What does a Tourist Office Clerk do? – Tasks and Work Environment
Tourist office clerks work to inform, guide, and assist visitors in making the most of their visit to a town or region. Their tasks often include giving recommendations on sights, booking activities, selling tickets and maps, and handling basic administrative duties. The profession requires good local knowledge, the ability to communicate in multiple languages, and a service-oriented attitude. The work environment is usually customer-facing and can be situated at small information desks or larger tourist centers, where work may sometimes be during peak seasons with high pace and varying hours.
Salary development over time
The salary of a tourist office clerk has gradually increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,800 SEK per month, rising to 32 500 SEK in 2023 and further to the current level of 34 100 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 7.2% over three years, with the largest growth occurring in the most recent year. This positive trend can be linked to increased demand for qualified tourist office staff, especially as tourism recovers and digitalization places higher demands on service and technical skills. However, the profession still encompasses a relatively broad salary range, influenced by experience, education, and employer sector.
Tourist Office Clerk Salary – Complete Overview
- Average salary: 34 100 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 24,900 SEK/month (men, government sector, pre-secondary education)
- Highest salary: 39,100 SEK/month (men, public sector, post-secondary education < 3 years)
- Hourly wage: 205 SEK/hour (average, based on 166 working hours/month)
- Women's average salary: 34 200 SEK/month (101% of men's salary)
- Men's average salary: 34 000 SEK/month
- Regional differences: Salary variations may occur depending on tourist density and labor market conditions
Education and Qualifications
To work as a tourist office clerk, a high school diploma in tourism, commerce, or service is usually required, often supplemented with college courses or vocational training. Practical experience in the visitor industry or customer service is often advantageous. Some employers also require language skills and good local knowledge, as well as the ability to handle digital booking systems and information tools.
- High school diploma: Tourism and service programs (3 years)
- College or vocational training: Tourism, travel sales, or destination development (1–2 years)
- Courses/certifications: Languages, digital systems, customer service
- Internship: Recommended, often part of education
- Prerequisites: Good communication skills, preferably multiple languages
Many tourist office clerks get the chance to become ambassadors for their own hometown and often discover new places and stories through their daily meetings with visitors. It is not uncommon for the profession to lead to a broad network within local businesses and international partners. The rapid variation in questions and tasks creates a dynamic workday where no two days are the same.
Common Benefits and Perks
Common benefits for tourist office clerks include wellness allowances, discounted or free entry to local events and sights, and opportunities for training in service and languages. Flexible hours and seasonal schedules are common, especially during peak seasons. Some employers also offer opportunities for further education and skills development within the tourism industry.
Challenges and Competition
Competition for positions in the tourist office sector varies depending on location and season, but generally, there are more applicants than available positions in larger tourist-heavy regions. Digitalization and changing travel habits have altered job content, requiring higher technical competence and adaptability. Managing periods of high workload, such as during summer, requires good stress resilience and problem-solving skills. Uncertainty in the visitor industry—such as during pandemics or economic downturns—can affect the number of available jobs. For those who are flexible and possess broad skills, there are good opportunities to establish themselves in the job market.
Tips for those wanting to become a Tourist Office Clerk
To succeed as a tourist office clerk, it is helpful to have a genuine interest in people and the region’s offerings. A service-oriented attitude is crucial, and being attentive makes it easier when customer needs quickly change. Developing language skills and taking initiative to learn about local sights provides a strong advantage in the profession. Flexibility is important, especially during peak season when the pace increases and new challenges can arise quickly. Attention to detail and organizational skills help manage bookings and information professionally. The ability to work independently while collaborating with colleagues and partners is also key to enjoying and succeeding in the role. Finally, a positive and solution-oriented mindset facilitates handling unexpected questions or situations.
Key facts about Tourist Office Clerk
- Salary range: 24,900–39,100 SEK/month
- Education level: High school diploma or vocational college
- Work environment: Customer-facing, often in tourist centers or information desks
- Gender distribution: Women earn 101% of men's salary
- Job openings: 550 positions in the profession (SSYK, 2024)
Career paths and future prospects
After a few years in the profession, opportunities for advancement include roles such as team leader, coordinator for larger events, or specialist in tourism digitalization. With experience, positions like destination developer, marketer, or trainer within tourism can also become relevant. According to the Employment Service, demand for tourist office clerks is considered relatively stable, with peaks during high season and in tourist-heavy regions. Digital skills and language abilities are becoming increasingly important, increasing opportunities for those investing in further training. The profession also provides a platform for transition to other parts of the visitor industry, such as hotels, events, or transportation sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tourist Office Clerk
- What does a Tourist Office Clerk earn?
- The average salary is 34 100 SEK/month, with a range between 24,900 and 39,100 SEK/month.
- Are there gender differences in salary?
- Yes, women earn on average 101% of what men do in the profession.
- What education is required?
- Usually a high school diploma in tourism or service, sometimes supplemented with college or vocational training.
- What does the work environment look like?
- Customer-facing and often located at tourist centers or information desks.
- What are the future prospects?
- There are approximately 550 job openings in the profession, and demand remains stable, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
- What personal qualities are important?
- Customer service skills, flexibility, language skills, and good communication skills.
- Are there regional salary differences?
- Yes, some variation depending on location and tourist density.
