Salary progression Dishwasher

Average salary 28 300 kr
Males 28 600 kr
Females 28 100 kr

What does a Dishwasher do? – Tasks and Work Environment

Dishwashers play a central role in restaurants, cafes, and other service environments where large quantities of dishes and cutlery are handled daily. Their tasks include collecting and sorting dishes from guests, transporting them to the dishwashing area, rinsing and loading the dishwasher, and drying and returning clean items to the correct places. It is not uncommon for dishwashers also to assist with simple cleaning of the dining area, refilling cutlery, and sometimes helping in the kitchen with preparations. The work environment is often characterized by a fast pace, noise from dishwashers, and physically demanding tasks that require good physical condition and endurance, especially during busy hours.

Salary Development Over Time

Dishwashers have experienced steady salary increases over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 25,200 SEK per month, increasing to 27 900 SEK in 2023 and further to 28 300 SEK in 2024. This development represents an increase of approximately 11% over the period, which is slightly higher than the average salary growth for similar service professions. The reasons for this positive trend can partly be explained by increased demand for restaurant staff as the restaurant industry recovers from the pandemic, and employers increasingly need to offer competitive wages to attract and retain staff. Differences in salary development between genders are minimal but present – women now earn about 98% of men's salaries in the profession.

Many dishwashers quickly gain insight into the restaurant's entire workflow and acquire invaluable experience in teamwork and logistics. It is common for individuals who start as dishwashers to later advance to other roles within the restaurant industry, such as kitchen assistant or waiter.

– statsskuld.se

Dishwasher Salary – Complete Overview

  • Average salary: 28 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 24,800 SEK
  • Highest salary: 33,700 SEK
  • Hourly wage (average): 168 SEK
  • Gender differences: Men earn 28 600 SEK, women 28 100 SEK (98%)
  • Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on location and employer, with higher wages in larger cities and the public sector.

Education and Qualifications

No formal education is required to work as a dishwasher, making the profession accessible to many. However, employers value previous experience in the restaurant industry, good physical fitness, and reliability. An introduction and training are often provided on-site to ensure routines and hygiene standards are followed.

  • Formal education: No requirement for high school diploma
  • Certifications/courses: Basic hygiene training can be advantageous
  • Internship/trainee: Commonly provided directly at the workplace
  • Prerequisites: None, but prior restaurant experience is a plus
  • Tips for choosing: Engagement, punctuality, and good teamwork skills are highly valued

Common Benefits and Compensation

Dishwashers often are covered by collective agreements that entitle them to evening and weekend surcharges, holiday pay, and sometimes staff meals. For some employment types, benefits such as wellness allowances and work clothing may also be included.

Competition and Challenges

The competition for positions as a dishwasher is generally low, and job opportunities are considered good, especially in larger cities and during peak seasons in the restaurant industry. A challenge is that many positions are part-time, which can lead to financial insecurity for those seeking full-time work. Physical strain, monotonous tasks, and tight schedules demand endurance and stress resilience. The industry is also characterized by high staff turnover, prompting employers to frequently seek new employees.

Tips for Aspiring Dishwashers

To succeed as a dishwasher, it is beneficial to be meticulous and quick, as tasks often require efficient handling of large amounts of dishes under time pressure. Being cooperative and maintaining a positive attitude facilitates teamwork with colleagues in the kitchen and dining area. Flexibility is an important trait, as working hours often vary and may include evening and weekend shifts. Good physical fitness and endurance are also advantageous, given the standing and lifting involved. Showing engagement and taking initiative is appreciated by employers and can open doors to new opportunities within the restaurant industry. Hygiene awareness is crucial to follow regulations and create a pleasant environment for guests and colleagues. Good communication skills make it easier to understand instructions quickly and contribute to a good working climate.

Key Facts About Dishwashers

  • Education level: No formal education required
  • Work environment: Fast-paced, noisy, and physically demanding
  • Employment type: Commonly part-time and hourly positions
  • Demand: Great job opportunities, especially in larger cities
  • Special skills: Basic hygiene and good teamwork skills

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After a few years as a dishwasher, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as kitchen assistant, serving staff, or other service professions within the restaurant and catering sectors. Experience in the profession provides a solid foundation for further education within culinary or restaurant management. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, job opportunities are expected to be very good over the next five years, with continued high demand for dishwashers and similar roles. However, many work part-time, which can affect access to full-time employment. For those looking to develop further within the industry, taking initiative and showing interest in other tasks is beneficial. Currently, there are 123 available jobs in the restaurant and kitchen assistant sector.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dishwashers

  • What is the monthly salary of a Dishwasher?
    - The average salary for a dishwasher is 28 300 SEK per month.
  • What is the highest salary for a Dishwasher?
    - The highest salary is 33,700 SEK, which applies to a man in the public sector with a low level of education.
  • What is the lowest salary for a Dishwasher?
    - The lowest salary is 24,800 SEK and applies to a woman employed as a private sector employee.
  • Is there a difference in salary between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 98% of men's salaries within the profession.
  • Is education required to become a Dishwasher?
    - No, formal education is not required, but an introduction and training are provided at the workplace.
  • What are the future prospects for Dishwashers?
    - Demand for dishwashers is high, and the forecast indicates that the need will remain unchanged in the coming years.
  • What are the work environment risks for Dishwashers?
    - The profession involves physical work, risk of cuts, and strain injuries from heavy lifting and repetitive movements.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Dishwasher is 33800 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a pre-secondary education, 9 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 32900 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Dishwasher is 24800 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Municipal sector. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 25300 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 99% 24000 kr 26500 kr
25-34 101% 28000 kr 29900 kr
35-44 93% 28400 kr 29900 kr
45-54 96% 28200 kr 29200 kr
55-64 105% 28200 kr 29000 kr
65-68 98% 28700 kr 29800 kr
Snitt 98% 26500 kr 28300 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 Dishwasher has the SSYK code 9412, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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