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What does a gas station attendant do? – tasks and work environment

As a gas station attendant, also called petrol station staff, responsibilities include customer service, sales, and basic maintenance of both the store and station. Typical tasks are processing payments, stocking shelves, assisting customers at pumps, and sometimes handling simple food preparation in the station’s shop or café. The work environment is often varied, with indoor and outdoor tasks, and the pace can fluctuate depending on the time of day and season. Flexibility is required, as shifts are often scheduled during evenings and weekends.

Salary development over time

The salary for a gas station attendant has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,800 SEK per month, rising to 33 000 SEK in 2023 and further to 34 000 SEK in 2024. This represents a total salary increase of approximately 10.4% over three years. This development can be partly explained by a generally increased demand for service staff, but also by inflation adjustments and collective bargaining increases. Differences between regions and employers can be significant, and education level and work experience influence individual salary progression. The highest salary for a gas station attendant is 35,600 SEK, applicable to men with post-secondary education in the private sector, while the highest for women is 35,100 SEK. The lowest salaries are found among women in the regional sector, at 33,100 SEK, and among men at 33,700 SEK.

Gas station attendant salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 34 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 33,100 SEK/month (female, regional sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 35,600 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education shorter than 3 years)
• Hourly wage: 204 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 98% of what men do (men: 34 400 SEK, women: 33,700 SEK)
• Regional differences: The lowest salaries are in the regional sector, higher salaries are found in the private sector

Education and qualifications

Generally, no formal higher education is required to work as a gas station attendant, but a high school diploma in retail or service is often advantageous. Employers value experience in customer service and cash handling, and introductory training is usually provided at the workplace. Certain tasks, such as handling food or selling tobacco, may require specific certificates or training.

• High school education: Retail and administration programs or equivalent, 3 years
• On-the-job training: Practical training at the workplace
• Certificates: Food handling and/or tobacco sales (depending on the workplace)
• Prerequisites: Good Swedish language skills in speaking and writing, basic computer skills
• Tips: Previous experience in service roles is advantageous

Common benefits and compensations

Gas station attendants are often covered by collective agreements that entitle them to evening and weekend pay supplements, holiday pay, and sometimes wellness contributions. Many workplaces also offer discounts on store items, uniform allowances, and opportunities for in-company training. Insurance and pension contributions are usually included in employment conditions.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a gas station attendant varies by region and season. Larger cities and busy routes tend to have higher demand, resulting in more available positions. The tasks can be physically demanding and sometimes involve high-paced work, especially during rush hours. Safety considerations are also important, as work often occurs during evenings and nights. Digitalization and self-service solutions are affecting the role, but personal service remains in demand. Flexibility and attention to detail are challenges for many in the profession.

Tips for those who want to become a gas station attendant

To succeed as a gas station attendant, it is beneficial to be service-minded and enjoy meeting many people during a shift. Patience and the ability to handle stressful situations calmly and professionally are important. Being flexible and adaptable helps when tasks quickly shift between cashier duties, stocking, and customer assistance at pumps. A positive attitude and good teamwork skills are valued by colleagues and employers. Accuracy in handling payments and inventory, along with initiative, makes it easier to solve unexpected problems. Finally, showing engagement and willingness to learn new tasks can open doors to more responsibilities and career development opportunities.

Key facts about gas station attendants

• Education level: High school education recommended
• Work style: Shift work, often evenings and weekends
• Number of job openings: 550 nationwide (2024)
• Work environment: Customer-facing, both indoors and outdoors
• Special skills: Cash handling and service experience

Career paths and future prospects

With a few years of experience, there are opportunities to advance to supervisory roles such as store manager or shift supervisor at a petrol station. Experience from the role can also provide a good foundation for work in other service sectors, such as retail, warehousing, or transportation. According to the Employment Service, no precise forecast exists for the future of gas station attendants, but approximately 550 job openings are reported nationally, indicating steady demand. Digitalization and increased self-service may change the role, but personal customer service continues to be important. For those wishing to develop further, education in retail, sales, or leadership is recommended.

Frequently asked questions about gas station attendants

• What does a gas station attendant earn?
  - The average salary is 34 000 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and employer.
• What are the gender differences in salary?
  - Women earn 98% of what men do; men have an average of 34 400 SEK, women 33,700 SEK.
• Is education required to become a gas station attendant?
  - High school education in retail is advantageous, but an introduction is often provided at the workplace.
• What are the working hours for gas station attendants?
  - Shift work is common, with shifts in evenings, on weekends, and sometimes nights.
• Are there many job openings for gas station attendants?
  - Yes, approximately 550 positions are available nationwide.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a gas station attendant?
  - The highest salary is 35,600 SEK and the lowest 33,100 SEK, depending on education, gender, and sector.
• What benefits are common?
  - Collective agreements, evening and weekend supplements, insurance, and sometimes wellness contributions are common benefits.