Cemetery manager

What does a cemetery manager do? – Tasks and work environment

A cemetery manager is responsible for the leadership and operation of cemeteries, which includes everything from planning construction work and maintaining green areas to personnel management and budgeting. The role also involves coordinating funeral activities and contact with relatives and authorities. The work environment is varied, involving both office work and presence outdoors on cemetery grounds. The position demands high levels of organization, leadership, service orientation, and understanding of church and societal ceremonies and traditions.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary development for cemetery managers has been relatively stable with a slight positive trend. In 2022, the average salary was 29,100 SEK per month, which increased to 30 500 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary is 30 800 SEK, representing an increase of about 5.8% over the period. This development reflects some adjustment to the general salary level and inflation, as well as a greater focus on leadership and competence requirements in the profession. However, the salary increase remains low compared to some other professions, possibly due to a surplus of workforce and limited opportunities for individual salary negotiations.

Cemetery Manager salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 30 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary (female/male): 26,700 SEK / 27,700 SEK
• Highest salary (female/male): 34,600 SEK / 33,400 SEK
• Hourly wage (average): 185 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 96% of what men do (29 900 SEK vs 31 200 SEK)
• Regional differences: No specific data provided, but variations may occur depending on the size of the congregation and region.

Education and qualifications

To work as a cemetery manager, a combination of relevant education and practical experience in gardening, construction, or management is usually required. A high school education in gardening or equivalent is most common, but higher education or specialized courses can also be advantageous. Leadership experience and knowledge of church operations are highly valued.

• High school education: Specialization in gardening, construction, or natural resource management (3 years)
• Post-secondary courses: Leadership, work environment, labor law, or economics
• Certifications: Possible industry-specific training in maintenance, environment, or management
• Practical experience: Experience from cemetery operations or gardening is highly meritorious
• Prerequisites: Often requires a B driver's license and some computer skills

Common benefits and compensations

Cemetery managers are often offered benefits such as extra vacation days, wellness allowances, and occupational pensions. Flextime or flexible working hours are common, especially in municipal or church sectors. Other compensations may include work clothing, subsidized lunches, or access to company vehicles.

Competition and challenges

The profession of cemetery manager belongs to the gardening and landscaping workforce, where the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast indicates a surplus of labor and limited job opportunities nationally. Demand for the profession is expected to remain unchanged over five years, which increases the importance of specialized knowledge and experience in recruitment. Challenges in the role may include balancing economic constraints with high standards for environmental quality and service, especially amid changing burial customs and digitalization of administrative processes. For those wishing to advance, continuous development in leadership and technical skills is essential.

Tips for aspiring cemetery managers

To succeed as a cemetery manager, it is good to combine organizational skills with a genuine interest in people and the environment. Being thorough and structured facilitates managing multiple projects, budgets, and personnel issues simultaneously. Leadership skills and a communicative style are crucial, especially when coordinating between different groups and engaging with relatives. Flexibility and problem-solving abilities are appreciated, as unexpected situations often arise. An interest in cultural heritage and sustainable development is also advantageous, since cemeteries are important both historically and for the future. The ability to work independently and take initiative builds trust in the role, while openness to further education enhances career opportunities.

Key facts about Cemetery Manager

• Education level: High school or post-secondary education in gardening or leadership
• Work environment: Alternates between office work and outdoor work on cemetery grounds
• Demand: Limited job opportunities, surplus of workforce (Swedish Public Employment Service 2024)
• Job openings: About 360 within the gardening and landscaping profession
• Typical employment: Permanent employment in municipal or church sectors

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the role of cemetery manager, there are opportunities to advance to greater responsibilities within the congregation or municipality, such as operations manager for multiple cemeteries or head of cemetery management. Some choose to specialize in areas like environmental work, project management, or training new staff. The Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast indicates limited job opportunities and a surplus of labor, which can make competition fierce. However, demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, and retirements and regional expansion may create new opportunities.

Frequently asked questions about Cemetery Manager

• What does a Cemetery Manager earn?
  - A cemetery manager has an average salary of 30 800 SEK per month. The salary range varies between 26,700 SEK and 34,600 SEK depending on experience, region, and sector.
• Are there differences between men's and women's salaries as cemetery managers?
  - Yes, women earn on average 29 900 SEK and men 31 200 SEK, which means women earn approximately 96% of men's salaries in the profession.
• What education is required to become a cemetery manager?
  - High school education in gardening or landscaping is most common, often supplemented with leadership courses and practical experience.
• What are the future prospects for cemetery managers?
  - According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, job opportunities are limited and competition is high, but demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
• What benefits are usually offered?
  - Common benefits include extra vacation days, wellness allowances, occupational pensions, and sometimes flextime or subsidized lunches.
• How many job openings are there within the profession?
  - Approximately 360 within the gardening and landscaping sector, including cemetery managers.