Cleaners

What does a cleaner do? – Tasks and work environment

A cleaner is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of various types of premises, which can include offices, schools, hospitals, industries, and private homes. Tasks include vacuuming, floor care, window cleaning, disinfecting surfaces, and waste disposal. Cleaners often work according to detailed schedules and routines, sometimes with specific hygiene requirements, for example in healthcare environments. The work environment can vary—some work independently at night, others in teams during daytime hours. The profession requires good physical health and the ability to handle monotonous tasks in sometimes strenuous environments.

Salary development over time

The salary for cleaners has steadily increased over the past three 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 represents a total increase of approximately 7.8% over the period. This positive trend can be partly explained by increased demand for cleaning services and a growing focus on work environment, but also by the industry’s ongoing efforts to improve status and conditions. Despite improvements, differences between employers and regions remain, and there is still room for further development within the profession.

Cleaner salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 27 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 25,600 SEK/month (male, municipal sector), 25,700 SEK/month (female)
• Highest salary: 29,700 SEK/month (male, private sector employee), 28,500 SEK/month (female)
• Hourly wage: 166 SEK (based on 166 working hours/month)
• Gender differences: Men 28,500 SEK, women 27 300 SEK (women earn 96% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Salary levels can vary depending on the labor market and employer, especially between urban and rural areas

Education and qualifications

To work as a cleaner, no formal education is generally required, but many employers prefer candidates who have completed a short introductory training or cleaning course. Practical experience and good references are often highly valued during hiring. There are also opportunities to specialize in areas such as sanitation or floor care, which may require specific certificates or courses.

• High school education: Healthcare and social care programs or similar can be advantageous
• Short internal courses: Introduction to cleaning techniques and hygiene routines
• Certifications: Opportunities to obtain SRY vocational certificate (Service Industry Vocational Board)
• Internship: Work-based practical training is common
• Prerequisites: Good physical health and the ability to work independently

Common benefits and compensations

Cleaners are often covered by collective agreements that entitle them to vacation, overtime pay, and occupational pensions. Other common benefits include wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes subsidized lunches or travel allowances. Some employers also offer opportunities for further training and professional development within the profession.

Challenges and competition

The labor market for cleaners is characterized by high demand and many available positions, but also by challenges such as a high proportion of part-time work and occasional difficulties for employers to find qualified staff. Competition for permanent full-time positions can be intense, especially in metropolitan areas where many seek work in the profession. At the same time, the physical workload can be demanding, with a risk of overuse injuries over time without proper tools. The profession also requires precision and the ability to work independently under time pressure, demanding responsibility and resilience.

Tips for those wanting to become a cleaner

To succeed as a cleaner, it is good to be thorough and responsible, as tasks often require precision and reliability. Good physical health is helpful, as work can be physically demanding with repetitive motions and heavy lifting. Flexibility is an important trait, especially since working hours can vary and sometimes involve early mornings or late evenings. Service-mindedness and the ability to cooperate facilitate good relations with colleagues and customers, which makes everyday work easier. The ability to quickly adapt to new routines and environments is also an advantage. It is recommended to take advantage of opportunities for further training and to show interest in new tasks, as this can lead to more specialized roles. Finally, always following safety regulations and using the right tools is crucial for personal safety and delivering professional results.

Key facts about Cleaners

• Education level: No formal education required, but short courses are available
• Work environment: Varies, often physically demanding and sometimes solitary
• Common employment types: Part-time and full-time, often with shift work
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment according to the Employment Service
• Special skills: Cleaning techniques, hygiene routines, and material knowledge

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, there are opportunities to advance to supervisory roles, such as team leader, supervisor, or quality manager within cleaning operations. Some choose to specialize in areas like floor care, sanitation, or window cleaning, which may require specific certificates. According to the Employment Service's forecast, opportunities for employment as a cleaner remain strong, with unchanged demand over five years. However, there is a paradoxical recruitment situation where many work part-time while employers struggle to find qualified personnel for available positions—in the latest survey, 123 job advertisements were posted within the industry. Overall, the profession is expected to offer stable future prospects, especially for those willing to further their education or take on more responsibilities.

Frequently asked questions about Cleaners

• What does a cleaner earn?
  - The average salary for a cleaner is 27 600 SEK per month. The salary may vary depending on experience, employer, and region.
• Are there differences between men's and women's wages as cleaners?
  - Yes, men earn an average of 28,500 SEK while women earn 27 300 SEK, which means women earn approximately 96% of men's wages.
• What education is required to become a cleaner?
  - No formal education is required, but introductory courses and certificates such as SRY vocational certificate are advantageous.
• What is the job market like for cleaners?
  - Opportunities for employment are plentiful, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years according to the Employment Service.
• What are the most common types of employment?
  - Both part-time and full-time positions are common, often with shift work and varying hours.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a cleaner?
  - The highest salary is 29,700 SEK per month (male, private sector employee), and the lowest is 25,600 SEK per month (male, municipal sector).
• What benefits can cleaners receive?
  - Common benefits include vacation, overtime pay, occupational pension, wellness allowance, and work clothing.