Steward, cook

What does a steward, cook do? – Tasks and work environment

A steward, cook is responsible for both food preparation and various service tasks within restaurants, hotels, or larger kitchen operations. Tasks include preparing ingredients, cooking, plating dishes, dishwashing, cleaning, and maintaining kitchen equipment. The role often involves close collaboration with other chefs and serving staff to ensure guests receive a high-quality dining experience. The work environment is usually intense and fast-paced, with requirements for good hygiene, precision, and the ability to handle stressful situations, especially during busy times. Work often occurs in shifts, which may include evenings, weekends, and sometimes nights, depending on the business hours.

Salary development over time

The salary for a steward, cook has shown positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 29,000 SEK per month, which increased to 30 700 SEK in 2023. The latest figure for 2024 indicates a further increase to 31 400 SEK per month. This represents a total salary increase of approximately 8.3% over three years. Factors driving this include continued high demand for skilled kitchen staff, combined with increased requirements for education and experience in the profession. Despite the relatively high pace and some staff turnover, salary development has been stable, reflecting the important role steward and cooks play in the restaurant and large-scale catering sectors.

Steward, cook salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 31 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 27,100 SEK/month (female, high school education)
• Highest salary: 44,700 SEK/month (male, public sector, post-secondary education)
• Hourly wage: 189 SEK/hour (average, based on 166 hours/month)
• Gender differences: Men earn 31 900 SEK, women 30 900 SEK (women 97% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Data on regional variations is limited, but generally salaries may be somewhat higher in larger cities and tourist-heavy areas.

Education and qualifications

To work as a steward, cook, a basic restaurant education is usually required, often supplemented with practical work experience. Many pathways lead to the profession, including high school programs and further education at vocational colleges or through work experience. Practical experience and the ability to work in a team are highly valued, as are knowledge of food hygiene and safety.

• Restaurant and Food Program: High school education, 3 years
• Vocational courses: Short courses via adult education
• Practical training: Often required for on-the-job learning
• Food hygiene: Certification or courses may be required
• Work experience: Meritorious, especially for higher positions

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for a steward, cook often include meals during work hours, shift allowances for evenings and weekends, and opportunities for further training and internal career advancement. Some employers also offer wellness contributions and employee discounts. Employment conditions may vary depending on whether the workplace is public, private, or within hotel and restaurant chains.

Competition and challenges

The job market for steward, cook is characterized by a paradoxical situation with both recruitment difficulties and relatively high staff turnover. At the same time, demand for skilled personnel remains high, especially in larger cities and in areas with high tourism. Challenges in the profession include physically demanding work environments, irregular hours, and a high pace during busy times. For newcomers, it can initially be difficult to secure permanent employment, but opportunities increase with experience and further training. The industry is often sensitive to economic fluctuations, which can cause variation in the number of available positions over time.

Tips for those who want to become a steward, cook

To succeed as a steward, cook, it is helpful to be flexible and able to quickly adapt to new tasks and situations. Precision is important, especially regarding food hygiene and safety in the kitchen, to ensure high-quality food and compliance with regulations. Good teamwork and clear communication under stress are crucial for smooth operations. Initiative is valued, as the workday often presents unexpected challenges requiring quick solutions. Being able to handle stress and maintain a steady pace even when busy provides good conditions for thriving and developing in the profession. Curiosity and interest in cooking help keep motivation high, especially when new dishes or methods are introduced.

Key facts about Steward, cook

• Average salary: 31 400 SEK/month
• Salary range: 27,100–44,700 SEK/month
• Education requirements: High school education in restaurant/food services
• Work environment: Fast-paced, varied tasks, shift work
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment, especially in larger cities

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, there are opportunities to advance to more specialized roles such as sous-chef, head chef, or responsible for specific kitchen areas. It is also common for experienced stewards and cooks to train new employees or take on supervisory responsibilities. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast for cooks and cold kitchen staff, the prospects for work are expected to be strong in the coming years, with stable demand over the next five years. There are also good opportunities to change workplaces or specialize within hotels, events, large-scale kitchens, or catering. Currently, there are 123 job openings in the profession, reflecting a stable job market.

Frequently asked questions about Steward, cook

• What is the average salary of a steward, cook?
  - The average salary is 31 400 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a steward, cook?
  - Usually, a high school education in restaurant and food services plus practical experience.
• Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
  - Yes, men earn an average of 31 900 SEK and women 30 900 SEK, which means women earn 97% of men's salary.
• What is the job market like for steward, cook?
  - The demand is high with many available positions, especially in larger cities and tourist areas.
• What tasks are included in the role of steward, cook?
  - Tasks include food preparation, dishwashing, cleaning, and maintenance of kitchen equipment.
• What are the most common benefits?
  - Benefits include meals, shift allowances, and sometimes wellness contributions.
• What are the career opportunities within the profession?
  - With experience, there are opportunities to advance to sous-chef, head chef, or supervisor roles.