Receptionist

What does a reception security guard do? – Tasks and working environment

A reception security guard is responsible for safety at entrances and reception areas, including visitor control and premises surveillance. Tasks include access control, intervening in security incidents, and providing service and information to visitors. The working environment is often controlled and indoor-based but can vary depending on location and time of day. Reception security guards often collaborate with other security personnel and play a key role in preventing disturbances and ensuring safety.

Salary development over time

The salary for reception security guards has shown a steady increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,900 SEK per month, rising to 32 800 SEK in 2023 and further to 34 300 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total salary increase of approximately 7.5 percent over the period, indicating a positive trend. This development can partly be explained by increased demand for security services and general salary adjustments within the guard and security officer professions. Also, requirements for competence and responsibility have contributed to the salary increase. The market's need for reliable and service-oriented staff in reception environments has strengthened the profession's attractiveness and thus the salary development.

Reception security guard salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 34 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 33,200 SEK (female, regional sector, secondary education)
• Highest salary: 37,600 SEK (female, public sector, pre-secondary education)
• Hourly wage: 206 SEK (based on 166 working hours/month)
• Gender differences: Women earn on average 33 500 SEK, men 34 600 SEK, meaning women earn approximately 97 % of men's salaries.
• Regional differences: Salaries vary slightly depending on sector and region, with the highest wages in the public sector.

Education and qualifications

The educational path for reception security guards is often vocational with a focus on security and service. Formal education typically includes security training and approved guard training. Practical experience and personal qualities are important for success in the profession.

• Formal qualifications: Security guard training (usually 1–3 months)
• Certifications/courses: Guard training and possible advanced courses in conflict management and service
• Internship/trainee: On-the-job training often included in the education
• Prerequisites: Approved security clearance and sometimes secondary school diploma
• Tips for choosing: Select training providers with good contacts within the security industry

Common benefits and compensations

Reception security guards often receive benefits such as overtime pay for evening and night shifts, wellness allowances, and the possibility of occupational pension. Some employers also offer collective agreement benefits like sick pay and holiday pay. Compensation for overtime and standby duty may apply depending on employment type and workplace.

Competition and challenges

The profession of reception security guard is characterized by a paradoxical recruitment situation where there are recruitment difficulties alongside high unemployment or part-time work within the group. Competition can be fierce in certain regions, but demand for qualified personnel is expected to remain stable. Challenges include maintaining high safety standards while providing good service, and managing stressful situations with calmness and professionalism.

Tips for those wanting to become a reception security guard

To succeed as a reception security guard, it is good to develop both vigilance and social skills. Being observant and able to identify potential security risks is crucial, as is the ability to communicate politely and clearly with visitors. Good stress resilience helps handle unexpected situations without losing composure. It is also advantageous to have a problem-solving mindset and willingness to collaborate with colleagues to create a safe working environment. Finally, continuously updating your knowledge in security and service makes it easier to meet new demands in the profession.

Key facts about reception security guards

• Education level: Security guard training 1–3 months
• Salary range: 33,200–37,600 SEK/month
• Working environment: Indoors at reception and entrances
• Work form: Often shift work including evenings and nights
• Demand: Stable job prospects with recruitment challenges

Career paths and future prospects

After some years of experience, reception security guards can advance to more specialized security roles, such as security officer or security coordinator. There are also opportunities to move into other parts of the security industry, like surveillance or customer service within security. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts for the guard and security officer professions, job opportunities are large and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Despite some recruitment challenges, the profession has good future prospects with approximately 191 job openings nationally.

Frequently asked questions about reception security guards

• What does a reception security guard earn?
  - The average salary is approximately 34 300 SEK per month, with some variation depending on gender, sector, and region.
• What education is required to become a reception security guard?
  - An approved security guard training lasting 1–3 months is usually required, along with a security clearance.
• Are there gender differences in salary?
  - Yes, women earn on average 97 % of men's salaries within the profession.
• What is the working environment like for a reception security guard?
  - The working environment is mostly indoor at reception areas and entrances, with shift work that may include evenings and nights.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Attentiveness, stress resilience, good communication skills, and teamwork are important qualities.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - Demand is expected to remain unchanged with ample job opportunities and some recruitment challenges.
• Which industries employ reception security guards?
  - Public sector, regional authorities, and private companies with security needs.