Cemetery foreman salary

Cemetery Caretaker: Salary and Job Duties

As a cemetery caretaker, you play a central role in maintaining and managing cemeteries and other burial grounds. Your responsibilities include planning and caring for green spaces, which involves tasks ranging from lawn mowing to tree pruning. At times, it may also involve administrative duties and coordinating staff and resources.

Salary for a Cemetery Caretaker

What is the salary for a cemetery caretaker? This is a question many ask when considering a career in this field. The average salary for a cemetery caretaker is 30 500 SEK per month. However, there is a salary difference between genders; men earn an average of 30 900 SEK, while women's average salary is 29 400 SEK. This means that women earn approximately 95% of what men do in this profession. For cemetery caretakers employed on an hourly basis, the average salary is 183 SEK per hour, based on 166 working hours per month.

Salary Range and Discrepancies

The salary range in this profession varies. The highest salary for a cemetery caretaker is 34900 SEK, held by a man with a post-secondary education of three years or more in the municipal sector. For women, the highest salary is 32600 SEK. On the lower end of the scale, cemetery caretakers can earn as little as 25000 SEK for women and 26700 SEK for men, with these salaries often found among privately employed workers.

Education and Skills Requirements

Having a background in landscaping or a similar vocational education is common for cemetery caretakers. A formal education in horticulture or garden maintenance can be advantageous, but it is also possible to progress through practical experience. Some employers may offer paid training to further develop their employees' skills.

Future Outlook and Job Market

According to forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service, which includes cemetery caretakers in the category of landscape gardeners, job opportunities are generally limited nationally and are expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. The recruitment situation is characterized by an excess supply, meaning there may be more job seekers than available positions.

Working Conditions and Challenges

The work of a cemetery caretaker is both physically demanding and seasonal, meaning workloads can vary significantly depending on the time of year. Working outdoors in various weather conditions is part of the daily routine, requiring a certain level of physical endurance and adaptability.

Competition and Career Opportunities

With limited job prospects in the market, competition for positions is high. To stand out, having a specialization or additional training in garden design or leadership can be advantageous. There are also opportunities to advance to higher administrative or managerial roles within larger cemetery administrations.

Considerations for Cemetery Caretakers

For those considering a career as a cemetery caretaker, it is important to have a genuine interest in outdoor work and garden maintenance. Being able to handle heavy machinery and tools, as well as having good organizational skills, are also important qualities. The profession also requires respect and understanding for the sensitive environment in which you work, considering the significance of these places to many people.