Mistress

What does a housekeeper do? – Tasks and work environment

A housekeeper in large-scale food service is responsible for planning, leading, and organizing the daily operations of kitchens and meal services, often at schools, elderly care facilities, hospitals, or other large institutions. Tasks range from ensuring nutritious and varied meals to managing staff, procurement, budgeting, and quality control. A housekeeper works closely with kitchen staff and management, and the environment is characterized by high tempo, many contact points, and demands for flexibility. Hygiene regulations and food safety are central aspects of the role, and the work environment requires strong organizational ability and social skills.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for a housekeeper has increased from 40,000 SEK in 2022 to 41 600 SEK in 2024. Between 2022 and 2023, salary growth was relatively weak, with a slight decrease to 39 900 SEK, but from 2023 to 2024, the salary increased by approximately 4.3 %. This rise can be linked to increased demand for qualified personnel in large-scale food service and institutions, as well as salary adjustments to meet inflation and higher skill requirements. The profession has seen stabilization at a higher level, indicating that employers increasingly value experience and education. The long-term trend suggests that the role will continue to be attractive salary-wise, especially for those with post-secondary education and leadership experience.

Housekeeper salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 41 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 36,400 SEK/month (men), 36,600 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 45,400 SEK/month (men), 43,200 SEK/month (women)
• Hourly wage: 250 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: women earn 42 400 SEK, specific data on men is not available
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on region and employer

Education and qualifications

To work as a housekeeper, a background in nutrition, large-scale food service, or catering is usually required, often at high school or post-secondary level. Many employers seek documented experience in leadership roles within kitchens or meal services, and for some positions, specific courses in food hygiene and economics are advantageous. Practical experience is highly valued and often complemented with further training in leadership and organization.

• High school education: Catering and Food Program (3 years)
• Post-secondary education: YH training in nutrition/economics (2–3 years)
• Courses: Food hygiene, special diets, leadership
• Internship: Experience from large-scale food service/kitchen is often a requirement
• Prerequisites: Good Swedish, organizational ability, and service-mindedness

Common benefits and compensations

A housekeeper is often offered benefits such as extra vacation days, wellness allowances, work clothing, and opportunities for professional development. It is common for occupational pension schemes to be included, and many employers also offer subsidized meals or employee discounts within the organization. In some cases, leave benefits and support for further education are provided.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as a housekeeper can be intense, especially in larger cities where many seek employment with public employers offering attractive conditions. At the same time, increasing requirements for formal education and documented leadership experience can make it more difficult for those lacking these credentials to secure employment. Challenges in the profession also include balancing budgets, personnel management, and quality, as well as handling changing dietary requirements and food allergies. The work environment can sometimes be stressful, requiring flexibility and resilience.

Tips for those who want to become a housekeeper

To succeed as a housekeeper, it is good to combine a structured work approach with the ability to quickly solve problems in everyday work. Strong organizational skills make it easier to handle planning and unexpected challenges in kitchen operations. Leadership qualities are important, as the role often involves responsibility for staff and finances, and the ability to motivate and guide others is necessary. Service-mindedness and empathy facilitate collaboration with different professional groups and guests, while an interest in cooking and nutrition helps develop the organization. Staying updated on new research in nutrition and hygiene is also a success factor, as is clear and attentive communication with colleagues and guests.

Key facts about housekeepers

• Educational level: High school or post-secondary education in nutrition, large-scale food service, or leadership
• Work environment: Institutions such as schools, elderly care, hospitals
• Work form: Often full-time, daytime, sometimes shifts
• Demand: 123 available jobs in Sweden according to the latest measurement
• Special skills: Food hygiene, allergy diets, personnel management

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a housekeeper, there are opportunities to advance to overarching roles such as meal service manager, kitchen manager, or operations director within larger organizations. Some choose to specialize in nutrition development, food safety, or training kitchen staff. According to the Employment Service, future prospects are stable, with continued demand for experienced and well-educated large-scale food service managers. The increasing awareness of nutritious and sustainable diets in the public sector contributes to the profession remaining relevant and developable. Regionally, there may be variations in the number of available positions and salary levels, depending on population density and municipal investments in meal services.

Common questions about housekeepers

• What is the average salary of a housekeeper?
  - A housekeeper has an average salary of 41 600 SEK per month.
• How do salary differences between women and men look?
  - Women earn on average 42 400 SEK, while specific data on men is not available.
• What education is required to become a housekeeper?
  - High school education in catering or large-scale food service is common, often supplemented with post-secondary education and courses in food hygiene.
• Are there many jobs for housekeepers?
  - Yes, there were 123 available jobs at the latest measurement.
• In what work environments does a housekeeper work?
  - Usually in schools, elderly care, hospitals, or other institutions with large kitchen operations.
• What are the career opportunities?
  - After a few years, there is potential to advance to kitchen manager, meal service manager, or other leadership roles within meal service.
• What personal qualities are important in the profession?
  - Organizational ability, leadership, service-mindedness, and an interest in nutrition and health are central qualities.