Cemetery director

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

A cemetery manager is responsible for the operation, development, and maintenance of cemeteries and burial sites. Tasks include personnel management, budgeting, administration, and contact with relatives, contractors, and authorities. The workday often involves both outdoor activities and office work, especially during planting and maintenance seasons. The role requires good planning skills, leadership, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations within the funeral sector. The work environment is often varied, involving physical and administrative elements, with collaboration between church and municipal actors being a central part of daily life.

Salary development over time

The salary for cemetery managers has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 29,100 SEK per month, which increased to 30 500 SEK in 2023 and further to 30 800 SEK in 2024. The increase from 2022 to 2023 was approximately 4.8%, while the development from 2023 to 2024 was more modest at 1%. This trend reflects stable but relatively slow salary growth, typical for public sector jobs where collective agreements and budget frameworks influence salary increases. Demand for the services has been relatively unchanged, further limiting large salary jumps. Despite this, the profession remains attractive due to secure employment conditions and a varied work environment.

Cemetery manager salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 30 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 26,700 SEK/month (female, private employee)
• Highest salary: 34,600 SEK/month (female, municipal sector)
• Hourly wage (average): 185 SEK
• Women/men: Women earn 29 900 SEK, men earn 31 200 SEK (women 96% of men)
• Regional differences: Vary, but generally higher salaries in larger cities and southern Sweden

Education and qualifications

To work as a cemetery manager, a high school diploma is usually required, often with a focus on horticulture, natural resources, or administration. Many employers also seek post-secondary courses or certifications in leadership, work environment, and economics. Practical experience in gardening, property maintenance, or similar areas is advantageous, as well as previous supervisory responsibilities. Good knowledge of laws related to the funeral sector and administrative skills are important for success in the role.

• High school education: Natural resources, horticulture, or similar
• Post-secondary courses: Leadership, work environment, economics
• Certifications: Work environment training and possibly horticulture certificates
• Internship: Work experience in gardening or property management
• Prerequisites: Administrative and organizational skills

Common benefits and compensations

The profession often offers collective agreement-based benefits such as occupational pension, extra vacation days, wellness contributions, and opportunities for skills development. Some employers may also provide work clothing, subsidized lunch, and compensation for unsociable hours. The secure employment form and opportunities for further education contribute to the profession's attractiveness.

Challenges and competition

Competition for positions as a cemetery manager is relatively high, as the number of available jobs is limited and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years according to the Swedish Public Employment Service forecasts. The profession is part of a broader occupational group with a nationwide labor surplus, making it difficult to secure permanent employment without the right skills and experience. Major challenges include balancing practical leadership with administrative demands and handling sensitive cases with efficiency and care. Regional variations exist, with somewhat lower competition in smaller towns.

Tips for aspiring cemetery managers

To succeed as a cemetery manager, it is beneficial to combine leadership skills with a genuine interest in gardening and environmental issues. Being communicative and attentive facilitates cooperation with staff and relatives, while organizational skills help manage administration and work planning. Good problem-solving abilities are valuable when unexpected situations arise, and flexibility makes it easier to handle seasonal variations in workload. Showing empathy and respect in interactions with people is essential, especially when dealing with grieving families. A structured approach helps ensure smooth operations even during busy periods.

Key facts about cemetery managers

• Education level: High school diploma with focus on natural resources or horticulture
• Work environment: Alternates between outdoor work and administration
• Typical employment: Full-time, often within the public sector
• Demand: Limited job opportunities, oversupply of labor nationally
• Available jobs: Approximately 360 within the profession including landscape workers

Career paths and future prospects

After several years of experience, opportunities open for more advanced administrative roles, such as operations manager or area supervisor within a larger parish or municipality. Specialization in occupational health and safety, economics, or project management can also pave the way for further career steps within the public sector. The Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast indicates limited job opportunities with a continued national labor surplus. Over the next five years, demand is expected to remain unchanged, suggesting that competition for available positions will likely stay high. For those wishing to develop further, education in property management or garden design may be relevant options.

Frequently asked questions about cemetery managers

• What does a cemetery manager earn?
  - The average salary is 30 800 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, gender, and sector.
• What education is required to become a cemetery manager?
  - High school education in natural resources or horticulture is recommended, supplemented with leadership courses and work experience.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Yes, salaries are generally higher in metropolitan areas and southern Sweden, but can vary depending on the employer.
• What is the job market like for cemetery managers?
  - Opportunities are limited nationwide, with an oversupply of labor within the profession.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Leadership skills, empathy, organizational ability, and flexibility are central qualities.
• What are the most common benefits?
  - Pension, extra vacation days, wellness contributions, and opportunities for skills development.
• What are the career prospects?
  - With experience, one can advance to operations manager or specialize in areas such as occupational health and safety or property management.