Serving assistant salary

Salary for Waiter/Waitress

Working as a waiter/waitress often means being the face of restaurants and cafes. The role involves serving food and drinks, taking orders, and providing guests with a pleasant experience. According to the latest statistics, the average salary for a waiter/waitress is 26 600 SEK per month. Men earn an average of 26 900 SEK, while women earn slightly less, 26 300 SEK. This means that women earn approximately 98% of what men do in this profession.

Salary Development

It is gratifying to see that the salary for waiters/waitresses has increased from 25 200 SEK to 26 600 SEK since the last measurement. This shows a positive salary development in the profession, where it is also worth noting that an hourly paid waiter/waitress has an hourly wage of around 160 SEK, based on 166 working hours per month.

Upper and Lower Salary Range

There are variations in salary depending on several factors such as employers and educational level. The highest salary for a male waiter is 31,500 SEK in the public sector with less than 9 years of pre-secondary education. However, the highest salary for a female waiter is 29,500 SEK. On the lower scale, a male waiter in the municipal sector has a salary of 23,400 SEK, while the lowest salary for a female is 23,900 SEK.

Job Responsibilities and Work Environment

As a waiter/waitress, you get the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment where no day is the same. Responsibilities include taking and managing orders, serving food and drinks, and keeping the serving area clean and tidy. The ability to handle stress and be a good communicator are important qualities in this profession.

Education and Qualifications

Formal education is not always a requirement to work as a waiter/waitress, but a high school education with a focus on hotel and restaurant management can be advantageous. Relevant work experience and a positive customer service attitude are often more important. Many employers also offer internal training to develop employees' skills.

Benefits and Working Conditions

Benefits in the profession can vary depending on the workplace. Some employers, for example, offer subsidized meals or employee discounts on food and drinks. However, benefits such as a company-paid mobile phone or the opportunity to work from home are less common, as the nature of the job requires physical presence.

Future Outlook and Job Market

According to forecasts from the Employment Service, job opportunities for waiters/waitresses are good nationwide. Over the long term, beyond five years, demand is expected to remain stable. The profession is characterized by recruitment difficulties, but also by many part-time jobs. This offers a paradoxical situation where opportunities are ample, but attracting the right workforce can be challenging.

Challenges and Competition

One of the major challenges in the profession is the high turnover of staff, which can lead to a shortage of experienced workers. Competition for positions can be high, especially in big cities where many people are drawn to the restaurant industry. Therefore, it is important to demonstrate good social skills and flexibility to stand out from the crowd.

Summary of the Profession

Working as a waiter/waitress offers a lively and social work environment with diverse tasks. The salary is competitive with potential for growth, and the future prospects are promising with ample job opportunities. For those who enjoy a customer-oriented job with a fast pace, this is an exciting career opportunity.