What does an office cleaner do? – Tasks and work environment
An office cleaner is responsible for keeping workplaces clean, pleasant, and hygienic. Daily tasks include dusting, emptying trash bins, vacuuming, mopping floors, and cleaning toilets and kitchen areas. Filling consumables and sometimes light window cleaning are also included. The work takes place in office environments where precision and discretion are highly valued. Office cleaners often work early mornings or late evenings to avoid disturbing regular operations, which can mean varying working hours.
Wage development over time
Over the past three years, office cleaners have seen steady wage increases. In 2022, the average salary was 25,600 SEK per month, increasing to 26 700 in 2023 and further to 27 600 in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 7.8% over the period. The wage growth reflects the increased demand for cleaning staff, especially as workplace environment and hygiene have gained greater focus in office settings. Union agreements and inflation have also contributed to salary adjustments. However, differences still exist between women and men and among different employment types, affecting individual wage development.
Office cleaner salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 27 600 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 25,600 SEK/month (men), 25,700 SEK/month (women)
- Highest salary: 29,700 SEK/month (men), 28,500 SEK/month (women)
- Hourly wage: 166 SEK/hour
- Gender gap: Women earn 96% of what men do
- Regional differences: Larger cities tend to offer slightly higher wages
Education and qualifications
To work as an office cleaner, no formal education is required, but many employers prefer candidates who have completed an introductory course in cleaning. Some workplaces offer internal training or require participation in shorter courses on cleaning techniques and hygiene routines. Practical experience and good physical fitness are often as important as formal qualifications.
- Formal education: High school education recommended, but not mandatory
- Certifications: Courses in cleaning, SRY- or PRYL-certificates are advantageous
- Practical experience: Experience from cleaning work is appreciated
- Prerequisites: Good physical health and attention to detail
- Self-study/online: Web-based training in cleaning techniques is available
Many office cleaners develop a keen eye for detail and become experts at noticing things others easily overlook. It is not uncommon for extensive experience to lead to specialized roles, such as quality supervisor for larger office complexes or trainer in cleaning techniques.
Common benefits and compensations
Typical benefits for office cleaners include wellness allowances, work uniforms, and sometimes subsidized lunches or public transport. Several employers also offer opportunities for skill development and internal training. Employment is often covered by collective agreements that regulate overtime pay and additional pay for work during inconvenient hours.
Challenges and competition
The competition for office cleaning jobs varies by region and employer. In larger cities, demand for cleaning staff is high, but there may also be more applicants for attractive positions. A challenge is that many jobs are part-time, which can affect financial security. The work environment often requires physical effort and good health, along with high standards of accuracy and reliability. There is also some staff turnover in the profession, making experience and loyalty highly valued by employers.
Tips for aspiring office cleaners
To succeed as an office cleaner, it is important to be thorough and detail-oriented, as tasks often involve maintaining high standards of cleanliness. Reliability and the ability to work independently are appreciated by employers, especially since many assignments are carried out when the office is empty. Flexibility is a valuable trait, as working hours can vary and sometimes require early mornings or late evenings. Good physical fitness is also important to handle daily tasks. Showing interest in further training in cleaning can improve chances of employment and advancement. Finally, service-mindedness and discretion are valued, as contact with office staff and handling sensitive environments are common.
Key facts about Office Cleaners
- Education level: No formal education required, high school recommended
- Work environment: Office environments, often during inconvenient hours
- Work types: Part-time and full-time, many are hourly employees
- Demand: Great opportunities nationwide
- Special skills: Cleaning techniques, hygiene routines, and service orientation
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, an office cleaner can develop into a supervisor, quality manager, or trainer in cleaning. There are also opportunities to specialize in environmentally friendly cleaning or to work on larger and more complex projects. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, job opportunities for cleaners are generally good, and demand is expected to remain stable over the next five years. However, the market is characterized by recruitment difficulties and many work part-time, creating a paradoxical situation with both shortages and competition for permanent positions. Currently, there are 123 job openings in the field.
Common questions about Office Cleaners
- What is the average salary of an office cleaner?
- The average salary for an office cleaner is 27 600 SEK per month.
- How big is the difference between men's and women's wages?
- Women earn 96% of what men do in the profession.
- What is the lowest and highest salary for an office cleaner?
- The lowest salary is 25,600 SEK, and the highest is 29,700 SEK per month.
- Is education required to become an office cleaner?
- No formal education is required, but courses in cleaning are advantageous.
- Are there good job opportunities?
- Yes, job opportunities are plentiful, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
- What are the working hours for office cleaners?
- Work is often scheduled early mornings or late evenings to avoid disturbing office operations.
- What personal qualities are important?
- Attention to detail, reliability, service-mindedness, and good physical health are important qualities.
