Sales Assistant

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

A sales assistant supports the sales organization and handles administrative tasks related to sales. Tasks often include quotation and order processing, customer contact, follow-up on deliveries, and assisting salespeople with documentation and support. A sales assistant also plays an important role in ensuring internal processes run smoothly, such as coordinating meetings or collecting sales statistics. The work environment is typically office-based, often in open-plan offices, with a fast pace and demands for accuracy and customer service skills.

Salary development over time

The salary for a sales assistant has shown steady and positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,400 SEK per month, which increased to 38 500 SEK during 2023. By 2024, the average salary further rose to 39 700 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 6.1% over the three-year period. This trend reflects a general pattern within marketing and sales professions, where increased complexity of tasks and a greater focus on digital tools have contributed to higher salary levels. The demand for qualified administrative personnel in sales has remained stable, and employers increasingly value experience and education, positively impacting salary development.

Sales assistant salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 39 700 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 34,600 SEK/month (men), 35,500 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 48,200 SEK/month (men), 40,000 SEK/month (women)
• Hourly wage (average): 239 SEK
• Gender differences: Men 43 700 SEK, women 38 200 SEK (women earn 87% of what men do)
• Regional differences: Varies, often higher salaries in metropolitan regions

Education and qualifications

To work as a sales assistant, a minimum of a high school diploma is typically required, preferably with a focus on economics, administration, or commerce. Many employers view post-secondary courses or vocational training in sales and marketing positively. Practical experience, especially from customer service or sales work, is often more meritorious and can sometimes outweigh formal education. Ability to handle digital tools and systems is an important qualification in today’s profession.

• High school diploma: Business and administration program (3 years)
• Post-secondary education: YH or KY training in sales/marketing (1–2 years)
• Courses/certifications: Excel, CRM systems, business systems
• Internship/trainee: Common during education
• Prerequisites: Good Swedish and English, computer literacy

Common benefits and compensation

Sales assistants are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and occupational pension. Other common compensations include bonuses linked to team sales targets, subsidized lunches, or remote work opportunities. Some employers also provide skills development through internal or external training.

Competition and challenges

The competition for sales assistant positions is moderate, with a relatively large number of available jobs – currently about 550 positions within the occupational group. Challenges mainly include the broad scope of the role, requiring a combination of administrative skill, customer service, and the ability to handle stressful periods. Digitalization and automation of administrative processes may influence demand over time, making it important to continuously develop digital competence and adapt to new tools. For those entering the job market, competition can be higher, especially in metropolitan areas where many apply for similar roles.

Tips for aspiring sales assistants

To succeed as a sales assistant, attention to detail is important, as many tasks require precision and organization. Being communicative facilitates collaboration with colleagues and customers, which is central to the role. Flexibility and resilience are crucial when the pace increases, especially during campaigns or quarter-end periods. Early familiarity with common business systems and digital tools is recommended, as these are part of everyday work. Actively seeking internships or part-time jobs during studies provides valuable experience and strengthens your CV. A friendly attitude and service-mindedness are appreciated by employers, and an interest in sales and business processes opens opportunities for further development.

Key facts about sales assistants

• Education level: High school diploma or post-secondary vocational training
• Work environment: Office-based with high pace and customer contact
• Demand: Approximately 550 job openings nationwide
• Future prospects: Moderate opportunities, demand expected to remain stable according to the Employment Service
• Special skills: Digital tools, CRM, customer service

Career paths and future outlook

After a few years of experience as a sales assistant, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as sales coordinator, inside sales representative, marketing assistant, or administrative manager. Many also choose to further their education in sales, marketing, or economics to move into more qualified positions. According to the Employment Service, job prospects are moderate, and the recruitment situation is balanced, with an outlook of unchanged demand over the next five years. Digitalization and increased specialization may create new career paths for those willing to further their education or take on more responsibility. At the same time, competition for the most attractive positions can be higher in larger cities.

Frequently asked questions about sales assistants

• What does a sales assistant earn?
  - The average salary is 39 700 SEK per month, with variations between 34,600–48,200 SEK depending on experience, gender, and region.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, men earn on average 43 700 SEK while women earn 38 200 SEK, which means women earn 87% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a sales assistant?
  - A high school diploma with a focus on commerce or administration is recommended, but post-secondary education and practical experience are also advantageous.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - The opportunities are moderate, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, according to the Employment Service.
• What are common tasks for a sales assistant?
  - Order management, customer service, administration, quotation work, and support to the sales team are typical tasks.
• What benefits are common?
  - Wellness allowances, occupational pensions, bonuses, and opportunities for skills development are often offered.
• How many job openings are there in the profession?
  - There are approximately 550 job openings within the occupational group of marketing and sales assistants.