Cold drink

What does a kallskänka do? – Tasks and work environment

A kallskänka primarily works with preparing and arranging cold dishes such as salads, sandwiches, appetizers, and desserts. The profession is often found in restaurants, hotels, cafes, and large kitchens where tasks include preparing ingredients, creating buffets, and ensuring that food is presented in an aesthetically pleasing manner. The work environment is characterized by a fast pace, close collaboration with chefs and kitchen staff, and demands for good hygiene and efficiency. Kallskänkor often work under time pressure and are expected to have good organizational skills and an eye for detail, especially during busy times.

Salary development over time

The salary development for kallskänkor has shown a stable and positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 29,000 SEK, followed by an increase to 30 700 SEK in 2023. In 2024, an average of 31 400 SEK was reached, representing a total increase of about 8.3% over the period. This salary growth can be explained by increased demand for skilled professionals in the restaurant industry, while competition for labor and the need to retain experienced staff have driven wages upward. Despite this, gender pay gaps remain noticeable, with women earning slightly less on average than men. The trend indicates that employers value experience and education more highly, which can positively influence salary levels for those investing in further training.

Kallskänka salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 31 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 27,100 SEK/month (female, pre-high school education)
• Highest salary: 44,700 SEK/month (male, public sector, post-secondary education)
• Hourly wage: 189 SEK/hour (average for part-time workers)
• Gender differences: Men earn 31 900 SEK, women 30 900 SEK (women = 97% of men's wages)
• Regional differences: Salary variations may occur depending on location and type of establishment

Education and qualifications

To work as a kallskänka, a basic education in restaurant and food service is usually required, often at the high school level, supplemented with practical experience in cold kitchen work. Many employers prefer candidates with experience from similar environments and good knowledge of food hygiene and cooking techniques. Further training or specialized courses in areas such as sandwich cakes or salad buffets can be advantageous and open up more career opportunities.

• High school education: Restaurant and Food Service Program (3 years)
• Certifications: Courses in food hygiene and allergy management
• Internship: Long-term internships or trainee programs at restaurants or large kitchens
• Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of kitchen handling and hygiene
• Further education: Opportunities for specialized courses in cold kitchen, sandwich cakes, and buffet design

Common benefits and compensations

Kallskänkor are often offered benefits such as overtime pay for working inconvenient hours, staff meals, and in some cases wellness allowances. Many employers provide work clothes and opportunities for further training or internal skill development. Vacation pay and collectively agreed insurance schemes are common within the industry.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a kallskänka is generally low nationwide, with 123 available positions within the profession. At the same time, the industry is characterized by a paradoxical recruitment situation: there are both recruitment difficulties and a relatively high proportion of part-time employees and people leaving the profession. Challenges include irregular working hours, physically demanding environments, and the need for continuous skills development. However, demand for skilled kallskänkor is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years according to Arbetsförmedlingen, providing stability but also requiring flexibility and adaptability.

Tips for those wanting to become a kallskänka

To succeed as a kallskänka, it is beneficial to develop an eye for detail and a genuine sense of aesthetics, as food presentation is a central aspect of the profession. Being resilient under stress is crucial, especially during busy service times, while effective teamwork facilitates work in the kitchen. Precision and good hygiene are fundamental qualities, as much of the work involves food handling and safety. A willingness to continually learn new techniques and follow food trends provides advantages, as does curiosity and creativity in testing new flavor combinations. For those who are initiative-taking and responsible, there are good opportunities to advance and influence menus or work routines. Showing engagement and flexibility makes both career development and the work environment easier.

Key facts about kallskänka

• Educational level: High school diploma (Restaurant and Food Service Program)
• Typical work arrangement: Full-time or part-time in restaurants, hotels, or large kitchens
• Demand: Great job opportunities, 123 available positions nationwide
• Work environment: Fast-paced, often under time pressure and in teams
• Gender distribution: The profession is dominated by women, but men have higher average wages

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a kallskänka, career opportunities include advancement to head chef, sous-chef, or specialized kallskänka responsible for larger events and catering. There are also opportunities to develop in areas such as buffet design, menu development, or to become an entrepreneur in catering. According to Arbetsförmedlingen, job prospects remain good, with large opportunities for employment nationally and stable demand in the long term. The profession is part of the group of chefs and kallskänkor, where demand is expected to be unchanged over the next five years, though recruitment difficulties may occur due to high staff turnover and part-time work. Flexibility and further training increase opportunities for development and higher wages.

Frequently asked questions about kallskänka

• What does a kallskänka earn per month?
  - The average salary for a kallskänka is 31 400 SEK per month.
• What does a kallskänka earn per hour?
  - The average hourly wage for part-time kallskänkor is 189 SEK per hour.
• What education is required to become a kallskänka?
  - Typically, a high school education in restaurant and food service, along with kitchen internship, is required.
• Are there wage differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 97% of what men do in the profession.
• What are the future prospects for kallskänkor?
  - Opportunities for employment are large, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
• Which workplaces hire kallskänkor?
  - Restaurants, hotels, cafes, large kitchens, and catering companies are common workplaces.