Hospital cleaners

What does a Hospital Cleaner do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A hospital cleaner is responsible for maintaining a high level of hygiene within healthcare environments, such as hospitals and other medical facilities. Tasks include cleaning patient rooms, operating theaters, waiting areas, corridors, and shared spaces. It also involves disinfecting surfaces and handling infectious waste according to strict routines, which is crucial for preventing the spread of infections. The work environment is characterized by high demands for accuracy, physical activity, and continuous adaptation to the needs of healthcare operations, often in close contact with both healthcare staff and patients.

Wage development over time

Wages for hospital cleaners have steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 25,600 SEK per month, which increased to 26 700 SEK in 2023 and reached 27 600 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total increase of approximately 7.8% over three years. The wage development reflects both inflation and a growing awareness of the importance of cleaning staff for patient safety, especially after the pandemic. The demand for qualified hospital cleaning staff has remained stable, which has contributed to some upward pressure on wages, although the profession still has a relatively low wage structure compared to other healthcare-related professions.

Hospital Cleaner salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 27 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 25,600 SEK/month (men), 25,700 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 29,700 SEK/month (men), 28,500 SEK/month (women)
• Hourly wage: 166 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 96% of what men do
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on region and employer, but the national average is 27 600 SEK/month

Education and qualifications

The path to working as a hospital cleaner usually requires no formal education beyond compulsory schooling, but employers prefer applicants with experience in cleaning or healthcare-related services. Some workplaces offer internal training or introductory programs, where knowledge of hygiene routines and infection control is central. There is also the opportunity to take shorter courses in cleaning techniques and hygiene to improve employment prospects.

• Formal education: Basic schooling is usually sufficient
• Certifications/courses: Courses in hygiene and infection control are recommended
• Internship/trainee: Introduction at the workplace is standard
• Prerequisites: No formal experience required, but cleaning experience is an advantage
• Self-study/online: Online courses in cleaning techniques and hygiene are available

Common benefits and compensations

Hospital cleaners are often offered compensation for unsociable hours, such as evenings and weekends, which can increase total income. Other common benefits include wellness allowances, work clothing, and in some cases access to occupational health services. Permanent employment may also include collective agreements on insurance and pension contributions.

Competition and challenges

The job market for hospital cleaners is characterized by good opportunities nationwide, but there are challenges such as a high proportion of part-time employment and some staff turnover. The tasks are physically demanding and require attention to detail and resilience, especially in urgent healthcare environments. Recruitment difficulties occur partly because the profession is sometimes perceived as monotonous or strenuous. Despite this, demand remains stable and is expected to stay unchanged over the next five years, according to the Employment Service's forecasts. Competition for permanent positions may be greater in metropolitan areas, where wage levels are often slightly higher.

Tips for those wanting to become a Hospital Cleaner

To succeed as a hospital cleaner, it is good to be thorough and detail-oriented, as the work requires strict adherence to hygiene routines. Good physical fitness is an advantage since tasks often involve a lot of movement and heavy lifting. Flexibility and adaptability are appreciated, especially since working hours can change quickly depending on hospital needs. Being service-minded and able to collaborate well with colleagues and healthcare staff facilitates the work and contributes to a positive work environment. Resilience is important, as the pace can be high and tasks sometimes need to be completed under time pressure. An interest in learning new routines and techniques within cleaning and hygiene can also make a big difference. Finally, showing responsibility is an advantage, as hospital cleaning is a key role for patient safety.

Key facts about Hospital Cleaners

• Education level: Basic schooling, sometimes supplemented with short hygiene courses
• Work environment: Hospitals and healthcare facilities with high hygiene standards
• Work form: Full-time/part-time, often scheduled day, evening, and weekend shifts
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment nationwide
• Special skills: Hygiene routines and infection control

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience, hospital cleaners can take on more advanced roles, such as supervisor or team leader within cleaning services. There are also opportunities to specialize in areas like operating room cleaning or further education in other healthcare-related service professions. According to the Employment Service's forecasts, job opportunities remain large and demand is expected to stay unchanged over five years. The profession offers a stable job market, and those who show engagement and responsibility have good chances to advance within the field. Currently, there are 123 job openings in the profession, indicating continued strong demand.

Frequently asked questions about Hospital Cleaners

• What does a Hospital Cleaner earn?
  - The average salary is 27 600 SEK per month, but wages may vary depending on experience, employer, and region.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 96% of what men do within the profession.
• What education is required to work as a Hospital Cleaner?
  - Basic schooling is sufficient, but courses in hygiene and infection control are strongly recommended.
• What is the job market like for Hospital Cleaners?
  - The job market is stable with great opportunities for employment, according to the Employment Service's forecast.
• What are the most common job duties?
  - Cleaning, disinfection, and handling infectious waste at hospitals and healthcare facilities.
• Are there opportunities for career development?
  - Yes, it is possible to advance to supervisor or specialize in areas such as operating room cleaning.
• What characterizes the working environment for Hospital Cleaners?
  - An environment with high hygiene standards, physical activity, and close contact with healthcare staff and patients.