Wardrobe caretaker

What does a wardrobe attendant do? – Tasks and work environment

A wardrobe attendant primarily works with receiving, storing, and returning guests' outerwear and valuables at various events, theaters, concert halls, or entertainment venues. Tasks also include maintaining order and safety in the wardrobe area, handling payments, and providing service and information to visitors. The work environment often features a high pace, especially during larger events, requiring social skills and stress tolerance. Wardrobe attendants typically have varied working hours, often in the evenings and on weekends, depending on the nature of the events.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salary development for wardrobe attendants has been steadily positive. In 2022, the average salary was 28,300 SEK per month, increasing to 29 000 in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 30 400, representing an increase of approximately 7.5% over the three-year period. This salary increase can partly be explained by increased demand for service staff in the event industry and general adjustments in collective agreements. It is also clear that the industry adjusts wages to retain experienced employees and meet changing workload as the event sector recovers post-pandemic.

Wardrobe attendant salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 30 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 23,300 SEK/month (men), 27,100 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 33,000 SEK/month (men), 32,100 SEK/month (women)
• Hourly wage: 183 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 103% of what men do
• Regional differences: Data varies depending on location and sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a wardrobe attendant, no formal education is usually required, but employers often value experience from service roles and good language skills. Orientation is typically provided on-site, and practical skills are developed through supervision and work. In some cases, shorter internal courses on service, security, or cash handling may be offered.

• Formal education: None required, but high school diploma is advantageous
• Courses: Internal service and security training may be provided
• Internship: Workplace introduction and supervision are common
• Language skills: Swedish and English are often in demand
• Prerequisites: Experience in customer service or cash handling is a plus

Common benefits and compensation

Among the most common benefits for wardrobe attendants are overtime pay for evening and weekend work, and sometimes access to wellness allowances or employee discounts at certain workplaces. Some employers also offer uniform allowances and training opportunities within service and security.

Competition and challenges

The job market for wardrobe attendants is characterized by some competition, especially in big cities where the event supply is high but the number of applicants is often large. Challenges include irregular working hours, physically demanding environments, and periods of high workload. Seasonal variations also affect demand, with more positions available in autumn and winter. Additionally, the profession requires the ability to quickly handle stressful situations and interact professionally with different types of people. For those who are flexible and have good social skills, there are good opportunities to establish themselves in the field.

Tips for those who want to become a wardrobe attendant

To succeed as a wardrobe attendant, it is beneficial to have a positive attitude and a genuine interest in service. Being flexible and able to adapt to varying working hours is a big advantage, as many assignments take place in the evenings and on weekends. Good stress tolerance helps during large events where pressure is high and pace is fast. It is recommended to actively work on communication skills to meet guests professionally and kindly. Being thorough and responsible is important, especially when handling valuables and payments. Experience from other service roles is advantageous and can make it easier to get a job in the industry. Finally, language skills, especially English, are helpful since the work environment is often international.

Key facts about Wardrobe Attendants

• Education level: High school education is common, but not mandatory
• Work environment: Event venues, often evening and weekend work
• Average salary: 30 400 SEK/month
• Demand: Approximately 481 job openings within the profession
• Gender distribution: Women earn on average 103% of men's salaries

Career paths and future outlook

After a few years of experience as a wardrobe attendant, there may be opportunities to advance to leadership roles such as supervisor or responsible for larger wardrobe operations, especially at larger arenas or hotels. Some choose to broaden their skills and work in related service roles, such as reception, event coordination, or security personnel. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, demand remains relatively good within the profession, with 481 recent job vacancies registered. Since the industry depends on events and seasonal variations, the job market may fluctuate over time.

Frequently asked questions about wardrobe attendants

• What does a wardrobe attendant earn?
  - A wardrobe attendant has an average salary of 30 400 SEK per month.
• What is the hourly wage for a wardrobe attendant?
  - The hourly wage averages 183 SEK based on 166 hours per month.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 31 000 SEK while men earn 30 300 SEK, meaning women earn 103% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a wardrobe attendant?
  - No formal education is required, but high school diploma and experience in service roles are advantageous.
• What are the future prospects for wardrobe attendants?
  - Demand is stable with approximately 481 job openings within the profession.
• What are the most common work environments?
  - Wardrobe attendants mainly work at event venues such as theaters, concert halls, and arenas.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for wardrobe attendants?
  - The highest salary is 33,000 SEK for men and 32,100 SEK for women. The lowest salary is 23,300 SEK for men and 27,100 SEK for women.