What does a floor cleaner do? – Tasks and work environment
A floor cleaner works with cleaning, maintaining, and treating various types of floor surfaces in public and private environments. The profession often involves using machines and special agents to polish, wax, and protect floors made of materials such as linoleum, plastic, wood, or stone. Work is usually performed during daytime or evening hours and can be done individually or in teams. The environment varies from offices and schools to hospitals and shopping centers, requiring precision, endurance, and the ability to handle physically demanding tasks.
Salary development over time
Salaries for floor cleaners have shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 25,600 SEK per month, increasing to 26 700 SEK in 2023 and reaching 27 600 SEK in 2024. This represents a total salary increase of about 7.8% over this period, which is slightly higher than the general wage development in service professions. This trend can partly be explained by increased demand for qualified floor cleaners as workplace safety and cleaning standards have risen, along with recruitment difficulties faced by many employers. Salaries are also influenced by work experience, education level, and the sector of employment.
Floor cleaners often have close communication with clients and supervisors, making communication skills an unexpectedly important part of the profession. Understanding customer needs and expectations is crucial for good results and long-term assignments.
Floor cleaner salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 27 600 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 25,600 SEK/month (men), 25,700 SEK/month (women)
- Highest salary: 29,700 SEK/month (men), 28,500 SEK/month (women)
- Hourly wage: 166 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 96% of what men do
- Regional differences: Salary levels vary slightly depending on location and employer
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a floor cleaner often involves workplace-based introduction or apprenticeship, but there are also opportunities to complete high school education in cleaning or equivalent adult education. Formal requirements are few, but certifications and specialized courses in floor care can provide competitive advantages. Practical experience and good physical condition are highly valued, as well as the ability to work independently and carefully.
- High school education: Programs in cleaning or service (3 years)
- Adult education: Komvux or vocational adult education in cleaning and floor care
- Certifications: Courses in machine operation and chemical safety
- Internship: Usually workplace introduction or trainee position
- Prerequisites: Basic education and good physical condition
Common benefits and compensations
Floor cleaners are often offered collective agreement benefits such as overtime pay, wellness subsidies, and sometimes work clothing. Many workplaces also provide opportunities for further training in new methods and machines, as well as some compensation for working unsocial hours. Other common benefits include pension contributions and insurance coverage.
Competition and challenges
The job market for floor cleaners is characterized by high demand but also some competition since the profession does not require extensive formal education. Recruitment difficulties occur, especially for employers seeking individuals with specialized skills in machine-based floor care or experience with larger projects. Many positions are part-time, which can affect both the work environment and income. The profession is physically demanding and requires high accuracy, endurance, and the ability to handle chemicals and heavy machinery. Long-term success also depends on staying updated on new materials and techniques.
Tips for those who want to become a floor cleaner
To succeed as a floor cleaner, it's good to be meticulous and detail-oriented, as the quality of work is often judged directly by the customer. Initiative is important, as many tasks require independent decision-making and problem-solving on site. Physical endurance and strength are valuable, since the work involves heavy lifting and long hours on your feet. A social and communicative attitude helps in collaborating with colleagues and understanding customer needs. Flexibility is appreciated, especially since tasks and schedules can vary between assignments. Being attentive and able to quickly absorb new instructions is also an advantage in the profession.
Key facts about floor cleaners
- Education level: High school or adult education in cleaning
- Work environment: Physically demanding, often varied workplaces
- Work form: Commonly full-time and part-time
- Demand: Significant opportunities for employment nationwide
- Special skills: Machine handling and chemical safety
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a floor cleaner can advance to supervisor, specialized floor care technician, or instructor in floor care and cleaning technology. There are also opportunities to start your own business or further educate yourself in management and property maintenance. The Employment Service forecasts that job opportunities within the profession are abundant and demand is expected to remain stable over the next five years. However, the recruitment situation is described as paradoxical, with many part-time employees and difficulties for employers to find staff for full-time positions. A total of 123 job openings were reported in the latest survey, indicating a stable job market for floor cleaners.
Frequently asked questions about floor cleaners
- What is the average salary of a floor cleaner?
- A floor cleaner has an average monthly salary of 27 600 SEK.
- Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn approximately 96% of what men do in the profession.
- What is the highest possible salary for a floor cleaner?
- The highest salary is 29,700 SEK per month for men and 28,500 SEK for women.
- What are the future prospects for floor cleaners?
- The Employment Service assesses that job opportunities are plentiful and demand is expected to be unchanged over the next five years.
- What education is required to become a floor cleaner?
- High school or adult education in cleaning is recommended, but workplace introduction is also common.
- Can a floor cleaner work part-time?
- Yes, many positions are part-time.
- What are the occupational health and safety requirements for floor cleaners?
- The profession is physically demanding and often involves working with machines and chemicals, requiring good physical condition and safety awareness.
