Salesman, press agency

What does a sales assistant in pressbyrå do? – Tasks and work environment

A sales assistant in pressbyrå mainly works with selling everyday goods, newspapers, tobacco, lotteries, and simple food items in a retail environment often characterized by high tempo and customer focus. The main tasks include greeting customers, handling cash and payments, restocking goods, keeping the store clean and presentable, and providing services such as parcel pickup and mobile top-ups. The work often involves shifts, including early mornings, late evenings, and weekends, requiring flexibility and stress resistance. The work environment is social and varied, where quick decisions and good teamwork are important to meet customer needs and maintain store routines.

Salary development over time

The salary development for sales assistants in pressbyrå has shown a steady increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30800 kr per month. The following year, it increased to 32 200 kr, representing a growth of approximately 4.5%. In 2024, the average salary continued to rise and reached 33 500 kr, which is an additional increase of just over 4% compared to the previous year. This positive trend can largely be explained by the general wage development in retail, increased experience among staff, and some competition for service-minded workers. Despite a slight wage gap between genders, both groups have benefited from the increase, although women still earn slightly less than men in the profession. Expectations of continued stabilization of salary levels are present, especially as demand for the profession is expected to remain unchanged.

Sales assistant in pressbyrå salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 33 500 kr/month
• Lowest salary: 32,100 kr/month (female, regional sector, upper secondary education, up to 2 years)
• Highest salary: 37,900 kr/month (male, privately employed, post-secondary education 3 years or more)
• Hourly wage (average): 201 kr
• Women's average salary: 33 100 kr (96% of men's salary)
• Men's average salary: 34 300 kr

Education and qualifications

To work as a sales assistant in pressbyrå, no formal university education is usually required, but upper secondary education with a focus on trade or service is meritorious. Many employers offer internal training and induction, and prior experience in retail or customer service is often advantageous. Personal qualities such as service-mindedness, responsibility, and teamwork are often highly valued during recruitment.

• Upper secondary education: Business and administration program, 3 years
• Practical training: Workplace-based learning during upper secondary or internship via the Employment Service
• Internal training: Induction and internal training often offered by the employer
• Meritorious experience: Previous work in retail, cashiering, or customer service
• Prerequisites: Good Swedish language skills, basic computer skills

Common benefits and compensations

Sales assistants in pressbyrå are often covered by collective agreements and can access benefits such as evening and weekend overtime pay, occupational pension, insurance, and sometimes wellness allowances. Some employers also offer staff discounts or bonus programs based on performance and store results.

Competition and challenges

The market for sales assistants in pressbyrå is characterized by high competition and a certain oversupply of labor, according to the Employment Service forecast. This means there are often more applicants than available positions, especially in larger cities. Digitalization and increased self-service also affect demand and mean that some tasks may be automated or change. At the same time, workload can be high during peak times, requiring good stress management and task prioritization. Challenges related to the work environment, such as monotonous tasks and standing work, also occur. For service-minded and adaptable individuals, however, there are opportunities to develop within the profession and take on more responsibility.

Tips for those who want to become a sales assistant in pressbyrå

To succeed as a sales assistant in pressbyrå, it is good to have a strong sense of service and be attentive to customer needs. Showing initiative and being able to quickly solve problems that may arise in the store are important qualities appreciated by both employers and colleagues. Accuracy, especially in cash and stock handling, reduces the risk of mistakes and contributes to a smooth workday. Being flexible and able to work various hours, including weekends and evenings, increases chances of employment and is valued in stores with varying working hours. Finally, having a positive attitude and good teamwork skills is advantageous, as daily work often takes place in teams and in direct contact with customers.

Key facts about Sales Assistant in pressbyrå

• Average salary: 33 500 kr/month
• Lowest/highest salary: 32,100–37,900 kr/month
• Education level: Upper secondary education (trade/service) recommended
• Work environment: Retail environment with shift work and customer contact
• Vacant positions: Approximately 550 advertised jobs nationwide

Career paths and future prospects

Sales assistants in pressbyrå can, after a few years of experience, advance to roles such as store manager, deputy manager, or be responsible for specific areas like merchandise handling or training new staff. It is also common to switch to other stores within the same chain or further education in more specialized retail roles. According to the Employment Service forecast, demand for retail salespersons is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, but competition for jobs is expected to remain fierce with a surplus of applicants. For those wishing to develop further, further training in leadership, purchasing, or sales is recommended.

Common questions about Sales Assistant in pressbyrå

• What does a Sales Assistant in pressbyrå earn?
  - The average salary is 33 500 kr per month, with an hourly rate of 201 kr.
• Are there gender salary differences?
  - Yes, men earn on average 34 300 kr and women 33 100 kr, which means women earn about 96% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a sales assistant in pressbyrå?
  - Upper secondary education with a focus on trade/service is meritorious, but not a formal requirement.
• What are the future prospects?
  - Demand is expected to be unchanged over the next five years, but some oversupply of applicants is anticipated.
• What are the most common tasks?
  - Customer service, cash handling, restocking, store cleaning, and administration of parcels and services.
• What are the lowest and highest salaries?
  - The lowest salary is 32 100 kr and the highest is 37 900 kr per month.
• What benefits are usually included?
  - Overtime pay, occupational pension, insurance, and sometimes wellness allowances and staff discounts.