Cleaning manager

What does a Cleaning Supervisor do? – Tasks and work environment

A Cleaning Supervisor is responsible for leading and coordinating cleaning teams within various operations, such as schools, hospitals, offices, or industries. The work includes planning tasks, scheduling, quality assurance, and sometimes recruitment and onboarding of new staff. The supervisor acts as a link between the cleaning staff and management, ensuring proper materials are used and that safety and work environment regulations are followed. The work environment is often varied and can involve both administrative tasks and presence on-site with the team. The profession requires good organizational skills and an eye for detail to maintain high hygiene and quality standards.

Salary development over time

In recent years, Cleaning Supervisors have experienced relatively stable salary growth. In 2022, the average salary was 31,900 SEK, followed by a slight increase to 33 500 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has been adjusted slightly downward to 33 200 SEK. The total change over a three-year period is approximately 4%, although the latest adjustment shows a marginal decrease. Salary development is influenced by factors such as collective agreements, labor market demand, and evolving leadership and documentation requirements. Since the profession is often found in both public and private sectors, local agreements and regional differences may also contribute to variations. The trend suggests that increased demands for quality and management could strengthen salary growth in the long term, even though current market conditions indicate a cautious outlook for growth.

Cleaning Supervisor salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 33 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,200 SEK/month (female, private sector, administrative position, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Highest salary: 38,000 SEK/month (male, regional sector, high school education up to 2 years)
• Hourly wage: 200 SEK
• Gender differences: Men earn 36 400 SEK, women 32,500 SEK (women earn 89% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Detectable variations depending on sector and region

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a Cleaning Supervisor typically involves experience in cleaning work combined with further education in leadership and work environment management. Formal requirements may vary between employers, but a high school diploma is often a basic requirement, and leadership courses are advantageous. In some cases, documented experience in management or specialized courses related to cleaning and quality assurance are requested.

• High school education: Usually focused on service or cleaning, 2–3 years
• Leadership training: Courses in management, work environment, and quality
• Practical experience: Several years of cleaning experience are often required
• Certifications: Opportunities for certificates in cleaning technology or environmental management
• Prerequisites: Basic Swedish skills and documented work experience

Common benefits and compensations

Cleaning Supervisors are often covered by collective agreements that provide holiday pay, pension schemes, and sometimes wellness allowances. Additional benefits may include work clothing, job-related training, and access to occupational health services. In the public sector, extra vacation days and subsidized meals are common, while private sector employers sometimes offer bonuses or performance-based compensation.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as a Cleaning Supervisor can vary depending on region and employer type. Since the leadership role requires experience and good communication skills, employers typically seek candidates with documented management experience. Challenges in the profession often include high demands for flexibility, handling urgent situations, and creating a positive work environment despite time pressures. Digitalization and new working methods increase the need for adaptability, while work environment regulations and quality controls become increasingly important. For those wishing to advance, ongoing skills development and an interest in change management are essential.

Tips for aspiring Cleaning Supervisors

To succeed as a Cleaning Supervisor, it is beneficial to be meticulous, have strong organizational skills, and be a communicative leader. Taking initiative and showing responsibility makes it easier as workdays change rapidly and the team needs support. An attentive attitude helps build trust within the team and facilitates conflict management. It is also valuable to continuously update knowledge about new cleaning methods and work environment regulations. Engaging in workplace improvement efforts demonstrates drive, which is appreciated by employers. The ability to adapt to changing conditions is a strength, especially as technical solutions and routines evolve quickly. Finally, patience and a solution-oriented attitude are important, especially in high-pressure situations.

Key facts about Cleaning Supervisors

• Average salary: 33 200 SEK/month
• Typical working arrangements: Full-time, daytime or shift work
• Educational level: High school diploma, supplemented with leadership courses
• Demand: 123 job openings according to current matching data
• Gender distribution: Women constitute the majority in the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Cleaning Supervisor, opportunities often arise to advance to area manager, team leader for larger units, or take on overall responsibility within facility management. With experience and further education, roles such as quality manager or training coordinator in cleaning technology can also become relevant. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, demand for experienced Cleaning Supervisors remains stable, especially within the public sector and larger service companies. Digitalization and increased requirements for environmental certification contribute to the evolving role and can open more specialized career paths. The job market shows some competition, but skills in management and change management provide clear advantages.

Frequently asked questions about Cleaning Supervisors

• What does a Cleaning Supervisor earn?
  - The average salary is 33 200 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience, gender, and sector.
• What are the salary differences between men and women?
  - Men earn on average 36 400 SEK, women 32,500 SEK, which means women earn 89% of men's salary.
• What education is required to become a Cleaning Supervisor?
  - Usually, a high school diploma plus experience in cleaning work and leadership courses are required.
• What are the most common workplaces for Cleaning Supervisors?
  - Public sector, private service companies, schools, hospitals, and companies with their own cleaning units.
• Are there regional salary differences for Cleaning Supervisors?
  - Yes, salaries vary between regions and sectors.
• What is the job market like for Cleaning Supervisors?
  - Demand is stable, with 123 job openings registered for the profession.
• What personal qualities are important for a Cleaning Supervisor?
  - Organizational skills, leadership, flexibility, and good communication are central qualities.