Meal guard

What does a meal supervisor do? – Tasks and work environment

A meal supervisor primarily works in schools, preschools, and other public environments where food is served to children and youth. Responsibilities include supervising order in the dining hall, ensuring that meals are conducted calmly and safely, and assisting children with their food. The meal supervisor also has a social responsibility to create a pleasant atmosphere and promote good eating habits, while working closely with kitchen staff and teachers. The work environment is characterized by a fast pace and large groups of children, requiring patience and good communication skills.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the average salary for a meal supervisor has increased from 25,200 SEK in 2022 to 26 600 SEK in 2023 and further to 27 900 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 11% over the period, corresponding to an annual growth of over 5% between the last two years. This positive trend can be linked to increased awareness of the importance of safe school meals and a general wage increase within service professions. Demand for meal supervisors has been stable, but competition for workforce in the public sector and school environments has contributed to slight wage increases, especially in larger cities. Inflation and collective bargaining have also influenced salary development for the profession.

Meal supervisor salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 27 900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 24,800 SEK/month (female, private sector, pre-secondary education)
• Highest salary: 33,700 SEK/month (male, public sector, pre-secondary education less than 9 years)
• Hourly wage (average): 168 SEK
• Women's salary: 27 600 SEK/month (98% of men's salary)
• Men's salary: 28 300 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Salary variations occur, with slightly higher wages in metropolitan regions.

Education and qualifications

To work as a meal supervisor, no formal education beyond basic schooling is generally required, but experience with children or in service professions is advantageous. Many employers offer introductory training and internal courses to strengthen skills in areas such as conflict management and hygiene. It is also common to supplement with shorter courses in work environment or child safety.

• Pre-secondary education: No formal degree required, basic schooling suffices
• Internal courses: Introduction to conflict management, hygiene, and safety
• Internship: Opportunity for on-site learning under supervision
• Experience: Previous work with children or in service professions is advantageous
• Tips for choosing: Interest in children's development and safety during meals is important

Common benefits and compensations

Meal supervisors often have access to wellness allowances, paid work clothing, and sometimes subsidized meals at the workplace. Other common benefits include collective agreement pension schemes, insurances, and opportunities for skills development through internal training. Working hours are typically during the day and can be adapted to school hours, facilitating work-life balance.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a meal supervisor is relatively low, but the role demands high personal suitability and the ability to handle large groups of children under pressure. Many work part-time, which can sometimes lead to income and job stability challenges. The work environment can be noisy and fast-paced, especially in larger schools. Recruitment difficulties also occur, as employers seek individuals with the right social skills and experience. Despite these challenges, the profession offers good employment opportunities, especially in larger municipalities and regions where the need for meal supervisors is constant.

Tips for aspiring meal supervisors

To succeed as a meal supervisor, patience and a genuine interest in children's well-being are beneficial, as the work involves daily contact with young people of various ages. Being attentive and proactive helps in unforeseen situations and contributes to safety in the dining hall. Good communication skills facilitate cooperation with both children and adults, while flexibility makes it easier to handle schedule changes. A positive attitude and ability to create a good atmosphere are also important qualities, as the meal supervisor often acts as a role model during school meals. Showing respect for different backgrounds and needs eases interactions with children from many cultures. Finally, thoroughness and a sense of responsibility increase safety and quality in daily work.

Key facts about meal supervisors

• Education level: Pre-secondary education, no formal degree required
• Work environment: School, preschool, public sector – often fast-paced
• Work form: Part-time or full-time, mostly during the day
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment, 123 job openings within the profession
• Gender wage distribution: Women earn 98% of what men do in the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a meal supervisor, there may be opportunities to take on more responsibility, such as team leader or coordinator within school meal operations. Some choose to further their education in childcare, pedagogy, or kitchen operations to broaden their job options. According to the Employment Service's forecasts, demand for restaurant and kitchen assistants, including meal supervisors, remains high and is expected to stay steady over the next five years. The recruitment situation is characterized by some shortages, especially for part-time positions, while full-time employment is more stable. The profession is thus considered to have good future prospects for those interested in working with children and youth in public environments.

Frequently asked questions about meal supervisors

• What is the average salary of a meal supervisor?
  - A meal supervisor has an average monthly salary of 27 900 SEK.
• How do salary differences between men and women look?
  - Women earn 27 600 SEK while men earn 28 300 SEK, meaning women earn 98% of men's salaries.
• Is education required to become a meal supervisor?
  - No formal education beyond basic schooling is required, but experience with children and service is advantageous.
• Are full-time positions available?
  - Yes, but many work part-time depending on the school's and employer's needs.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - Demand is high and expected to remain stable in the coming years according to the Employment Service.
• What are common workplaces for a meal supervisor?
  - Schools, preschools, and other public meal environments are most common.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a meal supervisor?
  - The highest salary is 33,700 SEK and the lowest is 24,800 SEK.