Washable

What does a laundry attendant do? – Tasks and working environment

A laundry attendant primarily works in industrial laundry and is an essential part of processes for cleaning, sorting, and handling textiles on a large scale. Tasks often include operating and monitoring laundry machines, sorting incoming and outgoing laundry, quality control, as well as packing and transporting clean textiles. The environment is usually physically active and can be noisy, involving heavy lifting and work in humid or warm premises. The work requires great accuracy and a good sense of order, as it is often carried out according to strict routines and hygiene standards.

Salary development over time

The salary for laundry attendants has shown a relatively stable but slightly positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 26,600 SEK per month and increased slightly to 26 500 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the salary has risen to 27 800 SEK, which corresponds to an increase of about 4.9% compared to the previous year. This salary increase can be linked to increased demand for labor in the industry as well as general adjustments in the labor market. Compared to other professions in the same sector, the salary development for laundry attendants is relatively modest but still shows a slowly rising trend. Differences between genders are negligible, and the profession is characterized by equal pay conditions.

Laundry attendant salary – a complete overview

• Average salary: 27 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 23,400 SEK/month (male, public sector, high school education 3 years)
• Highest salary: 30,000 SEK/month (female, public sector, high school education up to 2 years)
• Hourly wage (average): 167 SEK
• Women: 27 900 SEK/month
• Men: 27 700 SEK/month
• Gender pay gap: Women and men earn roughly the same

Education and qualifications

To work as a laundry attendant, no formal higher education is usually required, but high school education is common. Employers often value experience from industry, logistics, or cleaning, and internal training programs are common where new employees learn routines and machinery. Practical experience and the ability to work systematically are highly valued, and new hires are often introduced through mentoring by more experienced colleagues.

• High school education: Most commonly in programs related to industry, service, or healthcare
• Internal training: Workplace introduction and mentoring upon hiring
• Practical experience: Meritorious, especially from similar environments
• No certification requirements: The profession has no formal licensing
• Ability to work systematically: Essential for thriving and developing in the role

Common benefits and compensations

Laundry attendants are often covered by collective agreements, which provide access to contractual wages, extra pay for unsociable hours, occupational pension, and insurance. Other common benefits include wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes subsidized lunches. It is also common for employers to offer opportunities for skills development and further training within the profession.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a laundry attendant is generally low, and the labor market shows stable demand. A challenge is the physical working conditions, as the work is often monotonous and can involve heavy lifting and repetitive movements, requiring good physical fitness. Technological development and automation influence the profession to some extent, but the need for accuracy and human oversight remains. The lack of formal requirements makes it easy to enter the profession but can also lead to higher staff turnover and a continuous need for onboarding new personnel.

Tips for those who want to become a laundry attendant

To succeed as a laundry attendant, it is good to have a positive attitude towards routine-based tasks and the ability to stay focused even during monotonous moments. Attention to detail is important, as quality control and sorting require careful observation. Physical endurance facilitates the work, which can be both heavy and fast-paced, especially during busy periods. Being flexible and cooperative is also crucial, as work is often performed in teams and sometimes during inconvenient hours. For those who are solution-oriented and quick to learn new routines or machines, there are good opportunities for development within the profession. Showing responsibility and punctuality is appreciated by employers and increases chances of permanent employment. Finally, a service-minded attitude is highly valued, as laundry attendants often interact with customers and colleagues.

Key facts about laundry attendants

• Average salary: 27 800 SEK/month
• Salary range: 23,400–30,000 SEK/month
• Education level: High school education common, no formal degree required
• Work environment: Industrial, often physically demanding and shift-based
• Job openings (2024): 1,437 within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a laundry attendant, opportunities open to advance to supervisor, team leader, or production manager within laundry and textile services. With experience, specialization in machine maintenance or logistics can also be relevant. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, there is no specific assessment for laundry attendants, but the profession shows a stable labor market with many job openings. Since no higher education is required, entry barriers are low, and demand for experienced and reliable laundry attendants is expected to persist. For those wishing to broaden their skills, further training in production, warehousing, or logistics can provide additional career opportunities.

Common questions about laundry attendants

• What is the average salary of a laundry attendant?
  - A laundry attendant has an average salary of 27 800 SEK per month.
• Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
  - No, women and men earn roughly the same as laundry attendants.
• What education is required to become a laundry attendant?
  - High school education is most common, but the profession has no formal educational requirements.
• What is the working environment like?
  - The environment is industrial, often physically demanding, and may involve shift work.
• What is the highest salary for a laundry attendant?
  - The highest salary is 30,000 SEK per month and belongs to a woman in the public sector.
• How many job openings are there for laundry attendants?
  - There are a total of 1,437 within the profession of machine operators for bleaching, dyeing, and washing.
• What personal qualities are important for the profession?
  - Attention to detail, physical endurance, and teamwork skills are especially important.