Order Assistant

What does an order assistant do? – Tasks and work environment

An order assistant works with administering, monitoring, and following up on customer and supplier orders within companies and organizations. Common tasks include registering incoming orders, ensuring deliveries, communicating with customers and suppliers, as well as handling invoices and complaints. The work environment is often office-based and involves close contact both internally and externally. The role requires a high level of accuracy, good service skills, and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a often fast-paced setting.

Salary development over time

The salary for order assistants has shown a stable and positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 35,700 SEK per month, which increased to 36 900 SEK during 2023. In 2024, the trend continued upward to a level of 37 900 SEK, corresponding to a total increase of approximately 6.2% over the period. The increase can partly be explained by continued strong demand for administrative roles within purchasing and logistics, as well as general salary adjustments in white-collar professions. Gender differences persist, but the gap has decreased somewhat as more women enter the occupation. Overall, the trend indicates that the role of order assistant is increasingly valued and that the job market remains stable.

Order assistant salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 37 900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,400 SEK (men), 32,200 SEK (women)
• Highest salary: 41,800 SEK (woman, private sector)
• Hourly wage: 228 SEK
• Gender differences: Men earn 39 500 SEK, women earn 37 100 SEK (94% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as an order assistant, a high school diploma is usually required, preferably with a focus on commerce, economics, or administration. Post-secondary courses in logistics, purchasing, or customer service can be advantageous, and many employers value relevant work experience. Internships and trainee programs are common, as well as the possibility to take specialized courses online or through vocational colleges.

• High school diploma: Focus on commerce, economics, or administration (3 years)
• Vocational courses: Logistics, purchasing, order management (1–2 years, YH or adult education)
• Certifications: Basic certificates in purchasing/logistics can be advantageous
• Internships: Common during education or as part of trainee programs
• Online courses: Courses in business systems, customer service, and order management

Common benefits and compensation

In addition to the base salary, benefits such as wellness allowances, subsidized lunches, occupational pension, and sometimes bonuses linked to performance or company results are often offered. Flexibility in working hours and remote work are available at some companies, as well as opportunities for skills development through internal or external training.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as an order assistant varies depending on region and industry, but the job market is considered relatively stable with about 550 available jobs in the occupational group. Challenges in the role often include managing high workload, rapid changes, and high demands for accuracy. Digitalization increases requirements for IT skills and the ability to quickly familiarize oneself with new business systems. Good communication skills are also essential, especially in contacts with customers and suppliers. Opportunities for advancement within the company may be limited without further education or specialization.

Tips for those wanting to become an order assistant

To succeed as an order assistant, it is good to combine accuracy with strong organizational skills and service orientation. Being stress-resistant and able to prioritize among many tasks, especially during busy periods, is important. Clear communication with both customers and colleagues is crucial, as is a solution-oriented approach in contacts with suppliers. Quickly learning various business systems and being technically curious facilitates daily work, and a structured approach reduces the risk of mistakes. Showing initiative and willingness to develop can also open opportunities for career growth within the company.

Key facts about the order assistant profession

• Education level: High school diploma, often supplemented with vocational courses
• Work environment: Office-based, often in open-plan offices
• Typical working hours: Full-time, daytime
• Demand: Approximately 550 available jobs within the occupational group
• Special skills: Business systems, order management, customer service

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years as an order assistant, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as purchasing assistant, logistics coordinator, or customer manager, especially with additional training. Many choose to specialize in purchasing, logistics, or administration and can then move into more qualified positions such as buyer or supply chain coordinator. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that it is difficult to give an exact assessment of future prospects for order assistants due to limited data, but demand for administrative roles within purchasing and logistics is expected to remain stable. However, digitalization and increased automation may influence job content and skill requirements in the future.

Frequently asked questions about the order assistant profession

• What does an order assistant earn?
  - The average salary is 37 900 SEK per month, but varies between 31,400 and 41,800 SEK depending on experience, education, and sector.
• What education is required to become an order assistant?
  - A high school diploma with a focus on commerce, economics, or administration is most common, often complemented with vocational courses or internships.
• Are there many job opportunities as an order assistant?
  - Yes, approximately 550 available jobs within the occupational group of purchasing and order assistants.
• What are the gender differences in salary?
  - Men earn an average of 39 500 SEK, women 37 100 SEK, which means women earn 94% of men's salary.
• What personal qualities are important for an order assistant?
  - Accuracy, service orientation, stress resilience, good communication skills, and technical curiosity are key qualities.
• Can you work as an order assistant without experience?
  - It is possible, but employers prefer candidates with relevant education or some experience in administration, customer service, or order management.
• What career opportunities are available for order assistants?
  - After a few years, you can advance to roles such as purchasing assistant, logistics coordinator, or customer manager, especially with further education.