What does a dining hall attendant do? – Tasks and work environment
A dining hall attendant is responsible for creating a welcoming and comfortable environment in dining halls, restaurants, or school cafeterias. Tasks may include setting tables, welcoming guests, providing service during meals, and ensuring the dining area is clean and organized. Often, simpler administrative tasks and coordination with kitchen staff are included. The work is often in a fast-paced setting, especially during lunch and dinner times, requiring good teamwork and flexibility. Dining hall attendants work in both private and public sectors, and the work environment can range from small schools to larger conference centers or restaurants.
Salary development over time
The salary for dining hall attendants has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 25,200 SEK per month, rising to 26 600 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary now stands at 27 900 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 11% over the period. This positive trend can be linked to increased demand for service staff as the restaurant and hospitality industry recovers post-pandemic, and competition for labor has increased. Collective bargaining agreements and inflation adjustments have also contributed to raising salary levels for the profession. Despite the salary increases, some differences remain between genders and regions.
Dining hall attendant salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 27 900 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 24,800 SEK/month (female, private sector, pre-high school education)
- Highest salary: 33,700 SEK/month (male, public sector, pre-high school education shorter than 9 years)
- Hourly wage: 168 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 98% of what men do (men: 28 300 SEK, women: 27 600 SEK)
- Regional differences: Salary levels may vary, but exact regional data is lacking
Education and qualifications
To work as a dining hall attendant, usually no formal higher education is required, but experience from restaurants, service, or large-scale catering is often advantageous. Many employers prefer applicants who have completed the restaurant and food service program at high school or have taken short courses in service and customer interaction. Practical experience and good references weigh heavily in recruitment, and internal training opportunities are often available.
- High school education: Restaurant and Food Service Program (3 years)
- Courses/certificates: Service, hygiene, and customer interaction
- Internships: Common as part of education or employment
- Prerequisites: Basic Swedish language skills and social competence
- Tips for choosing: Experience from serving or customer contact is advantageous
Dining hall attendants often play a key role in creating a pleasant atmosphere and can influence guests' experiences more than many think. Good manners and the ability to handle stressful situations are highly valued qualities by both guests and colleagues.
Common benefits and compensations
Dining hall attendants are often covered by collective agreements that provide for evening and weekend overtime pay, holiday pay, and sometimes wellness allowances. Meal benefits or staff discounts on food are common, and some employers also offer opportunities for skills development or internal training.
Competition and challenges
The job market for dining hall attendants is characterized by high demand, but competition for full-time permanent positions can be tough, especially in metropolitan areas where many seek service jobs. Part-time work is common, and employers sometimes report difficulties in finding staff for inconvenient shifts. Challenges often include managing high work tempo, many guests, and high service expectations, requiring stamina and flexibility. For those wishing to advance in the industry, showing engagement and developing social skills is important.
Tips for those wanting to become a dining hall attendant
To succeed as a dining hall attendant, it is good to be service-minded and genuinely interested in meeting people. Initiative is valuable because the workday often requires solving small and large problems independently. Being stress-resistant during busy times is a big advantage, and a positive attitude can make a significant difference for both guests and colleagues. Good communication skills facilitate cooperation with the kitchen and other staff, and thoroughness in work ensures the dining hall maintains high standards. Taking responsibility and showing engagement can open doors to more advanced roles within the restaurant industry.
Key facts about dining hall attendants
- Average salary: 27 900 SEK/month
- Education level: High school education recommended (restaurant and food service program)
- Work environment: Fast-paced and social, often in larger dining halls or restaurants
- Work forms: Part-time and full-time, often according to schedules with evening and weekend work
- Demand: Great opportunities for employment nationwide
Career paths and future prospects
After a few years of experience as a dining hall attendant, there are opportunities to advance to team leader, restaurant manager, or supervisor within serving. Some choose to further their education in hotel and restaurant management or specialize in events and conferences. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the outlook for restaurant and kitchen assistants is good, with significant job opportunities over the next five years and demand expected to remain stable nationwide. However, recruitment is characterized by a shortage of full-time staff, which can benefit those who are flexible and willing to work full-time. For those wishing to broaden their skills, opportunities also exist to work in training new staff or move into other roles within the hospitality industry.
Common questions about dining hall attendants
- What does a dining hall attendant earn?
- The average salary for a dining hall attendant is 27 900 SEK per month.
- Are there differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn approximately 98% of what men do in the profession.
- Is education required to become a dining hall attendant?
- High school education in restaurant/food services is advantageous, but not always necessary.
- What is the job market like?
- There is high demand for dining hall attendants and good opportunities to get a job.
- What is the highest salary for a dining hall attendant?
- The highest reported salary is 33,700 SEK per month.
- What are the most common work environments?
- Dining hall attendants work in restaurants, schools, conference centers, and larger dining halls.
- What is needed to enjoy the profession?
- Social skills, service orientation, and stress resilience are important qualities.
