How much does a Cemetery caretaker make

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  2. Cemetery caretaker
Image that illustrates Cemetery caretaker

Cemetery caretaker

30 800 kr

Gardeners etc.

26 700 - 34 600 kr / month

Women earn 96% of what men do.

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Salary progression Cemetery caretaker

Average salary 30 800 kr
Males 31 200 kr
Females 29 900 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 49 Vacant jobs ->

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

A cemetery caretaker is responsible for the maintenance and care of cemeteries and grave sites. The work includes everything from planting and pruning plants to mowing, snow removal, and maintenance of paths, fences, and buildings. The profession also involves assisting with burials, handling basic machinery and tools, and meeting relatives with great respect and empathy. The work environment is mainly outdoors, often in varying weather conditions, requiring both physical endurance and a good sense of order and aesthetics.

Salary development over time

The group of cemetery caretakers has experienced a stable but relatively slow salary development over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 29,100 SEK per month, rising the following year to 30 500 SEK and finally to 30 800 SEK in 2024. The increase from 2022 to 2023 amounts to about 4.8%, while from 2023 to 2024 it was a more modest 1%. This moderate growth reflects a labor market where demand remains relatively constant and competition for positions is high. Overall, salary increases have followed general wage trends within the public sector and green industries, rather than being driven by significant changes in demand or educational levels.

Cemetery caretaker salary – full overview

  • Average salary: 30 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 26,700 SEK (women), 27,700 SEK (men)
  • Highest salary: 34,600 SEK (women), 33,400 SEK (men)
  • Hourly wage (average): 185 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 96% of what men do (29 900 SEK vs 31 200 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Salary levels can vary depending on region and employer, but differences are generally small within the profession.

Many cemetery caretakers develop a deep knowledge of local plant species and burial culture over time, making the profession an unexpected combination of gardener, cultural manager, and ceremony master. The ability to meet people in grief processes is also often required – an aspect that distinguishes the profession.

– statsskuld.se

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a cemetery caretaker often goes through the Natural Resources program at high school with a focus on gardening, but adult education and courses in park and garden maintenance are also common. Practical experience is highly valued, and it’s not unusual for professionals to supplement their education with specialized courses in machinery use or grave maintenance. A driver’s license and some machinery skills are often required.

  • High school education: Natural Resources program, gardening focus (3 years)
  • Adult education: Park and garden maintenance (1–2 years)
  • Specialized courses: Machinery operator certificates, grave digging, work environment
  • Driver’s license: Often B-category, sometimes tractor or machinery license
  • Internship: Work placement or trainee positions are common

Common benefits and compensations

Cemetery caretakers often have access to collective agreement benefits such as holiday pay, occupational pension, and wellness allowances. The work may also include work clothes, protective equipment, and sometimes opportunities for further training within the field. Some employers offer flexitime and extra days off during major holidays.

Competition and challenges

The labor market for cemetery caretakers is characterized by a surplus of applicants, meaning competition for available positions is significant. According to the Employment Service’s forecasts for the horticultural field, job chances are small, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. At the same time, there is a continuous need for competent staff, especially during peak seasons. Challenges in the profession often include physically demanding tasks, outdoor work year-round, and meeting people in sensitive situations. Technological changes and increased environmental requirements may also influence the profession in the future.

Tips for those who want to become a cemetery caretaker

To succeed as a cemetery caretaker, it’s good to combine technical skills with a high level of empathy. Precision is crucial for both plant care and grave maintenance, so developing an eye for detail is recommended. Being service-minded and able to meet people respectfully during difficult times is an important trait, especially when dealing with relatives. Good physical condition makes everyday work easier, as the job is often heavy and performed outdoors regardless of weather. Flexibility and the ability to collaborate with colleagues are also valued, as tasks vary seasonally and within teams. Actively seeking internships and further training in machinery handling and plant knowledge increases the chances of securing a permanent position in the field.

Key facts about cemetery caretakers

  • Education level: High school education in natural resources or equivalent
  • Work environment: Outdoor work with physically demanding tasks
  • Work form: Full-time or seasonal employment, often daytime
  • Demand: Limited job opportunities, high competition
  • Special requirements: Driver’s license and machinery skills

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a cemetery caretaker can advance to supervisor, site manager, or specialize in areas such as grave maintenance or garden planning. Some choose to further their education to become a gardener or take responsibility for larger park and cemetery areas. According to the Employment Service’s forecasts, the job market is stable but competitive, with limited new hires and a surplus of applicants. Over five years, demand is expected to remain unchanged, mainly with new positions arising from retirements or seasonal needs. There are approximately 360 job openings nationwide, but competition for these is high.

Common questions about cemetery caretakers

  • What is the average salary of a cemetery caretaker?
    - The average salary is 30 800 SEK per month.
  • How much do men and women earn as cemetery caretakers?
    - Men earn an average of 31 200 SEK, women 29 900 SEK.
  • What education is required to become a cemetery caretaker?
    - The Natural Resources program at high school or adult education in park and garden maintenance is most common.
  • What are the future prospects for cemetery caretakers?
    - Job opportunities are limited with high competition, according to the Employment Service.
  • What are the job responsibilities of a cemetery caretaker?
    - Maintenance of green areas, grave sites, machinery, and contact with relatives.
  • How wide is the salary variation in the profession?
    - The lowest salary is 26,700 SEK and the highest is 34,600 SEK.
  • Are there regional salary differences?
    - Salary levels vary slightly between regions and employers, but differences are generally small.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-12 10:27:42

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Cemetery caretaker is 34600 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Municipal sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 33400 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Cemetery caretaker is 26700 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 27700 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 101% 26000 kr 26400 kr
25-34 100% 28800 kr 29100 kr
35-44 104% 30000 kr 30300 kr
45-54 91% 33800 kr 34100 kr
55-64 96% 31200 kr 31500 kr
65-68 28500 kr 28700 kr
Snitt 96% 30500 kr 30800 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Cemetery caretaker has the SSYK code 6113, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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