What does a Tourist Assistant do? – Tasks and Work Environment
A Tourist Assistant works by providing service and information to visitors at tourist offices, travel centers, and other attractions. The tasks often include answering questions about local sights, booking activities, selling tickets, and creating positive experiences for tourists. The role requires good knowledge of the local offerings, the ability to handle different languages and cultures, and a high level of service orientation. The work environment can vary from seasonal tourist offices to larger travel centers, where the pace can be high during peak season and more varied the rest of the year.
Salary Development Over Time
The salary for Tourist Assistants has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,800 SEK per month. During 2023, the average salary increased to 32 500, representing an increase of about 2.2%. For 2024, the average salary has continued upward and reached 34 100, an increase of another 4.9% from the previous year. This salary development reflects a growing demand for language-proficient and service-oriented employees in the tourism industry, as well as employers competing for skills during high visitor periods. Market needs for flexibility and expanded duties have also contributed to rising salary levels.
Tourist Assistant Salary – Complete Overview
- Average salary: 34 100 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 24,900 SEK/month (male, public sector, pre-secondary education)
- Highest salary: 39,100 SEK/month (male, public sector, post-secondary education < 3 years)
- Hourly wage: 205 SEK
- Women's average salary: 34 200 SEK/month (101% of men's salary)
- Men's average salary: 34 000 SEK/month
- Women's highest salary: 37,100 SEK/month
- Women's lowest salary: 30,800 SEK/month
- Regional differences: Salary variations occur depending on tourist density and seasonal fluctuations in different regions.
Education and Qualifications
To work as a Tourist Assistant, a high school diploma is usually required, preferably with a focus on tourism, service, or languages. Many employers value experience from service jobs, good language skills, and local knowledge. Post-secondary education in tourism, travel sales, or the visitor industry can provide advantages during hiring, especially for more specialized roles.
- High school education: Tourism and hotel programs (3 years)
- Post-secondary education: YH training in tourism, 1–2 years (meritorious but not mandatory)
- Language skills: English and additional languages are often desirable
- Internships: Internships or summer jobs within tourism are highly valued
- Courses/certificates: Courses in customer service, digital booking systems, and information management
Tourist Assistants are often the first persons tourists meet in a new city, making the role central to the reputation of the visitor industry and repeat visitors. A good first impression can be decisive for the entire travel experience and also influence the long-term attractiveness of the destination.
Common Benefits and Compensation
Tourist Assistants are often offered benefits such as overtime pay for evening and weekend work, wellness contributions, discounted travel or entrance fees, and opportunities for further training in tourism and service. Seasonal employees may sometimes also have access to staff accommodation or travel allowances depending on the work location.
Competition and Challenges
The job market for Tourist Assistants is characterized by seasonal variations, where competition for positions can be high before summer or during major events. Challenges in the profession include managing stressful periods with many visitors, quickly switching between different languages and customer groups, and staying updated on local events and changes in travel offerings. Digitalization has also increased demands for technical skills, especially regarding booking systems and digital communication. To stand out, broad service experience and the ability to create positive experiences under pressure are often required.
Tips for Aspiring Tourist Assistants
To succeed as a Tourist Assistant, it is good to be communicative and attentive, as the profession is built on understanding and meeting visitors' needs. Having a genuine interest in people and local sights makes it easier to create engaging encounters and provide personalized service. Flexibility is an important trait, as tasks and visitor flows can vary greatly between days and seasons. Good organizational skills help manage many tasks simultaneously and stay organized even during busy periods. Being solution-oriented is also beneficial, as unexpected situations often arise when working with people from different parts of the world.
Key Facts About Tourist Assistant
- Average salary: 34 100 SEK/month
- Education level: High school diploma, often supplemented with YH training
- Women's share: 101% of men's salary
- Common employment types: Seasonal and hourly employment, full-time is also possible
- Job openings: Approximately 550 advertised positions within the profession
Career Paths and Future Outlook
After a few years as a Tourist Assistant, there are opportunities to advance to supervisory roles, such as Tourist Office Manager, team leader, or coordinator within the visitor industry. Further education and experience can also pave the way for specialized roles in event planning, destination development, or marketing of tourist destinations. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, demand remains stable, with around 550 job openings in the profession. Digitalization and increased international tourism are expected to create new roles and demand for further training, providing good prospects for long-term career development in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tourist Assistant
- What is the average salary of a Tourist Assistant?
- A Tourist Assistant has an average salary of 34 100 SEK per month.
- How do salary differences between men and women look?
- Women earn an average of 34 200 SEK per month, which is 101% of men's salaries.
- What education is required to become a Tourist Assistant?
- High school education with a focus on tourism is most common, but post-secondary courses and language skills are advantageous.
- What does the job market look like for Tourist Assistants?
- There are approximately 550 job openings, especially before tourist seasons.
- What are the biggest challenges in the profession?
- Seasonal variations, high pace during peak season, and requirements for language skills and digital competence.
- Are there opportunities for career development?
- Yes, for example to Tourist Office Manager, coordinator, or within events and marketing.
- What is the hourly wage for a Tourist Assistant?
- The hourly wage is approximately 205 SEK.
