Image that illustrates Dining assistant

Dining assistant

27 900 kr

Restaurant and kitchen assistants etc.

24 800 - 33 700 kr / month

Women earn 98% of what men do.

Hotell, restaurang

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Dining assistant

Average salary 27 900 kr
Males 28 300 kr
Females 27 600 kr

What does a dining hall assistant do? – tasks and work environment

A dining hall assistant mainly works with serving, setting tables, dishwashing, and maintaining order in dining areas within restaurants, schools, elderly care homes, or other large food service establishments. The tasks often include welcoming guests, serving food and drinks, clearing away, and ensuring the environment is pleasant and hygienic. The work environment is characterized by a fast pace, especially during lunch and dinner times, and involves a lot of standing and walking. Collaboration with chefs, kitchen staff, and other servers is common, as well as contact with guests of various ages and needs.

Salary development over time

The salary for dining hall assistants has shown positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 25,200 SEK, which increased to 26 600 SEK in 2023 and finally reached 27 900 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to an increase of approximately 11% over three years, slightly above inflation, indicating a growing demand for the profession. One reason for this trend is the strong labor market for restaurant and kitchen assistants, with many employers hiring, even though many in the field work part-time. The salary increase can also be linked to collective bargaining negotiations and an increased focus on working conditions in service jobs.

Dining hall assistant salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 27 900 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 24,800 SEK/month (female, private sector employee)
  • Highest salary: 33,700 SEK/month (male, public sector)
  • Hourly wage: 168 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Men 28 300 SEK, women 27 600 SEK (women earn 98% of men's salary)
  • Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on location and sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a dining hall assistant, usually no formal education is required, but a high school diploma in hospitality or food services is an advantage and can improve employment prospects. Many learn the profession through internships or on-the-job training. Employers often value service orientation, teamwork, and stress resilience more than specific degrees.

  • Formal education: Hospitality and Food Service Program (3 years, high school level)
  • Internship: Practical introduction at the workplace is common
  • Prerequisites: Often no formal requirements, but good Swedish skills and service experience are advantageous
  • Courses: Hygiene and serving courses can be a plus
  • Tips for choosing: Education in service, kitchen, or serving increases job chances

The role of a dining hall assistant is often an entry point into the restaurant industry and provides valuable experience in service, teamwork, and guest interaction. For many, this profession has been the starting point for a long career in hotel and restaurant sectors both in Sweden and abroad.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Dining hall assistants are often covered by collective agreements that entitle them to evening and weekend supplements, holiday pay, and sometimes wellness allowances. Meals during shifts and work clothing are often provided by the employer. Other benefits may include staff discounts and opportunities for training or further development within the company.

Competition and challenges

The job market for dining hall assistants is characterized by high demand but also competition for more attractive positions, especially full-time and permanent jobs. A challenge is that many positions are part-time or seasonal, which can provide less financial security. Physical strain and a fast pace are everyday aspects, requiring good stress resilience. The work environment can be socially stimulating but also demands patience and the ability to handle diverse guests and situations. Digital tools and booking systems also require some digital competence.

Tips for those wanting to become a dining hall assistant

To succeed as a dining hall assistant, it’s helpful to have a positive attitude towards service and enjoy working with people. Being thorough and flexible is advantageous, as tasks can quickly shift between serving, dishwashing, and guest interaction. Stress resilience is important, especially during busy times, and good teamwork skills facilitate high-paced work. It’s recommended to seek internships or summer jobs to gain insight into the profession and build experience. Showing initiative and being helpful is appreciated by colleagues and guests alike. Finally, being attentive to guests’ needs and always striving to deliver friendly service often leads to repeat visitors and good references.

Key facts about dining hall assistants

  • Education level: Usually high school, but not mandatory
  • Work environment: Fast-paced, often in restaurants or large kitchens
  • Work form: Commonly part-time and seasonal work
  • Demand: Great opportunities for employment nationwide
  • Special skills: Hygiene, service, and teamwork

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years in the profession, dining hall assistants can advance to more qualified roles such as waiter, kitchen assistant, maître d’, or kitchen manager. Further education within hospitality and hotel management also opens doors to leadership roles or specialization, for example in nutrition. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, job opportunities remain strong, and demand is expected to stay stable over the next five years. The recruitment situation is characterized by difficulty finding staff, especially for full-time roles, while many work part-time. Currently, there are 123 vacancies reported nationwide, indicating good chances of employment for those entering the profession.

Frequently asked questions about dining hall assistants

  • What does a dining hall assistant earn?
    - The average salary is 27 900 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 168 SEK.
  • Are there differences in salaries between men and women?
    - Yes, men earn on average 28 300 SEK and women 27 600 SEK, which means women earn 98% of men's salaries.
  • What education is required to become a dining hall assistant?
    - No formal education is required, but a high school diploma in hospitality or food services is advantageous.
  • What is the job market like for dining hall assistants?
    - The job market is good with great opportunities for employment and 123 reported vacancies nationwide.
  • What tasks does a dining hall assistant perform?
    - Common tasks include serving, setting tables, dishwashing, and maintaining order in the dining area.
  • What are career prospects within the profession?
    - Opportunities to advance to waiter, kitchen assistant, or supervisory roles after a few years of experience.
  • What personal qualities are important for the profession?
    - Service-mindedness, stress resilience, and teamwork skills are particularly important for success and enjoyment in the role.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Dining assistant is 33700 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a pre-secondary education shorter than 9 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 31300 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Dining assistant is 24800 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 25000 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 97% 23700 kr 26200 kr
25-34 101% 27000 kr 28600 kr
35-44 92% 28400 kr 29500 kr
45-54 100% 27800 kr 29000 kr
55-64 103% 27700 kr 28400 kr
65-68 100% 27900 kr 28900 kr
Snitt 98% 26200 kr 27900 kr
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 Dining assistant has the SSYK code 9412, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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