What does a bread distributor do? – Tasks and work environment
A bread distributor is responsible for transporting and delivering bread and other bakery products from bakeries to stores, restaurants, and other sales outlets. The work often involves early mornings to ensure products reach their destinations fresh and on time. Loading, unloading, and handling goods are central parts of the job, as well as maintaining contact with customers and sometimes managing simpler sales or ordering matters. The work environment is mobile and involves a lot of time in trucks or delivery vehicles, as well as handling heavy lifts, which requires good physical condition and attention to detail.
Salary development over time
The salary for bread distributors has shown a slight downward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 29,900 SEK, which decreased to 29 500 SEK in 2023 and has further fallen to 28 200 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total decrease of approximately 5.7% over the period. Causes of this development may be linked to an oversupply of labor in the profession, leading to increased competition and downward pressure on wages. Meanwhile, demand for bread distributors has remained unchanged, indicating that the market is relatively stable but that salary development is influenced more by the overall labor supply than by increased demand.
Bread Distributors Salary – Complete Overview
- Average salary: 28 200 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 23,600 SEK/month (men), 25,400 SEK/month (women)
- Highest salary: 36,300 SEK/month (men), 35,500 SEK/month (women)
- Hourly wage (average): 169 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Women earn 104% of men's salary (men: 28 100 SEK, women: 29 100 SEK)
- Regional differences: Data unavailable regarding regional variations
Education and qualifications
To work as a bread distributor, no formal higher education is usually required, but certain basic qualifications are important. A category B driver's license is mandatory, and employers prefer candidates with experience in transportation or logistics. Practical knowledge of food handling and good physical condition are advantageous. Some employers offer internal training or induction for new employees.
- Category B driver's license: Basic requirement for the profession
- Practical experience: Meritorious with previous transportation or warehouse work
- Internal training: Common among larger employers
- Prerequisites: Good physical condition and punctuality
- Food handling: Basic knowledge of hygiene routines may be required
Many bread distributors develop strong customer relationships due to personal contact during deliveries. It is common for the same routes to be driven over a long period, which makes the profession often characterized by social meetings and local anchoring.
Common benefits and compensations
Bread distributors are often covered by collective agreements, which include occupational pension, insurance, overtime pay, and sometimes wellness allowances. It is common for employers to provide work clothing and occasionally wellness contributions. Other benefits can include opportunities for overtime compensation and bonuses for meeting delivery targets.
Competition and challenges
The profession of bread distributor is characterized by high competition, especially since demand for labor remains unchanged while the number of applicants is relatively high. According to the Employment Service's forecast, there is a surplus of labor within the profession, making it difficult to secure a permanent position without prior experience. Challenges in the work include early mornings, physically demanding tasks, and the need for precise scheduling. Additionally, changing consumption patterns and digitalization influence the industry, requiring flexibility and adaptability from employees.
Tips for those who want to become a bread distributor
To succeed as a bread distributor, punctuality and accuracy are important, as deliveries often occur under time pressure and require precision. Good customer service skills are valuable since the job involves daily contact with stores and restaurants, so social skills and service orientation are appreciated. Good physical condition is an advantage due to lifting and mobility tasks, and enjoying early mornings makes adapting to working hours easier. Demonstrating responsibility and independence helps manage unforeseen situations along the route. Keeping updated on food handling and hygiene routines is also beneficial. Previous experience in logistics or distribution can be very helpful both during the application process and in daily work.
Key facts about Bread Distributors
- Education level: No higher education required, B-category driver's license needed
- Work environment: Mobile work, often early mornings, physically demanding
- Work form: Usually full-time, sometimes shift work
- Demand: Limited opportunities, surplus of labor
- Job openings: 412 advertised within the profession
Career paths and future prospects
After a few years of experience, a bread distributor can advance to supervisory roles, such as distribution manager or transportation coordinator within larger bakery companies. Other options include specializing in larger distribution assignments or working in logistics planning. The Employment Service assesses that job opportunities are limited and that there is a surplus of labor, leading to strong competition for positions. In five years, demand is expected to remain unchanged, but those with broad experience and good customer relations can strengthen their chances of continued employment or advancement within the industry.
Frequently asked questions about Bread Distributors
- What is the average salary of a Bread Distributor?
- The average salary for a bread distributor is 28 200 SEK per month.
- How does the difference between men and women look?
- Women earn on average 29 100 SEK while men earn 28 100 SEK, which means women earn 104% of men's salaries.
- What education is required to become a bread distributor?
- A category B driver's license is required, and experience in transportation or logistics is advantageous, but no formal higher education is necessary.
- What is the job market like for bread distributors?
- The job market is competitive with limited opportunities and a surplus of labor according to the Employment Service.
- What are the highest and lowest salaries for the profession?
- The highest salary is 36,300 SEK (men) and 35,500 SEK (women). The lowest salary is 23,600 SEK (men) and 25,400 SEK (women).
- What benefits are common for bread distributors?
- Common benefits include occupational pension, insurance, overtime pay, and sometimes wellness allowances.
- How do regional differences affect salaries?
- Currently, there is no available statistics on regional salary variations for the profession.
