Image that illustrates Mystery Shopper

Mystery Shopper

32 800 kr

Other service staff

30 400 - 34 500 kr / month

Women earn 94% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Mystery Shopper

Average salary 32 800 kr
Males 33 500 kr
Females 31 700 kr

What does a Mystery Shopper do? – Tasks and work environment

A Mystery Shopper, also called a test customer or secret shopper, is hired by companies and organizations to evaluate service, customer reception, and quality in various customer environments. Tasks involve visiting stores, restaurants, banks, or other businesses and acting as a regular customer, while observations and impressions are documented for reporting back to the client. The work environment is characterized by great variation, including physical visits and digital tests. Flexibility is key, as working hours and assignments can vary depending on the client and project.

Salary development over time

The salary level for Mystery Shoppers has shown a moderate increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,200 SEK per month. In 2023, the average salary increased to 32 700 SEK, corresponding to approximately 4.8% growth. In 2024, the average salary has stabilized at 32 800 SEK, a slight increase from the previous year. This trend reflects a stable demand for the profession, where the market values both experience and the ability to deliver objective evaluations. Salary growth can also be linked to increased awareness of quality assurance within retail and service industries.

Mystery Shopper salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 32 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 30,400 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, post-secondary education 3+ years)
  • Highest salary: 34,500 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, post-secondary education 3+ years)
  • Hourly wage: 197 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
  • Men's average salary: 33 500 SEK/month
  • Women's average salary: 31 700 SEK/month
  • Gender gap: Women earn 94% of what men do
  • Regional differences: No specific data available

Education and qualifications

No formal education is required to work as a Mystery Shopper, but employers prefer candidates with good observational skills, analytical thinking, and the ability to communicate clearly in writing. Many employers offer internal training or onboarding for assignments. Previous experience in service, retail, or customer service can be advantageous and increase chances of getting assignments.

  • Formal education: No specific degree required
  • Certifications/courses: Often internal training provided by the client
  • Prerequisites: Good communication skills and attention to detail
  • Experience: Background in service or retail is advantageous
  • Self-study: Commonly via online guides and industry forums

Working as a Mystery Shopper can provide a deeper understanding of customer behaviors and service processes, which is often appreciated by employers across various industries. Many who start as test customers advance to roles in quality development or leadership. The role also enhances the ability to analyze and communicate professionally.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Mystery Shoppers often receive benefits such as reimbursement for expenses, e.g., for purchases or restaurant visits included in the assignment. Some clients also offer bonuses for particularly well-executed tasks, as well as flexible working hours and remote work options. Travel and transportation may sometimes be reimbursed depending on the scope and location of the assignment.

Competition and challenges

Competition for assignments as a Mystery Shopper can be high in metropolitan areas, where demand for quality assurance is greatest. One of the biggest challenges is to act naturally while being meticulous in observations. Assignments can vary in scope and difficulty, requiring good adaptability to different environments and situations. Additionally, reporting is often time-sensitive and requires high accuracy, demanding both structure and responsibility. The work can be irregular, and income varies depending on the number of assignments per month.

Tips for aspiring Mystery Shoppers

To succeed as a Mystery Shopper, it helps to have a natural curiosity and be attentive to details, which aids in evaluations and observations. Flexibility and adaptability make it easier to take on different types of assignments and environments. Initiative is valued, especially when it comes to finding new ways to solve tasks or handle unexpected situations. Good communication skills are important for clear reporting, and high integrity is required since the work is based on objectivity. Finally, patience is a valuable trait, as some assignments may require waiting or repeated visits to gather necessary information.

Key facts about Mystery Shoppers

  • Education requirements: No formal education required
  • Work environment: Flexible, both on-site and digital
  • Employment type: Often hourly or consultancy assignments
  • Demand: 237 job openings in Sweden (2024)
  • Special skills: Reporting and objective evaluation

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Mystery Shopper, opportunities may arise to advance to roles such as quality manager, customer service team leader, or trainer within the service industry. Experience from the profession is also valuable for those interested in customer relations management or internal auditing. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, demand for Mystery Shoppers and other service personnel remains stable, with 237 job openings in the profession in 2024. The industry's increased focus on quality assurance and customer experience suggests good future prospects, especially for those combining experience with further education in project management or HR.

Frequently asked questions about Mystery Shoppers

  • What does a Mystery Shopper earn?
    - A Mystery Shopper has an average salary of 32 800 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 197 SEK.
  • What is required to become a Mystery Shopper?
    - No formal education is required, but attention to detail, good communication skills, and experience from service professions are advantageous.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, men earn on average 33 500 SEK and women 31 700 SEK, which means women earn 94% of men's salary.
  • What does the job market look like for Mystery Shoppers?
    - Currently, there are 237 job openings in Sweden, and demand remains stable.
  • What career opportunities are available after a few years in the profession?
    - Career paths include quality manager, team leader, and trainer within service or retail sectors.
  • What is often included in the compensation for a Mystery Shopper?
    - In addition to salary, reimbursement for expenses, bonuses, and flexible hours may be included.
  • Is certification needed?
    - No, but some clients offer internal training and onboarding.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Mystery Shopper is 34500 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 33700 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Mystery Shopper is 30400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 32300 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 99% 27400 kr 29300 kr
25-34 95% 30700 kr 32000 kr
35-44 90% 32600 kr 34100 kr
45-54 94% 33000 kr 34100 kr
55-64 99% 33500 kr 34600 kr
Snitt 94% 31400 kr 32800 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 Mystery Shopper has the SSYK code 5169, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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