Cafeteria assistant

What does a Kafeteriabiträde do? – Tasks and work environment

A Kafeteriabiträde primarily works preparing and serving food, drinks, and baked goods in various café environments. Tasks also include greeting guests, taking orders, handling cash registers, and sometimes simple cooking or baking. Cleaning, dishwashing, and restocking are also common daily activities. The work environment is often fast-paced, especially during rush hours, requiring good customer service skills and the ability to handle stressful situations. Kafeteriabiträden are found in everything from small cafés to larger patisseries and restaurants, and work is often team-based.

Salary development over time

The salary for Kafeteriabiträden has varied slightly over recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 24,900 SEK per month, increasing to 26 800 SEK in 2023. However, in 2024, the average salary has been adjusted downward to 25 800 SEK per month, representing a decrease of about four percent compared to the previous year. This decline can be partly explained by increased temporary employment, changing demand, and a slight rise in part-time work within the profession. Over a three-year period, a slight positive trend is still visible, with reduced gender gaps and stabilized salary levels. Market demand and employer structure have also influenced the development, with private sector employees dominating among the highest earners.

Kafeteriabiträde salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 25 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 23,500 SEK/month (female, with upper secondary education)
• Highest salary: 26,100 SEK/month (both men and women, private sector employee)
• Hourly wage: 155 SEK/hour (hourly workers, average 166 hours/month)
• Women: 26,100 SEK/month (104% of men's salary)
• Men: 25,000 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Small, with slightly higher wages in big cities

Education and qualifications

To work as a Kafeteriabiträde, no formal higher education is usually required, but a high school diploma in hospitality and food service can be advantageous. Many employers value previous experience in service or food handling, and training often occurs through internships or trainee positions. Flexibility and willingness to learn on the job are often key factors in employment.

• Education type: High school, preferably in Hospitality and Food (3 years)
• Certifications: Basic food hygiene may be required
• Internship: Practical experience from café or restaurant is highly valuable
• Pre-knowledge: No formal requirements, but service experience is appreciated
• Tips: Short courses or online training in customer service and hygiene provide an advantage

Common benefits and compensations

Kafeteriabiträden are often offered benefits such as overtime pay for evening and weekend work, staff discounts on food and drinks, wellness contributions, and holiday pay. Some workplaces also provide uniform allowances and opportunities for further training in service or food handling. Holiday pay and extra compensation during major holidays are common, especially within larger chains.

Competition and challenges

The job market for Kafeteriabiträden is characterized nationally by a certain surplus of labor, which means competition for jobs can be high, especially in larger cities. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, with currently 123 available jobs in the profession. The biggest challenge for many is standing out in the recruitment process, where experience and good references often carry weight. The work can be physically demanding, with long shifts and a lot of standing. Additionally, the profession demands high stress tolerance and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Tips for those wanting to become a Kafeteriabiträde

To succeed as a Kafeteriabiträde, it is good to have a genuine interest in service and always prioritize the guest. A positive attitude and the ability to treat people with respect and patience make a big difference daily. Being flexible and willing to step in where needed, whether at the register or in the kitchen, is appreciated by employers. Good stress resilience is a crucial trait, especially during busy hours, and being able to quickly prioritize tasks contributes to a smooth workday. Attention to hygiene routines demonstrates responsibility and is important for both guests’ and colleagues’ well-being. Showing initiative and a willingness to learn new skills also improves opportunities for advancement within the profession.

Key facts about Kafeteriabiträde

• Education level: High school recommended, but not required
• Work environment: Fast-paced and social, often team-based
• Employment type: Common with both permanent and hourly positions
• Demand: Limited, with high competition for jobs
• Special skills: Food hygiene and service experience

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Kafeteriabiträde, opportunities for advancement within the café and restaurant industry may open. Common career paths include roles such as team leader, supervisor, or shift manager. There are also good opportunities for further education, for example as a barista, pastry chef, or restaurant manager. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, demand for Kafeteriabiträden is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, and the labor market is characterized by a surplus, making experience and further training important for increasing chances of employment. Switching industries or further education within the hospitality sector is also common among those seeking new challenges.

Frequently asked questions about Kafeteriabiträde

• What is the average salary of a Kafeteriabiträde?
  - The average salary for a Kafeteriabiträde is 25 800 SEK per month.
• How do the 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 approximately 104% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a Kafeteriabiträde?
  - No formal education is required, but high school in hospitality and food is advantageous.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Yes, salaries can be slightly higher in big cities compared to smaller towns, but differences are generally small.
• What does the job market look like for Kafeteriabiträden?
  - There is a surplus of labor and limited job opportunities, with 123 available positions right now.
• What are the most common benefits?
  - Common benefits include overtime pay, staff discounts, wellness contributions, and holiday pay.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a Kafeteriabiträde?
  - The highest salary is 26,100 SEK per month and the lowest is 23,500 SEK per month.