Currency seller

What does a currency exchange clerk do? – Tasks and work environment

A currency exchange clerk primarily handles buying and selling foreign currencies, often in environments such as currency exchange offices, banks, or travel agencies. Tasks include advising customers on exchange rates, executing transactions, handling cash, and sometimes performing simpler administrative duties. The role involves careful money management, compliance with security routines, and staying updated on current exchange rates. The work environment is usually located in offices or stores with customer contact, requiring good service skills and clear communication.

Salary development over time

Currency exchange clerks have experienced steady salary increases over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,900 SEK per month, which increased to 29 300 SEK in 2023 and further to 30 100 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 8% over the period, with a trend of slow but stable growth. Salary development reflects general improvements in service professions and some inflation, but is also influenced by competition for positions and relatively low educational requirements. Despite the increase, salary levels remain moderate compared to other professions within the financial sector, which can be explained by the broad recruitment base and largely standardized tasks.

Currency exchange clerk salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 30 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 27,000 SEK/month (men), 29,100 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 32,200 SEK/month (men), 30,800 SEK/month (women)
• Hourly wage: 181 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Women earn 99% of what men do
• Regional differences: Highest salaries are found within the regional sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a currency exchange clerk, a high school diploma is usually required, preferably with a focus on economics or commerce. Many employers offer internal training and introduction to cash handling, security routines, and customer service. Practical experience from service jobs or cash register work is often advantageous. Some workplaces may also require basic knowledge of the financial market and good language skills.

• High school diploma: Business or economics programs, 3 years
• Internal training: Cash handling and security
• Internship: Experience from retail, cashiering, or customer service
• Language skills: Swedish and English, additional languages are advantageous
• Prerequisites: Precision, responsibility, and service orientation

Common benefits and compensations

Currency exchange clerks are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, overtime pay for evening and weekend work, and opportunities for bonuses based on performance or sales. In some cases, staff discounts and extra vacation days are also provided. Pension schemes and collectively agreed insurances are common among larger employers.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a currency exchange clerk is high, mainly because the profession is part of a broad occupational group with an oversupply of labor. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, job opportunities are limited, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Automation and digital exchange services challenge traditional currency exchange providers, especially in metropolitan areas. However, there is still steady demand in certain physical environments, such as airports and major travel centers. To stand out, additional language skills, high service orientation, and accuracy in cash handling are often required.

Tips for those who want to become a currency exchange clerk

To succeed as a currency exchange clerk, it is important to have a strong sense of accuracy and responsibility, as cash handling requires precision and reliability. A service-oriented attitude is crucial for building good customer relationships and giving a professional impression, especially when dealing with different currencies and international clients. Flexibility and resilience to stress are valuable qualities, as the pace can vary significantly depending on the season and location. Quickly adapting to new routines and regulations, such as anti-money laundering rules, is an advantage. Developing language skills is also beneficial, as many customers have a foreign background. An interest in economics and understanding the basics of the currency markets can facilitate daily work. Finally, loyalty and long-term commitment are valued by many employers in this industry.

Key facts about currency exchange clerks

• Average salary: 30 100 SEK/month
• Salary range: 27,000–32,200 SEK/month
• Educational requirements: High school diploma, often with internal training
• Work environment: Customer-facing, often in retail or office settings
• Demand: Limited job opportunities, oversupply of labor

Career paths and future prospects

After several years of experience, it is possible to advance to roles such as store manager, team leader, or specialist in cash and security routines. Some choose to develop into more qualified positions within banking, finance, or sales. However, forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicate that the job market for currency exchange clerks and similar cash handling staff is challenging, with limited opportunities for new jobs and a high number of applicants. Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, maintaining high competition for available positions. For those willing to broaden their skills and work in customer service, finance, or administration, opportunities can increase. Currently, there are approximately 550 job openings in the entire occupational group.

Frequently asked questions about currency exchange clerks

• What does a currency exchange clerk earn?
  - A currency exchange clerk has an average salary of 30 100 SEK per month. Salaries range between 27,000 SEK and 32,200 SEK depending on experience, workplace, and education level.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, men earn an average of 30 300 SEK and women 30 000 SEK per month. Women's salaries correspond to approximately 99% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a currency exchange clerk?
  - A high school diploma, often from business or economics programs, is most common. Many employers also offer internal training.
• What is the job market like for currency exchange clerks?
  - The job market is characterized by an oversupply of labor and limited opportunities for new jobs. Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
• What are the key personal qualities?
  - Attention to detail, sense of responsibility, service orientation, and language skills are particularly important for success as a currency exchange clerk.
• Where are the highest salaries in the profession?
  - The highest salaries are found within the regional sector, where men can earn up to 32,200 SEK per month.