Tombstone fitter

What does a gravestone installer do? – Tasks and work environment

A gravestone installer works with mounting, securing, and sometimes restoring gravestones at cemeteries and memorial gardens. Tasks include transporting and positioning heavy stones, adjusting, cleaning, and engraving. The work is often outdoors and requires both technical knowledge of materials and great precision to meet safety standards and customer wishes. Gravestone installers typically collaborate with stonemasons, cemetery administrations, and sometimes directly with relatives, which demands both practical skill and empathy. Physical strength, patience, and the ability to work independently in varying weather conditions are important qualities in the profession.

Salary development over time

The salary for gravestone installers has increased significantly over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,500 SEK per month, rising slightly to 33 800 SEK in 2023. In 2024, it has increased sharply to 38 000 SEK per month, which represents a percentage increase of just over 12 % in the last year. This salary increase can be explained by higher demand for specialized labor in stonemasonry and a growing need for maintenance and new gravestone installations. At the same time, a general shortage of skilled craftspeople has pushed wages higher. The market is characterized by few trained workers and high workload, further driving salary development.

Gravestone installer salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 38 000 SEK/month
• Lowest/Highest salary: Varies, but the average indicates the market situation
• Hourly wage: 228 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
• Gender differences: Men earn 38 300 SEK/month, information about women is not available
• Regional differences: No regional data, but variations occur depending on demand and workload

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a gravestone installer usually involves an apprenticeship or practical training, often within stonemasonry or construction and civil engineering programs at high school. Formal education is rare, but specialized courses and internal training are available. Employers value practical experience, technical understanding, and the ability to work independently in the field.

• High school education: Construction and civil engineering program, preferably with specialization in stonemasonry
• Apprenticeship: Internship or trainee position with an established stonemason or cemetery management
• Certifications/courses: Safety training for heavy lifting and machinery use
• Experience: Practical work experience is highly valued
• Prerequisites: Good physical condition and attention to detail

Common benefits and compensations

Among the most common benefits for gravestone installers are compensation for unsocial hours, work clothing, and sometimes wellness allowances. Some employers also offer opportunities for further training or certification in safety and machinery operation. Occupational pension and insurance are often included in collective agreements.

Competition and challenges

The market for gravestone installers is relatively small and specialized, which means some competition for permanent positions but good opportunities for those with the right skills and experience. The industry experiences high workload during certain seasons and requires flexibility and the ability to handle physically demanding tasks. A challenge is the lack of formal education, making it difficult for newcomers to establish themselves without practical experience. Additionally, working in varying weather and handling heavy lifts can pose safety risks that require good knowledge of safety routines. Demand is also influenced by demographic changes and trends in the funeral industry.

Tips for those who want to become a gravestone installer

To succeed as a gravestone installer, it’s good to combine practical teamwork with a strong attention to detail. Early internships or apprenticeships provide valuable work experience and increase chances of employment, especially if you are curious and show engagement. Physical endurance and the ability to work outdoors in different weather conditions are essential, as is the ability to handle heavy lifts and machinery safely. Good communication skills and empathy are important, as the work often involves contact with relatives in sensitive situations. It’s also wise to stay updated on safety training and industry-specific certifications to take on more responsibility and develop within the profession. Showing respect for both the tasks and the people you meet is central to building trust in the industry.

Key facts about Gravestone Installers

• Education level: Vocational training or apprenticeship, often via construction and civil engineering programs
• Work environment: Outdoors, physically demanding, often independent work
• Typical employment: Full-time, sometimes seasonal employment
• Demand: Limited number of positions, but 1,437 available jobs within the profession
• Special skills: Handling heavy lifts, material knowledge, and interacting with relatives

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, gravestone installers can advance to work supervisor, responsible for larger projects, or specialize in restoration and advanced gravestone renovation. Some choose to start their own business in stonemasonry or memorials. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast, there is no specific outlook for gravestone installers, but within the group "stonemasons and similar," 1,437 jobs are reported, indicating some demand. Since the profession is niche and requires specific skills, competition for permanent positions is limited but stable for those with experience and the right training. The industry’s future is influenced by demographic shifts and trends in the funeral culture, making long-term planning important for professionals.

Frequently asked questions about gravestone installers

• What does a gravestone installer earn?
  - A gravestone installer has an average salary of 38 000 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a gravestone installer?
  - Typically, vocational training in construction or stonemasonry along with practical experience or an apprenticeship is required.
• Are there job opportunities in the profession?
  - There are 1,437 available jobs, but positions as a dedicated gravestone installer are more limited.
• What is the work environment like?
  - The work is outdoor, involves heavy lifting, and requires precision and safety awareness.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Men earn an average of 38 300 SEK. Information about women is not available.
• What is a typical hourly wage for a gravestone installer?
  - The average hourly wage is 228 SEK.
• What personal qualities are important in the profession?
  - Physical strength, attention to detail, and empathy are especially valuable qualities.