Cemetery caretaker salary

Cemetery Caretaker: A Versatile Profession

Working as a cemetery caretaker involves the responsibility of maintaining and caring for cemeteries. This can include tasks such as planting flowers, pruning bushes and trees, maintaining pathways, and keeping the area clean and well-kept. It is a profession that requires a love for nature, outdoor work, and an understanding of how to preserve and honor memorial sites.

Salary for a Cemetery Caretaker

The average salary for a cemetery caretaker currently stands at 30 500 kronor per month. However, there is a gender difference, with men earning an average of 30 900 kronor, while women receive 29 400 kronor, meaning that women earn 95 percent of what men do. For hourly employees, the average wage is 183 kronor per hour, based on 166 working hours per month.

Salary Range and Development

The highest salary in the profession is 34900 kronor, held by a man working in the municipal sector with a post-secondary education of three years or more. For women, the highest salary is 32600 kronor. On the other hand, the lowest salary for a woman is 25000 kronor, while the lowest for a man is 26700 kronor. It is worth noting that the average salary has increased from 29 100 to 30 500 kronor since the last measurement.

Education and Qualifications

There is no specific education required to become a cemetery caretaker, but a background in gardening or landscaping is often advantageous. Many employers look for candidates with experience in similar work, and having education in horticulture or natural resource management can also be beneficial. Several vocational programs and high school courses offer classes in these subjects.

Challenges and Working Conditions

Working as a cemetery caretaker can be both physically demanding and emotionally rewarding. One works outdoors in various weather conditions and needs to have good physical fitness to perform tasks. It is also important to have a respectful and empathetic attitude, as one often interacts with grieving relatives. Competition in the profession is relatively high, with limited job prospects and an excess of job seekers according to forecasts from the Employment Service.

Future Outlook and Recruitment

According to the Employment Service's assessment, the demand for cemetery caretakers will remain unchanged over the next five years, with a recruitment situation characterized by an oversupply of labor. This means that it may be challenging to find work in the profession, and it may require both experience and specific skills to stand out.

Benefits and Opportunities

Working as a cemetery caretaker comes with its own advantages. It provides an opportunity to work in a peaceful environment and to be a part of preserving important cultural and historical sites. Employers may offer benefits such as paid training to promote career advancement, although this varies depending on the workplace.

Considerations

For those considering a career as a cemetery caretaker, it is important to consider both the physical demands and the emotional aspect of the profession. It may also be a good idea to gain experience in gardening or landscaping to increase one's chances in the job market.

Summary

The profession of a cemetery caretaker is versatile and involves both practical work and a deep respect for the areas one works with. There are salary differences between genders, but overall, the salary has increased slightly in the past year. For those interested in a career in this field, it is important to gain relevant education and experience to stand out in a competitive market.