Arcade guard

What does an arcade attendant do? – Tasks and work environment

An arcade attendant is responsible for order and safety in various types of gaming arcades, such as casinos, entertainment centers, and larger gaming facilities. Tasks include preventing and managing conflicts, verifying age and identity of visitors, and monitoring gaming behavior to detect cheating or irregularities. The role also involves assisting guests with information, performing basic technical checks of gaming machines, and sometimes reporting incidents to police or management. The work environment is often characterized by shift work, high tempo, and a diverse mix of visitors, which requires social skills as well as the ability to stay calm in stressful situations.

Salary development over time

The profession of arcade attendant has shown stable but slow salary growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,900 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 32 800 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary amounts to 34 300 SEK, which represents a total increase of approximately 7.5% over three years. The salary increase has been somewhat higher in the most recent year, partly due to increased demand for security personnel and general wage adjustments within the security industry. Additionally, the profession is influenced by changes in work environment legislation and requirements for further training, which have contributed to strengthening the role's status and thus salary levels.

Arcade attendant salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 34 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 33,200 SEK/month (female, regional sector, 3-year high school education)
• Highest salary: 37,600 SEK/month (female, public sector, pre-secondary education)
• Hourly wage: 206 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 33 500 SEK, men 34 600 SEK (women 97% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Lowest salary for men is 34,200 SEK, for women 33,200 SEK

Education and qualifications

To work as an arcade attendant, a high school diploma is usually required, preferably with a focus on security or service. Many employers offer internal training and orientation, but there may also be requirements for specific courses in security or conflict management. Some experience in customer service or order management is considered advantageous, and for certain workplaces, a criminal record extract is required.

• High school education: Security or service program, 3 years
• Internal training: Often provided by employers, 2–4 weeks
• Courses in conflict management: Recommended
• Criminal record extract: Usually required
• Valuable experience: Customer service, security or similar roles

Common benefits and compensations

Employment conditions for an arcade attendant often include supplements for unsocial hours, wellness contributions, and sometimes opportunities for further training within security. Other benefits may include staff discounts, uniform allowances, and in some cases, access to company healthcare. Shift work often entails extra compensation for evenings and weekends.

Competition and challenges

The job market for arcade attendants is characterized by a paradoxical situation where there are difficulties recruiting, while many leave the profession or work part-time. Since the profession is part of a larger group including security guards and order officers, competition for certain positions is high, especially in attractive regions or larger gaming venues. Challenges often include managing varying workloads, night shifts, and sometimes threatening situations. The profession also requires ongoing adaptation to new security routines and legislation, which can affect both work environment and workload.

Tips for those who want to become arcade attendants

To succeed as an arcade attendant, it is good to combine a calm temperament with good observation skills and a genuine sense of service. Training the ability to quickly perceive situations and act decisively under pressure is crucial for creating a safe environment in the arcade. Engagement and reliability are appreciated by employers, especially regarding following routines and acting as a role model for colleagues and visitors. Developing communication skills makes it easier to interact with different types of guests and prevent conflicts. An additional tip is to pursue extra training in conflict management, which provides both confidence and competitive advantages. Flexibility is an important trait, as working hours often vary and tasks can shift rapidly. Finally, being stress-resistant and maintaining a positive attitude even during late shifts or busy periods is beneficial.

Key facts about Arcade Attendants

• Salary range: 33,200–37,600 SEK/month
• Average salary: 34 300 SEK/month
• Education level: High school (service/security)
• Common work form: Shift work, often evenings and weekends
• Demand: 191 job openings nationwide within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the role of arcade attendant, there are opportunities to advance to supervisory roles or specialize in security work. Many choose to further their education to become security guards or security officers, which can open doors to more qualified assignments within the security industry. According to the latest forecast from the Employment Service, the job market for security guards and order officers – including arcade attendants – is very good with great opportunities nationwide. Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, providing stable future prospects. Those who gain broad experience and further training can also move into roles such as security manager or trainer within the industry.

Frequently asked questions about Arcade Attendants

• What is the average salary of an arcade attendant?
  - An arcade attendant has an average salary of 34 300 SEK per month.
• Are there differences between men and women?
  - Yes, men earn on average 34 600 SEK while women earn 33 500 SEK, which corresponds to 97% of men's salaries.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for an arcade attendant?
  - The highest salary is 37,600 SEK (female, public sector) and the lowest is 33,200 SEK (female, regional sector).
• What is required to become an arcade attendant?
  - High school education, often supplemented with internal training and sometimes conflict management courses. A criminal record extract is often required.
• What does the job market look like?
  - Opportunities for employment are plentiful, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
• What are the working hours?
  - The work is often shift-based with evening and weekend shifts.
• What do arcade attendants do during the day?
  - The role involves monitoring order, managing conflicts, checking age and identity, and providing service to visitors in gaming arcades.