Graffiti sanitizer

What does a graffiti cleaner do? – Tasks and work environment

A graffiti cleaner works with removing graffiti and other unwanted paint or markings from buildings, trains, bridges, and other public surfaces. Tasks include using various chemicals, high-pressure washers, and sometimes specialized equipment to restore surfaces to their original condition. The work is often outdoor and can involve physically demanding tasks and working at heights or in difficult-to-access areas. Graffiti cleaners often work in teams, especially on larger projects, but assignments can also be independent and require adaptation to different environments and working conditions.

Salary development over time

The salary development for graffiti cleaners has been clearly positive over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 29,700 SEK per month, increasing to 31 800 SEK in 2023 – an increase of approximately 7.1%. The latest update for 2024 shows a further increase to 35 000 SEK, which corresponds to a salary growth of just over 10% compared to the previous year. This strong trend can be explained by increased demand for remediation services as cities and public transport prioritize cleanliness and safety, while labor shortages in the profession have driven up wages. The trend indicates that the profession has strengthened financially and that employers are willing to pay more for experienced personnel.

Graffiti cleaner salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 35 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,900 SEK/month (female, 3-year high school education)
• Highest salary: 35,600 SEK/month (male, regional sector, highest 2-year high school education)
• Hourly wage: 210 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
• Gender differences: Men 35 500 SEK, women 32,000 SEK (women earn 90% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Highest wages are found in the regional sector

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a graffiti cleaner is often practical and based on high school education in property, remediation, or similar fields. Many employers offer internal training and introduction, but certain certificates and courses in work environment and chemical handling can be advantageous. Experience in similar professions within remediation, construction, or sanitation is often meritorious, and the ability to work safely and carefully is highly valued.

• High school education: Focus on property, remediation, or engineering (2–3 years)
• Certificates: Work environment training, chemical handling
• Internship: Often introduction or practical training at the workplace
• Prerequisites: Good physical condition, meticulousness, and sense of responsibility
• Tips: Experience from construction or sanitation facilitates employment

Common benefits and compensations

Graffiti cleaners are often offered benefits such as work clothes, protective equipment, wellness allowances, and sometimes access to company vehicles. Some employers also offer bonuses for larger assignments and opportunities for further training in remediation and safety. Unsocial hours may occur and are compensated according to collective agreements.

Competition and challenges

The profession as a graffiti cleaner requires both physical and mental endurance, as working hours can be irregular and environments challenging. Competition for jobs is moderate, but demand for experienced and reliable cleaners is increasing as cities invest in cleaner public environments. Qualifications in safety and chemical handling are becoming increasingly important, while technical aids and new cleaning methods are transforming daily work. Flexibility is needed to adapt to different workplaces and unexpected situations, especially during urgent remediation tasks.

Tips for those who want to become graffiti cleaners

To succeed as a graffiti cleaner, it is good to have good physical fitness and the ability to work practically in changing weather conditions. Precision is crucial since remediation work requires accuracy to avoid damaging the surface. Flexibility and adaptability facilitate when workdays vary in scope and location. Good safety awareness is important for handling chemicals and machinery responsibly. For service-minded individuals who are easy to collaborate with colleagues and clients, there are good opportunities for development within the profession. Showing initiative and willingness to learn new methods can also lead to more responsibility. Finally, reliability is a highly valued trait by employers in the remediation industry.

Key facts about graffiti cleaners

• Education level: High school education in property management or engineering
• Typical work form: Full-time, often outdoor work
• Demand: 123 job openings within the profession
• Gender distribution: Women earn 90% of men's salaries
• Special skills: Chemical handling and safety routines

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, many graffiti cleaners have the opportunity to advance to supervisory roles, such as team leader or site manager in remediation. There are also opportunities for further education in environmental technology, work environment, or specialized remediation, which can lead to more qualified tasks or consulting assignments. According to the Employment Service, no specific assessment is made for graffiti cleaners due to limited data, but within the remediation workforce, there is a stable number of job openings and continued demand. Digitalization and the development of new cleaning methods may open new career paths and specializations in the future.

Frequently asked questions about graffiti cleaners

• What does a graffiti cleaner earn?
  - The average salary for a graffiti cleaner is 35 000 SEK per month.
• What are the gender differences in salary?
  - Men earn an average of 35 500 SEK and women 32,000 SEK, which means women earn approximately 90% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a graffiti cleaner?
  - High school education in property management or engineering is recommended, often supplemented with internal training and certificates for chemical handling.
• What is the job market like for graffiti cleaners?
  - There are 123 job openings according to recent statistics, and demand is expected to remain stable.
• In what work environments does a graffiti cleaner work?
  - Work mainly outdoors on public surfaces, sometimes at heights or in hard-to-access areas.
• Are there opportunities for further education and advancement?
  - Yes, further training in remediation and work environment is common, and supervisory roles are possible after a few years.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a graffiti cleaner?
  - The highest salary is 35,600 SEK (male, regional sector), the lowest is 30,900 SEK (female, various sectors).