What does a cemetery worker do? – Tasks and work environment
Cemetery workers are responsible for maintaining and caring for cemeteries and grave sites. Tasks include planting, lawn mowing, pruning bushes and trees, as well as maintaining pathways and green areas. An important part of the job is ensuring that gravesites are kept in good condition, which may include cleaning headstones and planting flowers. The work is largely outdoors and physically demanding, with significant seasonal variation in workload. Cemetery workers often work in small teams and may also have contact with relatives, requiring respectful and empathetic interaction.
Salary development over time
The salary for cemetery workers has developed steadily in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 29,100 SEK per month, increasing to 30 500 SEK in 2023. The latest figure from 2024 shows an average salary of 30 800 SEK. This represents a total increase of approximately 5.8% over a three-year period. Salaries increased slightly faster between 2022 and 2023 than between 2023 and 2024. This trend reflects a continued steady demand within the profession, despite a somewhat saturated job market nationally. Salary increases are partly explained by general wage increases within the municipal sector and increased awareness of the importance of green space maintenance, but are also influenced by inflation and changing working conditions.
Cemetery worker salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 30 800 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 26,700 SEK/month (female, private sector employee)
- Highest salary: 34,600 SEK/month (female, municipal sector)
- Hourly wage (average): 185 SEK
- Women: 29 900 SEK/month (96% of men's salary)
- Men: 31 200 SEK/month
- Regional differences: Some variation may occur, but salary levels are mainly influenced by employer and sector.
Education and qualifications
To work as a cemetery worker, a high school education in horticulture or natural resource management is usually required, but practical experience is also common. Some employers offer internal training or require specific certifications, such as machine operation licenses. Internships and experience are often advantageous and can improve chances of employment.
- High school education: Natural resource management program, horticulture track (3 years)
- Certifications: Tractor license, chainsaw license, or other machinery certifications may be required
- Internships: Workplace-based internships are common and provide valuable experience
- Prerequisites: Often no formal requirements, but interest in gardening and physical endurance are important
- Additional courses: Short courses in plant knowledge, work environment, or customer service can be advantageous
Many cemetery workers develop a unique knowledge of the site's history and local flora. The profession often involves working in beautiful and culturally significant environments, offering opportunities for reflection and variation in the workday.
Common benefits and compensations
Cemetery workers are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, and work clothing. Many public sector employers also provide work uniforms, tools, and opportunities for skills development.
Competition and challenges
The job market for cemetery workers is characterized by a surplus of labor, leading to limited opportunities according to the Swedish Employment Agency's forecasts. Despite 360 job openings noted nationwide within the profession, competition for positions is high. The work is seasonal, with workload varying significantly during different times of the year. Physical strain and outdoor work in all weather conditions can be challenging. At the same time, high demands are placed on accuracy, respectful interaction, and the ability to handle sensitive situations.
Tips for those interested in becoming a cemetery worker
To succeed as a cemetery worker, it is good to combine practical skills with an interest in plants and outdoor environments. Patience and precision are important, especially when planting and maintaining gravesites. Physical endurance is needed to handle often heavy outdoor work. Being service-oriented and respectful in interactions with relatives is crucial, as contact often occurs in sensitive contexts. Flexibility and the ability to work independently and in groups are highly valued. Continuously updating knowledge about new maintenance methods and machinery is advantageous. Finally, it pays to be open to seasonal variations and to use the low season for skills development.
Key facts about cemetery workers
- Education level: High school, horticulture/natural resource management
- Work environment: Outdoors, physically demanding, seasonal
- Typical employment: Full-time, often in the municipal sector
- Demand: Low, surplus of labor nationwide
- Special skills: Plant knowledge and machinery operation
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, cemetery workers often take on more responsibility, such as supervisor or team leader for larger cemetery areas. Some choose to further their education in landscape construction or park management, while others may specialize in machinery handling or plant care. According to the Swedish Employment Agency's forecast for the profession of landscape architects and similar roles, demand is expected to remain unchanged over five years, but competition for positions remains high. The labor market is affected by seasonal variations and regional differences, but long-term employment is most common in the municipal sector.
Frequently asked questions about cemetery workers
- What does a cemetery worker earn?
- The average salary is 30 800 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, gender, and employer.
- What is the gender pay gap among cemetery workers?
- Women earn an average of 29 900 SEK per month, which is 96% of men's salary at 31 200 SEK.
- What education is required to become a cemetery worker?
- High school education in natural resource management or horticulture is recommended, but practical experience is also important.
- Are there many jobs for cemetery workers?
- There is a surplus of labor nationwide and high competition for positions, but 360 job openings were noted within the profession.
- What is the work environment like?
- The work is physically demanding and mainly outdoor, often in varying weather conditions and with seasonal fluctuations.
- What are the highest and lowest salaries?
- The highest salary is 34,600 SEK (female, municipal sector), and the lowest is 26,700 SEK (female, private sector).
- What benefits are common?
- Common benefits include occupational pension, wellness allowance, and work clothing.
