How much does a Head waiter make

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  2. Head waiter
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Head waiter

29 700 kr

Head waiters and waiters

26 900 - 33 400 kr / month

Women earn 94% of what men do.

Hotell, restaurang

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Head waiter

Average salary 29 700 kr
Males 31 000 kr
Females 29 200 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 268 Vacant jobs ->

What does a head waiter do? – Tasks and work environment

A head waiter is responsible for leading and organizing the dining room work at restaurants, hotels, or other service environments. The tasks include coordinating the serving staff, welcoming guests, managing reservations, and ensuring the service maintains the highest possible quality. The role often also involves handling complaints, resolving unforeseen situations, and ensuring smooth workflow during busy periods. The work environment is characterized by a fast pace, variable working hours, and demands on social skills and stress resilience.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, head waiters have experienced steady salary growth. In 2022, the average salary was 27,800 SEK, increasing to 29 000 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 29 700 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 6.8% during the period. This positive trend can be partly explained by increased demand for experienced head waiters and general wage pressures within the hotel and restaurant industry. Salaries are also influenced by factors such as geographic location, employer size, and market development. The industry has been affected by economic conditions and changes in the tourism sector, which can cause variations in salary development across regions and employers.

Head waiter salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 29 700 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 26,900 SEK (women), 29,400 SEK (men)
  • Highest salary: 33,400 SEK (women), 33,200 SEK (men)
  • Hourly wage (average): 178 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 94% of men's salary (women: 29 200 SEK, men: 31 000 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Varies depending on location and workplace

Education and qualifications

To work as a head waiter, a high school education in hotel and restaurant management is usually required, complemented by practical experience in serving roles. Many employers prefer candidates who have pursued further training in leadership or service, but there are also opportunities for internal development through workplace-based internships and continuing education. Self-study and online courses can be a supplement to strengthen professional skills.

  • High school education: Hotel and Restaurant Program (3 years)
  • Courses/certifications: Leadership, beverage knowledge, work environment
  • Internship: Common during education and as an introduction at the workplace
  • Prerequisites: Experience from serving work is often required
  • Further education: Possible via courses or internal training at the workplace

Many head waiters quickly develop the ability to read both guests and colleagues, which allows them to anticipate needs and create a smooth service experience even during full capacity. Social intuition and the ability to handle unexpected situations are often crucial for success in the profession.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to the base salary, benefits such as evening and weekend work supplements, staff discounts, meals during shifts, and opportunities for further training and internal career paths are often offered. Some employers provide wellness allowances and collective insurance, which can improve the overall compensation and working conditions for head waiters.

Competition and challenges

The job market for head waiters is competitive, especially in large cities where many seek positions at attractive restaurants and hotels. The industry is characterized by seasonal variations and periods of high workload, making it challenging to secure permanent full-time positions. The profession's high demands on service, leadership, and multitasking mean employers often look for candidates with both experience and the right personal qualities. The work environment can be stressful, particularly during peak times and large events. For those who are flexible and have good social skills, there are good opportunities to establish and develop within the profession.

Tips for aspiring head waiters

To succeed as a head waiter, it is important to have a strong service mindset and be attentive to guests' needs. Developing good organizational skills makes it easier to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and leadership is key to creating a safe and efficient team environment. Gaining experience from various service environments provides valuable breadth, and continuously furthering your knowledge in beverage and service can open new career opportunities. Flexibility and stress resilience are also important, as working hours often vary and the pace can be high. Finally, being communicative and able to handle both colleagues and guests professionally, especially in unexpected situations, is an advantage.

Key facts about head waiters

  • Education level: High school (hotel and restaurant)
  • Work environment: Fast-paced, variable hours
  • Typical employment: Full-time or hourly
  • Demand: 123 available jobs in the profession
  • Gender distribution: Women earn 94% of what men do

Career paths and future prospects

A head waiter with several years of experience can advance to restaurant manager, supervisor, or specialize in areas such as event planning or wine and beverage management. There are also opportunities to work within larger hotel chains or international restaurants, where leadership roles and training responsibilities are common next steps. According to the Swedish Employment Agency's forecasts, there is no precise assessment of head waiters as a standalone profession, but with 123 available jobs, demand is expected to continue. The industry is influenced by economic conditions and the development of the tourism sector, but those who are flexible and have leadership skills have good opportunities for further development and career growth.

Frequently asked questions about head waiters

  • What is the average salary of a head waiter?
    - A head waiter has an average salary of 29 700 SEK/month.
  • Are there gender differences in salary for head waiters?
    - Yes, women earn on average 94% of what men do in the profession.
  • What education is required to become a head waiter?
    - High school education in hotel and restaurant management is most common, often combined with work experience.
  • What is the job market like for head waiters?
    - Currently, there are 123 available jobs in the profession of head waiters and waitstaff.
  • What is the highest salary for a head waiter?
    - The highest reported salary is 33,400 SEK per month.
  • What personal qualities are important for head waiters?
    - Service-mindedness, leadership, stress resilience, and good communication are key qualities.
  • Are there opportunities for further education?
    - Yes, many employers offer internal training and courses in areas such as leadership and beverage knowledge.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 22:22:29

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Head waiter is 33400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Multiple sectors with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 33200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Head waiter is 26900 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 29400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 97% 25000 kr 27100 kr
25-34 94% 29400 kr 31500 kr
35-44 96% 29900 kr 32400 kr
45-54 92% 28800 kr 30900 kr
55-64 31200 kr 32500 kr
Snitt 94% 27700 kr 29700 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Head waiter has the SSYK code 5131, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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