Housewife, hotel / restaurant

What does a housekeeper do in the hotel and restaurant industry? – Tasks and work environment

A housekeeper in the hotel and restaurant industry is responsible for leading, organizing, and quality-assuring work in cleaning and service at hotels, conference centers, or larger restaurants. Tasks include administration and practical work such as scheduling, purchasing cleaning supplies, recruitment, onboarding staff, and ensuring guest rooms, public areas, and other facilities meet high standards. Budget and work environment responsibilities are often included. The work environment is dynamic and requires great flexibility, as work is carried out in close contact with staff and guests, often under time pressure, especially during peak seasons or major events.

Salary development over time

The average salary for a housekeeper in the hotel and restaurant industry has shown a slight downward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,900 SEK per month, increasing to 33 500 SEK in 2023. However, in 2024, the average salary decreased slightly to 33 200 SEK. This corresponds to an increase of about 4% from 2022 to 2024, with a small decline in the most recent year. Salary levels are influenced by factors such as work experience, the size of the workplace, region, and the availability of jobs. The slight decrease from 2023 to 2024 may be linked to increased competition for positions, changes in demand for hotel and restaurant services, and a generally pressured wage situation in the hospitality industry.

Housekeeper salary in the hotel and restaurant industry – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 33 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,200 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Highest salary: 38,000 SEK/month (male, regional sector, high school education up to 2 years)
• Hourly wage: 200 SEK/hour (average, hourly employee)
• Gender differences: Women earn 32,500 SEK, men earn 36 400 SEK (women earn 89% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Higher salaries in regional sector, lower in private sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a housekeeper in the hotel and restaurant industry, a high school education is usually required, preferably with a focus on hotels, restaurants, or tourism. Many employers also view post-secondary education in hotel and restaurant management or similar as advantageous. Experience from similar tasks and leadership is often crucial, and many employers offer internal trainee programs or supervised onboarding for new employees.

• High school education: Hotel and tourism program, 3 years
• Post-secondary education: Hotel and restaurant management, 1–3 years (meritorious but not required)
• Internship: Extensive practical experience from hotels or cleaning departments is highly valuable
• Courses/certifications: Leadership, work environment, and hygiene routines
• Prerequisites: Service experience and good organizational skills

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for housekeepers in the hotel and restaurant industry include overtime pay for evening and weekend work, wellness allowances, staff discounts, and sometimes bonus programs, further training, and pension contributions depending on the employer and collective agreement.

Competition and challenges

The profession of a housekeeper in the hotel and restaurant industry is characterized by high competition, especially in metropolitan areas where many seek leading roles in service. Expectations for efficiency and quality are constantly increasing, and workload can be high during staff shortages or busy periods with many guests. Digitalization has also introduced new challenges, such as modern booking systems and digital reporting tools. There are also challenges related to personnel management, as the workgroup is often multicultural and diverse. Flexibility and good communication are crucial to managing these challenges successfully.

Tips for aspiring housekeepers in the hotel and restaurant industry

To succeed as a housekeeper in the hotel and restaurant industry, it is good to have a strong sense of service and the ability to motivate and lead others. Good organizational skills facilitate scheduling and task distribution, while flexibility is needed to handle rapid changes or urgent situations. Communication skills are important for creating a good work environment and collaborating with staff and guests. Being stress-resistant is also an advantage, as the pace is often high and many decisions need to be made quickly. Investing in further training in leadership and work environment can provide a competitive edge, and practical experience in the industry is often crucial for recruitment to more responsible roles.

Key facts about housekeepers in the hotel and restaurant industry

• Education level: High school education, preferably with a focus on hotels/tourism
• Work environment: Hotels, conference centers, and restaurants
• Typical employment: Full-time, often shifts and weekend work
• Demand: 123 available jobs in the profession (2024)
• Special skills: Leadership, service, and hygiene routines

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience as a housekeeper in the hotel and restaurant industry, opportunities open for more senior management roles, such as department manager, hotel manager, or operations manager. Other career paths may include education and consultancy roles within cleaning and service, or specialized roles in quality assurance and work environment. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, demand is stable, with 123 available jobs in the profession during 2024. Digitalization and sustainability requirements are expected to influence the profession in the future, where knowledge of environmentally friendly cleaning routines and digital systems will become increasingly important.

Frequently asked questions about housekeepers in the hotel and restaurant industry

• What does a housekeeper earn in the hotel and restaurant industry?
  - The average salary is 33 200 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience, gender, and sector.
• What are the salary differences between men and women?
  - Women earn an average of 32,500 SEK, while men earn 36 400 SEK, which means women earn 89% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a housekeeper in the hotel and restaurant industry?
  - High school education is most common, preferably with a focus on hotels or tourism, but post-secondary studies and experience are advantageous.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - Demand is stable with 123 available jobs, and development opportunities exist towards leadership roles.
• What are the most common benefits?
  - Overtime pay, wellness allowances, staff discounts, and sometimes bonus programs or further training are often offered.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Yes, higher salaries are mainly found within the regional sector, while private sector often has lower salary levels.