How much does a Waitress make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Waitress
Image that illustrates Waitress

Waitress

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 Waitress

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

What does a Waitress do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A waitress is responsible for providing guests with a positive experience during their restaurant visit by taking orders, serving food and drinks, and offering service with a professional attitude. The profession requires good communication skills, the ability to work quickly and efficiently, and to handle stressful situations, especially during busy periods. The work environment is often fast-paced and varied, with both day and evening shifts, sometimes including weekends. Waitresses primarily work in restaurants, cafes, hotels, and event venues, where teamwork and flexibility are central.

Salary Development Over Time

Over the past three years, the salary for waitressing has shown a steady increase. In 2022, the average salary was 27,800 SEK per month, rising to 29 000 in 2023 and further to 29 700 in 2024. This development corresponds to a total increase of approximately 6.8% over the period. The salary increase can largely be explained by increased demand in the hotel and restaurant industry, where experienced staff are in higher demand, along with inflation and collective agreements that have contributed to salary adjustments. Despite this positive trend, the profession still tends to have relatively low starting salaries, with variations between employers and regions.

Waitress Salary – Complete Overview

  • Average salary: 29 700 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary, female: 26,900 SEK
  • Lowest salary, male: 29,400 SEK
  • Highest salary, female: 33,400 SEK
  • Highest salary, male: 33,200 SEK
  • Hourly wage (average): 178 SEK
  • Women earn: 94% of what men do (women 29 200 SEK, men 31 000 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Salary levels may vary between urban and rural areas, as well as between different employers.

Education and Qualifications

To work as a waitress, no formal higher education is usually required, but many employers seek high school education in restaurant and food service or equivalent experience. Practical experience and good references often weigh heavily in hiring. There are also opportunities to take shorter courses or training to improve skills in service, beverage knowledge, and hygiene.

  • High school education: Restaurant and Food Service Program (3 years)
  • Internship: Practical periods often included during education
  • Courses/certifications: Service, hygiene, beverage knowledge
  • Prerequisites: No formal higher education required, but work experience is advantageous
  • Tips: Additional training in languages or bar techniques can increase chances of employment

Many waitresses quickly develop a strong ability to read guests' needs and handle unexpected situations. The social interaction at tables can be both challenging and rewarding, especially when meeting returning guests or working at larger events. For those who enjoy variation and direct contact with people, the profession offers a dynamic work environment where no two days are the same.

– statsskuld.se

Common Benefits and Compensation

In addition to the base salary, benefits such as evening and weekend shift allowances, meals during shifts, and sometimes tips— which can constitute a significant part of total income— are often offered. Some employers also provide staff discounts, wellness allowances, or opportunities for further training within the company.

Competition and Challenges

The job market for waitresses is characterized by high competition, especially in attractive regions and during periods of economic downturn. The industry experiences seasonal variations, with demand for staff often much higher during summer and major holidays. Challenges include physically demanding tasks, irregular working hours, and a sometimes stressful work environment. Additionally, salary levels can vary significantly depending on the employer and geographic area. Standing out in the job market often requires experience and excellent service skills.

Tips for Aspiring Waitresses

To succeed as a waitress, having a positive attitude and genuine interest in service makes it easier to establish good contact with guests. Being resilient under pressure helps manage busy periods and maintain focus even when the pace is high. Good teamwork skills are important since the work is almost always done in teams, and a flexible approach allows quick adaptation to changes in the work environment. Taking initiative and showing engagement are appreciated by colleagues and employers, especially when unexpected situations arise. Furthermore, accuracy and a sense of responsibility are crucial to ensure orders and routines are followed correctly. Finally, professional conduct and the ability to handle different types of guests provide a solid foundation for building long-term relationships in the profession.

Key Facts about Waitresses

  • Education level: High school education recommended
  • Work environment: Fast-paced, often evening and weekend shifts
  • Common employment form: Hourly or temporary employment
  • Demand: Approximately 123 job openings within the profession right now
  • Gender distribution: The profession is dominated by women, but men also work in the field

Career Paths and Future Prospects

After a few years in the profession, opportunities exist to advance to roles such as head waiter, restaurant manager, or supervisor— especially for those taking on more responsibility and further education in leadership or economics. Some choose to specialize in areas like wine or bar service, which can open doors to more niche positions. According to forecasts from the Employment Service for the roles of head waiter and waitresses, there is currently limited data to assess future prospects, but demand for experienced waitresses is expected to remain stable as the restaurant industry grows and develops. Seasonal variations influence job availability, and mobility within the profession is high.

Frequently Asked Questions about Waitresses

  • What is the average salary of a Waitress?
    - The average salary for a waitress is 29 700 SEK per month.
  • What do salary differences between men and women look like?
    - Women earn 29 200 SEK on average, which is 94% of what men earn (men 31 000 SEK).
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for a Waitress?
    - Highest salary is 33,400 SEK (female) and 33,200 SEK (male). Lowest salary is 26,900 SEK (female) and 29,400 SEK (male).
  • What education is required to become a Waitress?
    - High school education in restaurant and food service is recommended, but experience is often most important.
  • What is the work environment like for a Waitress?
    - Fast-paced and varied environment with demands for flexibility, often evening and weekend shifts.
  • Are there many job openings for Waitresses?
    - Yes, there are approximately 123 available jobs in the profession right now.
  • How does work experience affect salary?
    - Longer experience and further training can lead to higher salaries and better career opportunities.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-13 10:26:15

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Waitress 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 Waitress 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
Register an account before you can comment

To write a comment you need to create an account.

Default Avatar

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 Waitress has the SSYK code 5131, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

Search salary statistics for occupation
8000 kr
<-|->
90000 kr
Vacant jobs
Show more
Similar occupations
Latest posts
  • Public Opinion - Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Public Opinion

    Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35
  • National Debt - The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    National Debt

    The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00
Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

With our Swedish tax calculator, you can easily calculate your after-tax income (net salary).

Swedish Church Member

* Updated with 2025 taxes

Explore more topics