How much does a Waiter make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Waiter
Image that illustrates Waiter

Waiter

29 700 kr

Head waiters and waiters

26 900 - 33 400 kr / month

Women earn 94% of what men do.

Hotell, restaurang

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Waiter

Average salary 29 700 kr
Males 31 000 kr
Females 29 200 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 268 Vacant jobs ->

What does a waiter do? – Tasks and work environment

Waiters are responsible for providing guests with a positive experience at restaurants, cafes, and other dining establishments. Tasks include taking orders, serving food and drinks, advising on the menu, and handling payments. Waiters often work in teams and collaborate closely with chefs, bartenders, and hosts to ensure smooth service. The work environment is characterized by a fast pace, varying hours, and significant contact with people, requiring both stress resilience and social skills.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, waiter salaries have steadily increased. In 2022, the average salary was 27,800 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 29 000 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary reached 29 700 SEK, representing a total increase of just over 6.5% during the period. The salary development reflects an increased demand for experienced serving staff as the restaurant industry recovers from the pandemic. Employers have also needed to adjust wages to attract and retain staff, especially in metropolitan areas where competition is fiercer. Gender pay gaps remain, although the gap is gradually closing.

Waiter salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 29 700 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 26,900 SEK (women), 29,400 SEK (men)
  • Highest salary: 33,400 SEK (women), 33,200 SEK (men)
  • Hourly wage (average): 178 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 94% of what men do (29 200 SEK vs 31 000 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Salary levels may vary, especially between large cities and smaller towns

Education and qualifications

To work as a waiter, no formal higher education is generally required, but high school education in restaurant and food services is common. Many employers value practical experience and good service skills, while some workplaces offer internal trainee programs or introductory courses. For those wishing to advance, further education or specialized courses in, for example, wine and beverage knowledge are available.

  • High school education: Restaurant and Food Services, 3 years
  • Introductory courses: Often offered at the workplace
  • Internships: Common during education or as summer jobs
  • Further education: Courses in beverage knowledge or service
  • Prerequisites: No formal education required, but good Swedish language skills and social abilities are sought

Many waiters get the chance to work at international restaurants or seasonal jobs abroad, which can provide valuable experience and language skills that are also in demand by employers in Sweden.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to base salary, benefits such as evening and weekend work supplements, staff discounts, free meals during shifts, and pension contributions according to collective agreements are often offered. Tips can constitute a significant supplement to income at some workplaces, especially at higher-end restaurants or in tourist-heavy areas.

Competition and challenges

The job market for waiters is characterized by high mobility and seasonal variation, with higher demand during summer months and holidays. Competition can be tough for the most attractive positions, especially at reputable restaurants in larger cities. Physical endurance is required, as work often involves long shifts and a lot of standing. Workload can also vary significantly depending on the time and guest influx, requiring flexibility and stress tolerance. Limited opportunities for full-time employment can be a challenge for those seeking long-term stability.

Tips for aspiring waiters

To succeed as a waiter, it is good to be outgoing and service-minded, as much of the work involves creating a pleasant atmosphere for guests. A positive attitude and the ability to handle stressful situations make a big difference during busy shifts. Accuracy and responsibility are important when taking orders and handling payments correctly. Being attentive and flexible facilitates cooperation with both guests and colleagues, especially when the pace is high. Good communication skills, preferably in multiple languages, increase chances of getting jobs at more international restaurants. Showing initiative during internships or part-time jobs can quickly lead to further opportunities. Finally, an interest in food and beverages is an advantage, especially if the goal is to advance within the profession.

Key facts about Waiters

  • Salary range: 26,900–33,400 SEK/month
  • Average salary: 29 700 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school education (restaurant & food services) most common
  • Typical employment type: Shift work, often part-time or seasonal
  • Demand: 123 job openings in the profession according to latest data

Career paths and outlook

After gaining some experience as a waiter, opportunities open for more responsibility, such as head waiter, restaurant manager, or within event and conference services. For those who further their education, specialization in wine (sommelier) or bar (bartender) can be relevant. According to the Employment Service's forecast, there is no separate assessment for the waiter profession, but within the group "Head waiters and waiters," demand remains stable with some seasonal and regional variation. Since many employers seek experienced staff, there are good opportunities for those willing to work evenings and weekends. In the long term, experience in the industry can also be advantageous for other roles within hotels, tourism, or sales.

Common questions about Waiters

  • What is the average salary of a Waiter?
    - A waiter earns an average of 29 700 SEK per month.
  • What are the lowest and highest salaries for a Waiter?
    - The lowest salary is 26,900 SEK and the highest is 33,400 SEK per month.
  • Is there a difference between men's and women's salaries as a waiter?
    - Yes, women earn an average of 29 200 SEK while men earn 31 000 SEK.
  • Is education required to become a waiter?
    - High school education in restaurant and food services is common, but there are no formal requirements.
  • What does the future look like for waiters?
    - Demand is stable and there are 123 job openings in the profession according to recent statistics.
  • What is the most common type of employment?
    - Shift work, often part-time or seasonal employment, is most common among waiters.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-08 00:09:13

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Waiter is 33400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Multiple sectors with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 33200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Waiter is 26900 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 29400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 97% 25000 kr 27100 kr
25-34 94% 29400 kr 31500 kr
35-44 96% 29900 kr 32400 kr
45-54 92% 28800 kr 30900 kr
55-64 31200 kr 32500 kr
Snitt 94% 27700 kr 29700 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
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 Waiter has the SSYK code 5131, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

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