Ironmonger

What does a hardware store manager do? – tasks and work environment

A hardware store manager primarily works with sales of tools, building materials, machines, and accessories to both private customers and professional clients. The role includes advising on products, managing stock, placing orders, receiving deliveries, and sometimes performing simple repairs or assembly. Much of the work takes place in a store environment with daily customer contact, which requires good service skills and product knowledge. The work environment is often physically active and may involve heavy lifting and working at a pace that varies depending on the season and demand.

Salary development over time

The salary for hardware store managers has shown steady and positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,900 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 31 900 SEK, corresponding to an increase of approximately 3.2%. In 2024, the average salary reached 33 800 SEK, representing a further increase of 6% compared to the previous year. This trend reflects a general wage increase in retail, driven by higher demand for qualified service and specialized product knowledge. Changes can also be explained by inflation, collective bargaining negotiations, and a growing need for expertise in retail. Despite the increase, wage gaps between genders remain noticeable but are slowly decreasing.

Hardware store manager salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 33 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,200 SEK/month (male), 32,100 SEK/month (female)
• Highest salary: 36,300 SEK/month (male), 35,800 SEK/month (female)
• Hourly wage: 203 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Women earn 96% of what men do (men 34 700 SEK, women 33 200 SEK)
• Regional differences: Regional variations may occur, especially between city and countryside

Education and qualifications

To work as a hardware store manager, no formal university degree is usually required, but a high school education in commerce, sales, or technology is often advantageous. Practical experience from retail or trade is highly valued, as is product knowledge within tools and building materials. Many employers offer internal training and product courses to ensure staff stay updated.

• High school education: Commerce and administration program, 3 years
• Certifications: Courses in customer service, sales, and work environment
• Internships: Workplace-based learning during high school or through trainee programs
• Prerequisites: Good Swedish language skills, basic math skills, technical interest
• Further education: Product training and online courses in assortment and logistics

Common benefits and compensations

Hardware store managers are often covered by collective agreements, which include occupational pension, sick pay, and holiday pay. Other common benefits include employee discounts on store products, wellness allowances, and opportunities for further training through the employer. Some employers also offer bonuses linked to sales targets and provide work clothing and tools.

Competition and challenges

Competition within hardware retail has increased, especially through digitalization and e-commerce, where customers can easily compare prices and selection. At the same time, challenges include maintaining high service levels and product knowledge as the range broadens. Recruitment difficulties are common, with many working part-time. For hardware store managers, it’s important to continuously adapt to new trends, increased environmental awareness, and changing customer needs.

Tips for aspiring hardware store managers

To succeed as a hardware store manager, it’s beneficial to combine a genuine interest in technology and tools with a strong sense of service. Being attentive and communicative facilitates interactions with customers and colleagues, while problem-solving skills help quickly find solutions to customer needs. Flexibility and resilience are important, especially during peak seasons or large deliveries. Actively seeking product training and staying updated on industry news increases chances for specialization and advancement. Good collaboration with colleagues and a willingness to develop contribute to job satisfaction and success. Engagement and business-mindedness also improve the chances of reaching sales goals and creating satisfied customers.

Key facts about hardware store managers

• Education level: High school education, often commerce and administration program
• Work environment: Store, warehouse, and customer environment with physical work
• Typical employment form: Full-time or part-time, often daytime and some weekends
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment, approximately 550 job openings nationwide
• Special skills: Product knowledge, technical interest, and customer service

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a hardware store manager, opportunities exist to advance to roles such as store manager, purchaser, or specialist in areas like locks and security products. Some choose to further their education in sales, logistics, or technology to take on more qualified tasks or switch industries. The forecast from the Employment Service indicates that the job market for salespersons in retail, including hardware store managers, is expected to have great opportunities and unchanged demand over the next five years. Digitalization and increased e-commerce competition may influence job content, making continuous skills development important. There are about 550 available positions within the profession, signaling good opportunities for both newcomers and experienced workers.

Frequently asked questions about hardware store managers

• What does a hardware store manager earn?
  - A hardware store manager has an average salary of 33 800 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and region.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 33 200 SEK while men earn 34 700 SEK, meaning women earn 96% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a hardware store manager?
  - High school education in commerce is recommended, but practical experience and product knowledge are often more important than formal education.
• What are the future prospects for hardware store managers?
  - The job market is considered to have great opportunities, with demand remaining unchanged according to the Employment Service's forecast.
• What are the job responsibilities of a hardware store manager?
  - Responsibilities include sales, advising, inventory management, ordering, and customer service within retail stores.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Yes, salaries can vary depending on whether the store is located in a city or rural area, and based on the employer.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries in the profession?
  - The highest salary is 36,300 SEK (male) and 35,800 SEK (female), while the lowest is 31,200 SEK (male) and 32,100 SEK (female).