Work-based training: Often included during education
• Internal training: Introduction to cash systems and product knowledge
• Experience from service roles: Considered an asset
• Interest in books and customer relations: Important personal trait

Common benefits and compensations

Bookstore Assistants often have access to benefits such as employee discounts on books and other goods, wellness contributions, and sometimes bonuses based on sales targets. Larger employers may also include collectively agreed insurance, pension contributions, and opportunities for skill development. Working hours can vary and sometimes include evening and weekend work, which may entitle to overtime pay.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a Bookstore Assistant is relatively high in some areas, especially in larger cities where many seek jobs involving customer contact and literature. At the same time, the industry reports difficulties in recruiting experienced staff, which is linked to many working part-time or viewing the profession as a temporary solution. Challenges also exist in the transition to increased digitalization, where the ability to work with e-commerce and digital customer solutions is becoming increasingly important. Physical work and the need for high service levels also require flexibility and engagement from the employee.

Tips for those who want to become a Bookstore Assistant

To succeed as a Bookstore Assistant, it is good to be proactive and show a genuine interest in both books and people. Good communication skills help build trust with customers and make it easier to provide personal service. Being flexible and able to handle varied tasks, from cash work to merchandise management, is a big advantage in daily work. Precision is important, especially during ordering and inventory, while a positive and solution-oriented attitude contributes to a pleasant work environment. Resilience is appreciated during periods of high customer flow, and an open mind for learning new things makes it easier when the range or routines change.

Key facts about Bookstore Assistants

• Education level: High school diploma recommended
• Work environment: Retail setting with extensive customer contact
• Type of employment: Commonly part-time and hourly employment
• Demand: 550 available jobs within the profession
• Special skills: Cash handling and product knowledge highly valued

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as a Bookstore Assistant, opportunities may open to advance to store manager, responsible for specific product areas, or further develop within sales and marketing. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, job opportunities nationwide are large, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. At the same time, challenges include many working part-time and a paradoxical recruitment situation: it is both difficult to find fully employed experienced staff and competitive to secure the most attractive positions. The profession provides a good foundation for further careers within retail, sales, and sometimes within publishing or library services.

Frequently asked questions about Bookstore Assistants

• What does a Bookstore Assistant earn?
  - The average salary is 33 800 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience, region, and employment type.
• How big is the difference between men's and women's salaries?
  - Women earn on average 96% of what men do in the profession.
• What education is required?
  - A high school diploma with a focus on commerce is recommended, but the profession is open also to those with other backgrounds and experience.
• What is the state of the job market?
  - There are 550 available jobs within the profession, and demand is expected to remain unchanged in the coming years.
• What working hours are common?
  - Working hours vary and often include evenings and weekends, especially during high seasons.
• What are the most common benefits?
  - Employee discounts, wellness contributions, and sometimes bonuses or overtime pay are common benefits.
• Is there room for advancement?
  - Yes, with experience, one can advance to store manager or other leadership roles within retail.