Image that illustrates Caterer, waiter

Caterer, waiter

27 900 kr

Restaurant and kitchen assistants etc.

24 800 - 33 700 kr / month

Women earn 98% of what men do.

Hotell, restaurang

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Caterer, waiter

Average salary 27 900 kr
Males 28 300 kr
Females 27 600 kr

What does a catering host, waiter do in restaurants and large kitchens? – Tasks and work environment

A catering host in restaurants and large kitchens is responsible for creating a welcoming environment for guests at various events and gatherings. Tasks include greeting guests, serving food and drinks, setting tables, and ensuring that the event runs smoothly according to plan. It often also involves preparing serving areas, coordinating with kitchen staff, and sometimes handling simple administrative tasks. The work environment is characterized by a fast pace, varying hours, and close contact with colleagues and guests, requiring flexibility and good teamwork skills.

Salary development over time

The salary for a catering host, waiter has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 25,200 SEK per month, rising to 26 600 SEK in 2023 and reaching 27 900 SEK in 2024. This development corresponds to a total increase of about 11% over three years. The trend reflects an increased demand for qualified staff in the restaurant and catering industry, with employers forced to raise wages to attract and retain employees. The steady rise can also be linked to improved working conditions, collective agreements, and a general focus on service quality within the industry.

Catering host, waiter salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 27 900 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 24,800 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 33,700 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 168 SEK/hour
  • Women: 27 600 SEK/month (98% of men's salary)
  • Men: 28 300 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Salary levels may vary between regions, but the average is close to the national average.

Education and qualifications

To work as a catering host, waiter, formal higher education is rarely required, but a high school culinary education is advantageous. Practical experience in serving or customer service is highly valued, and new employees often receive internal training or supervision at the workplace. Some employers also offer short courses in serving techniques and hygiene, while language skills can be an asset in environments with international guests.

  • High school culinary education: 3 years
  • Internal courses: Serving, hygiene, and customer interaction
  • Internship: Usually via the workplace or summer jobs
  • Prerequisites: Good service skills and teamwork ability
  • Language skills: Meritorious, especially English

Many catering hosts and waiters get the chance to work at unique events such as weddings, corporate parties, and galas, providing a varied and social workday. Building a large network within the service industry is common, which can open doors to future career opportunities. This variation and networking potential are appreciated aspects of the profession.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to the base salary, benefits such as overtime pay for evening and weekend work, free meals during shifts, and employee discounts on company products or services are often offered. Some employers also provide wellness allowances and opportunities for paid further training in service or leadership. Compensation and benefits can vary depending on the workplace and collective agreement.

Competition and challenges

The job market for catering hosts and waiters is characterized by high demand but also competition for the most attractive positions. A challenge is that many work part-time, which can affect income and career opportunities. The profession demands resilience to stress and the ability to handle varying working hours, especially during large events or peak seasons. Recruitment difficulties occur, particularly in big cities and tourist areas, where employers often seek experienced staff with good service skills. At the same time, many choose the profession as a first step into the labor market, which contributes to high staff turnover.

Tips for those who want to become a catering host, waiter

To succeed as a catering host, waiter, it is good to be flexible and adaptable, as tasks and pace often vary during the day. A service-oriented mindset is crucial – focusing on the guest's experience makes a big difference. Being communicative and attentive facilitates teamwork with colleagues and guests, especially at large events. Attention to detail and organization help create a professional and pleasant environment for everyone involved. Resilience is an important trait, as work can involve intense periods with many simultaneous tasks. It is also advantageous to show initiative and a willingness to learn new things, as development opportunities often depend on personal drive and engagement.

Key facts about Catering host, waiter

  • Education level: High school or practical experience
  • Work environment: Events, restaurants, catering
  • Work arrangement: Often part-time, varying hours
  • Demand: High, especially in big cities and tourist areas
  • Special skills: Service, serving, teamwork

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience as a catering host, waiter, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as team leader, maître d', or supervisor within serving. Some choose to further their education in restaurant management or event planning, which can lead to more specialized roles like event coordinator or restaurant manager. According to the Employment Service, job opportunities within the restaurant and kitchen assistant group are expected to be strong over the next five years, with stable demand and some competition for full-time permanent positions. There are also good opportunities for flexible work in terms of hours and location, especially during peak seasons and in growing regions.

Frequently asked questions about Catering host, waiter

  • What is the average salary of a catering host, waiter?
    - A catering host, waiter has an average salary of 27 900 SEK per month.
  • What is the hourly wage for a catering host, waiter?
    - The average hourly wage is 168 SEK based on 166 working hours per month.
  • Are there salary differences between women and men?
    - Yes, women earn 27 600 SEK while men earn 28 300 SEK per month, which means women earn 98% of what men do.
  • How has the salary developed over time?
    - Salaries have increased from 25,200 SEK in 2022 to 27 900 SEK in 2024, with a total increase of approximately 11%.
  • What education is required to become a catering host, waiter?
    - High school culinary education is advantageous, but practical experience and on-the-job training are common.
  • What are the future prospects for the profession?
    - Demand is high and expected to remain unchanged over the next five years according to the Employment Service.
  • What are the most common working arrangements?
    - Part-time employment is common, with varying working hours depending on the season and events.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Caterer, waiter is 33700 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a pre-secondary education shorter than 9 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 31300 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Caterer, waiter is 24800 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 25000 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 97% 23700 kr 26200 kr
25-34 101% 27000 kr 28600 kr
35-44 92% 28400 kr 29500 kr
45-54 100% 27800 kr 29000 kr
55-64 103% 27700 kr 28400 kr
65-68 100% 27900 kr 28900 kr
Snitt 98% 26200 kr 27900 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 Caterer, waiter has the SSYK code 9412, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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