What does a Currency Seller do? – Tasks and Work Environment
A Currency Seller primarily works with buying and selling foreign currency, often face-to-face in physical stores or at banks. The profession involves daily handling of cash transactions, exchanging money for individuals and companies, and providing advice on current exchange rates and currency products. The work demands high accuracy, customer service skills, and responsible money management. The work environment is often office- or store-based and may involve both independent work and collaboration with colleagues, especially during periods of high customer flow.
Salary development over time
The salary for Currency Sellers has steadily increased in recent 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 salary increase of approximately 7.9% over three years. This trend reflects a general pattern in service professions where increased demand for cash handling and currency exchange, combined with inflation and collective bargaining, has contributed to higher wages. Despite the increase, the salary levels remain relatively stable, which can be explained by a competitive labor market and the fact that the profession does not require extensive formal education.
Currency Seller salary – complete 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 (average): 181 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 99% of what men do
- Regional differences: The highest salaries are found within the regional sector
Education and qualifications
The profession of Currency Seller generally requires a high school diploma, preferably with a focus on economics, trade, or administration. Practical experience in cash handling or sales is highly advantageous and can sometimes outweigh formal education. Good knowledge of mathematics, customer service, and security are important, and many employers offer internal training in routines and security regulations related to cash handling.
- High school education: Trade, economics, or administration (3 years)
- Internal training: Procedures and security regulations for cash handling
- Practical experience: Cash handling or retail experience is advantageous
- Prerequisites: Good Swedish, basic math skills, customer service experience
- Tips: Additional language skills and experience from travel or banking sectors can be beneficial
Many Currency Sellers quickly develop the ability to identify counterfeit bills and detect unusual currencies – a skill that is becoming increasingly valuable with growing globalization and travel.
Common benefits and compensations
Currency Sellers are often covered by collective agreements that provide access to occupational pension, insurance, and holiday pay. Other common benefits include wellness allowances, staff discounts, and sometimes bonuses linked to sales performance. Overtime pay may also be applicable during inconvenient working hours.
Competition and challenges
The labor market for Currency Sellers is characterized by high competition, where the number of applicants often exceeds the number of available positions. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, there is a surplus of labor within the profession, and job opportunities are limited nationwide. Challenges in the profession include rapid fluctuations in customer flow, high security requirements, and the ability to handle stressful situations, especially during peak travel seasons. Digitalization and decreasing cash usage may also impact future demand, although the need for personal service and currency expertise remains relevant for many employers.
Tips for those who want to become a Currency Seller
To succeed as a Currency Seller, it is good to combine accuracy with customer service skills and stress resilience. A positive attitude and good communication skills help when interacting with customers from different countries, while a mathematical mindset facilitates quick and accurate transactions. It is recommended to actively seek internships in banks or stores to build experience. Flexibility and the ability to adapt to varying tasks are valuable, as is an interest in economics and current events. Taking the initiative for further training in security or languages can also open more doors within the profession.
Key facts about Currency Sellers
- Average salary: 30 100 SEK/month
- Education level: High school diploma, preferably in trade/economics
- Work environment: Office or store with customer contact
- Demand: Limited opportunities for new jobs, 550 vacancies nationwide
- Gender differences: Women earn 99% of men's salaries
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a Currency Seller, there may be opportunities to advance to more responsible roles, such as store manager, trainer of new staff, or specialist in cash handling and security. Some choose to further their education in banking, economics, or sales to broaden their career options. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, demand for Currency Sellers and similar professions is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, but competition for jobs remains high and there is a surplus of labor within the profession. Digitalization and changing payment habits may influence the future job market, but personal service and expertise in currency continue to be relevant for many employers.
Frequently asked questions about Currency Sellers
- What is the average salary of a Currency Seller?
- The average salary is 30 100 SEK per month.
- Are there differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn 99% of what men do within the profession.
- What education is required to become a Currency Seller?
- High school education, preferably in trade or economics, and experience in cash handling are recommended.
- What are the future prospects?
- Job opportunities are limited, and there is a surplus of labor nationwide.
- What are the most common job tasks?
- Buying and selling foreign currency, customer service, cash handling, and advising on exchange rates.
- What is the highest and lowest salary for a Currency Seller?
- The highest salary is 32,200 SEK (men), 30,800 SEK (women); the lowest salary is 27,000 SEK (men), 29,100 SEK (women).
- How many job openings are available?
- There are 550 job openings nationwide within the profession.