What does a cabin cleaner do? – Tasks and work environment
A cabin cleaner primarily works on cleaning and maintaining cabins on ships, ferries, or sometimes larger hotel and conference facilities with accommodation units. Tasks include thorough cleaning of sleeping areas, bathrooms, and common areas, changing bed linens, restocking supplies, and reporting damages or irregularities. The work is often performed in teams, under time pressure, and with strict routines, with high standards for hygiene and service. The work environment can be physically demanding, involving many hours of standing or moving, and shift and weekend work are common, especially on passenger ships where operations run around the clock.
Salary development over time
The salary for cabin cleaners has shown a steady upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 25,600 SEK per month, increasing to 26 700 SEK in 2023 and further to 27 600 SEK in 2024. This represents a total wage increase of approximately 7.8% over three years. The increase can largely be explained by general wage increases within the service and cleaning sectors, as well as a growing focus on working conditions and staff turnover. Despite the positive trend, the profession still offers relatively low wages compared to other fields, but rising demand for skilled sanitation and cleaning personnel has contributed to a slight wage increase. The trend indicates that employers are competing more for labor, which benefits wage development.
Cabin cleaner salary – comprehensive 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/hour
- Gender differences: Women earn 96% of what men do (men: 28,500 SEK, women: 27 300 SEK)
- Regional differences: Data is lacking, but variations occur depending on employer and region
Education and qualifications
To work as a cabin cleaner, no formal education beyond compulsory schooling is usually required, but employers prefer applicants with experience from similar service professions. Some workplaces offer internal training upon employment, and shorter courses in cleaning and hygiene can be advantageous. The ability to work independently, take responsibility, and have an eye for detail are important qualifications for the profession.
- Formal education: No requirements beyond basic schooling, but high school education in hotel and tourism programs is advantageous
- Courses/certifications: Cleaning courses, hygiene courses, or SRY certification can be beneficial
- Practical experience: Experience from cleaning, hotels, ferries, or similar environments is appreciated
- Prerequisites: Good physical health, service orientation, and basic Swedish or English skills
- Tips: Contact employers for internal training or internships
Many cabin cleaners interact daily with travelers from around the world and quickly develop the ability to communicate across cultures, which can be an unexpected asset in other service roles.
Common benefits and compensations
Cabin cleaners often have access to benefits such as subsidized food and accommodation, especially when working on ships. Overtime pay for evening and weekend work, as well as wellness allowances and employee discounts, are also common. Some employers offer collective agreement-based insurance and pension solutions.
Competition and challenges
Competition for positions as a cabin cleaner is generally moderate but varies depending on season and region. The work environment is physically demanding with a high pace, which can lead to high staff turnover. A challenge is recruiting staff for inconvenient hours and shift work, especially on ships where work periods can be long. At the same time, many work part-time, creating a paradox between recruitment difficulties and a large pool of available labor. Working as a cabin cleaner requires endurance, precision, and the ability to handle stressful situations.
Tips for those wanting to become a cabin cleaner
To succeed as a cabin cleaner, it is important to be meticulous and attentive to detail, as cleanliness and order are crucial for guest satisfaction. Flexibility and adaptability to different tasks and pace changes are advantageous, especially during peak season or in unexpected situations. A positive attitude towards service and customer contact helps in interacting professionally with guests, even under stress. Physical stamina is important since the job involves many hours on your feet and heavy lifting. To stand out in recruitment, gaining experience in other service roles or completing a short cleaning course can be beneficial. Demonstrating responsibility and punctuality is appreciated by employers, as is the ability to work independently and in teams. Finally, curiosity and openness to learning new routines and methods are valuable, as different workplaces may have specific standards or requirements.
Key facts about cabin cleaners
- Education level: No formal education required, but experience in service industries is advantageous
- Work environment: Physically demanding, often shift and weekend work on ships or larger facilities
- Demand: Good job prospects, especially in ferry and cruise industries
- Typical employment forms: Full-time, part-time, and seasonal employment
- Special skills: Hygiene routines, service skills, stress resilience
Career paths and future prospects
After gaining some experience as a cabin cleaner, there are opportunities to advance to supervisory roles, such as head cleaner or cleaning supervisor, especially within larger shipping companies and hotel chains. It is also common to switch to other service roles onboard, such as reception, serving, or maintenance. According to the Employment Service’s forecast, opportunities in the cleaning profession are large, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over five years. The recruitment situation is characterized by difficulties in finding staff at certain times and locations, while many work part-time. In May 2024, there were 123 available jobs in the profession, indicating ongoing demand for cabin cleaners.
Common questions about cabin cleaners
- What does a cabin cleaner earn?
- The average salary is 27 600 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and employer.
- What are the gender differences in cabin cleaner salaries?
- Women earn on average 27 300 SEK and men 28,500 SEK, which means women earn 96% of men's salaries.
- Is education required to become a cabin cleaner?
- No formal education is required, but experience and short courses in cleaning are advantageous.
- Are there many job openings for cabin cleaners?
- Yes, in May 2024, there were 123 available jobs in the cleaning profession.
- What are the working hours for a cabin cleaner?
- The work often involves shift work, weekend work, and sometimes night shifts, especially on ships.
- What are the future prospects?
- Demand for cabin cleaners is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, with good job opportunities.
- What benefits are common?
- Common benefits include overtime pay, subsidized food and accommodation, and wellness allowances.
