Stair cleaners

What does a staircase cleaner do? – Tasks and work environment

A staircase cleaner is responsible for keeping stairwells and common areas in apartment buildings, offices, or public properties clean and well-maintained. Tasks include sweeping, mopping, dusting railings and moldings, as well as cleaning glass surfaces and mirrors. The cleaning is often scheduled regularly and can include daily and periodic cleaning. The work environment involves physical activity with a lot of movement, sometimes in settings where heavy lifting and working in confined spaces occur. The work is often performed independently, but collaboration with colleagues and contact with residents or property owners is common.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, staircase cleaners have seen a steady increase in average salary. In 2022, the average was 25,600 SEK, rising to 26 700 SEK the following year, and reaching 27 600 SEK in 2024. This represents a total wage increase of approximately 7.8% over three years, which is slightly above inflation for the same period. The salary increase can largely be explained by increased demand for cleaning services in urban areas, as well as a growing awareness of the importance of hygiene and cleanliness in shared spaces. Trade union negotiations and collective agreements have also contributed to raising salary levels, especially for those with more experience or specialized skills in the cleaning industry.

Staircase 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/hour
• Gender differences: Women earn 96% of what men do (27 300 SEK/month vs. 28,500 SEK/month)
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary slightly depending on location and employer, with higher wages in metropolitan regions.

Education and qualifications

To work as a staircase cleaner, no formal education is generally required, but many employers prefer candidates with a high school diploma and some experience in cleaning. Practical orientation and internal training are common, and shorter courses in cleaning techniques and work environment safety are also available. Good physical condition, precision, and responsibility are important qualities for success in the profession.

• Formal education: No specific education required, but high school diploma is advantageous
• Certifications/courses: Short courses in cleaning techniques and hygiene can be beneficial
• Practical training: On-the-job training is common
• Prerequisites: No formal experience required, but previous work in cleaning is advantageous
• Tips for success: Engagement, accuracy, and good physical condition facilitate the work

Common benefits and compensation

For staircase cleaners, it is common to have collective agreement benefits such as holiday pay, overtime premiums for work during unsociable hours, and sometimes wellness allowances. Occupational pension and insurance schemes are often included, especially with larger employers. Some employers also provide work clothing, job-related training, and opportunities for further development within the company.

Challenges and competition

The profession as a staircase cleaner is characterized by high demand and many available job opportunities, which means good prospects for employment. At the same time, competition for the most attractive positions is higher in metropolitan areas where wages are also somewhat better. Challenges in the profession can include physically demanding tasks, monotonous work, and high work pace during certain periods. The recruitment situation is marked by difficulties in finding personnel willing to work full-time, which means many positions are filled by part-time workers. For those seeking stability and clear routines, the profession is suitable, but it also requires flexibility and a good work ethic to thrive long-term.

Tips for those who want to become a staircase cleaner

To succeed as a staircase cleaner, it is good to be precise and responsible, as the quality of the cleaning is directly noticeable by residents and property owners. Good physical condition makes the work easier since the job involves many movements and sometimes heavy lifting. Flexibility and the ability to work independently are also important, as the work is often performed alone and requires personal planning. Being service-minded and able to interact with people in a friendly manner contributes to a good work environment. Patience and endurance are valuable qualities, especially during intense periods or when the workload is high. Those who show engagement and interest in development also have opportunities to advance within the profession, for example to supervisory roles or specialized cleaning assignments.

Key facts about staircase cleaners

• Education level: No formal education required, high school diploma advantageous
• Work environment: Independent and physical work in stairwells and common areas
• Typical work form: Full-time or part-time, often permanent employment
• Demand: Large opportunities for work nationwide
• Job openings: 123 positions within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a staircase cleaner, there are opportunities to move into supervisory roles, such as team leader or supervisor within cleaning services. Some choose to further specialize in areas like floor care or sanitation, or to work with quality control and training new employees. According to the Swedish Employment Agency’s forecast for the cleaning profession, demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, but employment opportunities are considered large nationwide. The recruitment situation is characterized by many part-time workers, so full-time positions are often in high demand. For those seeking stability and development opportunities, the profession is a reliable choice with good future prospects.

Common questions about staircase cleaners

• What is the average salary of a staircase cleaner?
  - A staircase cleaner has an average salary of 27 600 SEK per month.
• How do gender differences look in the wages for staircase cleaners?
  - Women earn on average 27 300 SEK per month, which is 96% of what men earn (28,500 SEK/month).
• What education is required to become a staircase cleaner?
  - No formal education is required, but a high school diploma and experience in cleaning are advantageous.
• How does the job market look for staircase cleaners?
  - Opportunities for employment are plentiful, with currently 123 job openings.
• What benefits are common for staircase cleaners?
  - Common benefits include holiday pay, occupational pension, wellness allowance, and work clothing.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a staircase cleaner?
  - The highest salary is 29,700 SEK per month and the lowest is 25,600 SEK per month, depending on gender and sector.
• Are there regional differences in staircase cleaner salaries?
  - Yes, salary levels are often slightly higher in metropolitan regions compared to smaller towns.