Cafe assistant

What does a café assistant do? – Tasks and work environment

A café assistant is responsible for welcoming guests, serving food and drinks, managing the cash register and payments, and keeping the serving area clean and tidy. The job often involves working at a fast pace, especially during busy hours, and requires good customer service skills with a friendly approach. The work environment includes both standing and moving tasks, and it is common to work in teams with colleagues in serving and kitchen staff. Irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, are typical in the industry.

Salary development over time

The salary for café assistants has fluctuated slightly over recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 24,900 SEK per month, which increased to 26 800 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has slightly decreased to 25 800 SEK. Overall, there has been a growth of about 3.6% from 2022 to 2024, but a decrease of 3.7% compared to the previous year. This change can partly be explained by economic fluctuations, increased labor supply, and many jobs being part-time or hourly positions. Despite a temporary dip in 2024, the salary level remains higher than two years ago, indicating some stability in the profession's valuation on the labor market.

Café assistant salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 25 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 23,500 SEK/month (female with pre-high school education)
• Highest salary: 26,100 SEK/month (both men and women, private sector employee)
• Hourly wage (average): 155 SEK (based on 166 working hours/month)
• Women earn: 26,100 SEK (104% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 25,000 SEK
• Regional differences: No clear differences reported

Education and qualifications

To work as a café assistant, no formal vocational training is required, but experience from service or restaurant industries is often advantageous. Many employers appreciate high school education in hotel and restaurant management, but onboarding and training are usually provided on the job. Practical experience, social skills, and the ability to handle stress are important qualities for success in the profession.

• Formal education: High school diploma in hotel and restaurant management (3 years)
• Practical training: Often on-the-job training
• Courses: Hygiene training and cash handling may be requested
• Prerequisites: No formal requirements, but service experience is beneficial
• Tips for choosing: Internships or summer jobs in cafés or restaurants provide valuable experience

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to base salary, overtime pay for evening and weekend work, staff discounts on food and drinks, and opportunities for further training such as barista skills are often offered. Many workplaces also provide wellness allowances and sometimes collective insurance and pension schemes. Bonuses and tips may also occur depending on the workplace and customer base.

Competition and challenges

The café assistant profession is characterized by high competition and a large supply of labor, confirmed by national assessments indicating a surplus of applicants. Opportunities for employment are limited, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. A challenge is that many positions are part-time or hourly, which can affect income and job security. The work environment can be physically demanding and requires endurance, flexibility, and good stress management skills. At the same time, tasks can be repetitive, requiring motivation and accuracy even during routine work.

Tips for those wanting to become a café assistant

To succeed as a café assistant, it is good to have a genuine interest in service and the ability to meet guests with patience and friendliness even during stressful periods. An eye for detail helps keep serving areas clean and creates a pleasant environment for both customers and colleagues. Being flexible and quickly adapting to different tasks is highly valued, especially when the pace varies during the day. Communication and teamwork skills are crucial since the work often involves team collaboration and clear dialogue. A positive attitude and initiative-taking help make daily routines easier and are appreciated by employers. An interest in food, drinks, and new trends in the café world also offers opportunities for development and contributing ideas. Finally, it is important to be thorough and responsible, especially when handling food and cash.

Key facts about café assistants

• Education level: High school education is common but not required
• Work environment: Fast-paced, often standing and moving work
• Employment form: Commonly part-time and hourly employment
• Demand: Limited opportunities for new jobs, surplus of labor
• Special skills: Barista skills and cash handling are advantageous

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years of experience, a café assistant can advance to supervisory roles such as shift leader or café manager, especially at larger workplaces. Further education in restaurant management, pastry arts, or barista skills can also open doors to more specialized positions or international cafés. According to the Employment Service's forecasts, the labor market for café and pastry assistants is stable but competitive, with a surplus of applicants and unchanged demand over five years. Combining the profession with further studies in hotel management, restaurant management, or entrepreneurship can provide additional career opportunities and increase the chances of permanent employment.

Frequently asked questions about café assistants

• What does a café assistant earn?
  - A café assistant has an average salary of 25 800 SEK per month.
• How do salary differences between men and women look?
  - Women earn an average of 26,100 SEK while men earn 25,000 SEK, which means women earn 104 % of men's salary.
• What education is required to become a café assistant?
  - No formal education is required, but high school education in hotel and restaurant management is common.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - No clear regional differences have been reported for café assistants.
• What are the job duties of a café assistant?
  - Typical tasks include serving guests, managing the cash register, preparing food and drinks, and maintaining cleanliness.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - According to the Employment Service's forecast, there are limited opportunities for new jobs and a surplus of labor, but demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
• What is the most common type of employment?
  - Part-time or hourly employment is most common in the profession.