Sports field caretaker

What does a sports facility caretaker do? – Tasks and work environment

A sports facility caretaker is responsible for the maintenance, upkeep, and operation of sports venues such as sports halls, football fields, and athletics tracks. Tasks range from practical maintenance, snow removal, and lawn mowing to preparing facilities and fields for matches and events. The work also involves contact with clubs and the public, as well as supervising the safety and equipment of the premises. The work environment is often outdoors or in larger facilities, requiring good physical condition and the ability to work independently under various weather conditions.

Salary development over time

The salary for a sports facility caretaker has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,300 SEK, which increased to 31 000 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 32 400 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 7% during this period. This salary trend reflects a general pattern within property maintenance professions, where increased demand for well-maintained facilities and modernization of sports environments have positively influenced wages. Despite this improvement, the profession continues to be slightly below the average salary across the labor market, possibly due to relatively low formal education requirements and competition from applicants with diverse backgrounds.

Sports facility caretaker salary – full overview

• Average salary: 32 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 22,600 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 38,800 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 195 SEK
• Women earn: 31 900 SEK (98% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 32 500 SEK

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a sports facility caretaker is often practically oriented, with requirements for maintenance experience and property management rather than lengthy formal education. High school education in property management or sports facility management is common, but many employers also value experience from similar work and personal qualities such as responsibility and service-mindedness. Some technical skills, such as in electrical work or machinery maintenance, can be advantageous depending on the equipment at the facility.

• High school education: Property, construction, or sports facility management (3 years)
• Certifications: Machinery operator licenses, safety training
• Internship: Practical experience from sports facilities or property maintenance
• Prerequisites: Basic technical understanding and good physical condition
• Tips for selection: Engagement in sports clubs provides valuable experience

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to the base salary, benefits such as overtime pay for evening and weekend work, wellness allowances, and work clothing are often offered. Some employers also provide training, opportunities for skill development, and extra compensation for on-call duties. Access to sports facility training facilities is sometimes available as a valued perk.

Competition and challenges

The profession of sports facility caretaker is characterized by relatively low competition for jobs, but there is a national surplus of labor according to the Employment Service's forecasts. Despite this, there are available positions and opportunities for those with the right profile and experience, especially in larger cities and expanding regions. Challenges mainly include physically demanding and sometimes monotonous tasks, as well as work often being performed under varying and sometimes difficult weather conditions. Digitalization and new technical solutions may also change the role over time.

Tips for those wishing to become a sports facility caretaker

To succeed as a sports facility caretaker, it is good to be practically inclined and enjoy working outdoors. A strong sense of service facilitates collaboration with clubs and visitors, while attention to detail is crucial for keeping facilities in top condition. Flexibility is appreciated, as the workday can vary greatly depending on the season and events. Technical understanding makes it easier to handle machinery and equipment, and a problem-solving attitude helps with unforeseen challenges. Finally, responsibility and good physical condition are important qualities, as the work often involves both independence and physical activity.

Key facts about sports facility caretakers

• Education level: High school diploma in property or construction typically
• Work environment: Outdoors, often weather-dependent and physically active
• Common employment form: Full-time, sometimes shifts or on-call
• Demand: Limited opportunities, surplus of labor
• Special skills: Machinery maintenance, safety, grass and field care

Career pathways and future prospects

After a few years of experience, a sports facility caretaker can advance to supervisory roles or be responsible for larger facilities. Some choose to specialize in machinery maintenance, property operation, or security work, while others move on to administrative positions within sports administrations. The forecast from the Employment Service indicates that the labor market for property caretakers – including sports facility caretakers – is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, with limited job opportunities and a certain surplus of labor. Nonetheless, there are over 480 available positions in the profession, offering good chances for those with the right skills and experience.

Frequently asked questions about sports facility caretakers

• What does an sports facility caretaker earn?
  - The average salary is 32 400 SEK per month.
• Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
  - Yes, women earn an average of 31 900 SEK, which is 98% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a sports facility caretaker?
  - High school education in property, construction, or sports facility management is most common.
• What does the competition look like for sports facility caretakers?
  - There is a surplus of labor and limited job opportunities nationally.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - The forecast remains unchanged over five years according to the Employment Service.
• What are the most common tasks?
  - Maintenance of sports facilities, upkeep of fields and equipment, and contact with clubs.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a sports facility caretaker?
  - The highest salary is 38,800 SEK, and the lowest is 22,600 SEK per month.