Image that illustrates Hostel host

Hostel host

30 400 kr

Hotel receptionists etc.

26 900 - 32 200 kr / month

Women earn 97% of what men do.

Hotell, restaurang

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Hostel host

Average salary 30 400 kr
Males 31 000 kr
Females 30 100 kr

What does a Hostel Manager do? – Job tasks and work environment

A hostel manager is responsible for receiving and assisting guests at the hostel. Tasks include check-in and check-out, booking management, providing information, and ensuring common areas are clean and welcoming. The role often involves simple administrative duties, cash handling, and sometimes selling basic goods or services. The work environment is often social, emphasizing flexibility and service orientation, with irregular hours including evenings and weekends.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for hostel managers has increased from 27,600 SEK in 2022 to 28 900 SEK in 2023 and further to 30 400 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of about 10% during the period, slightly above the average wage growth on the labor market. Factors driving this increase include higher demand for service staff in the hospitality sector and some competition for workers, especially during peak seasons. However, differences between regions and employers remain, and gender pay gaps persist, though they have narrowed somewhat in recent years.

Hostel Manager salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 30 400 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 26,900 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 32,200 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 183 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 30 100 SEK, men 31 000 SEK (women 97% of men's salary)
  • Regional differences: Some variation depending on location and season

Education and qualifications

Formal education is rarely required to work as a hostel manager, but many employers prefer applicants with a high school diploma, preferably in hotel and tourism programs. Experience in service roles, language skills, and good computer skills are advantageous. Practical experience through summer jobs or internships is highly valued and can be decisive in recruitment.

  • High school education: Hotel and tourism programs (3 years)
  • Courses/certificates: Guest service, cash handling, fire safety
  • Internships: Internships at hotels, hostels, or similar establishments
  • Language skills: English and sometimes additional languages
  • Prerequisites: Computer literacy and social skills

It is not uncommon for hostel managers to meet guests from all over the world, making the profession an excellent opportunity for those wanting to develop language skills and create international contacts. Many describe the work as social and varied, with no two days being the same.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensation

Hostel managers are often offered overtime pay for evening and weekend work, as well as staff discounts on accommodation and activities. Some employers may also provide wellness allowances, uniform allowances, and access to staff accommodation during the season. Holiday pay and collective agreement benefits are also common.

Competition and challenges

The job market for hostel managers is relatively good, but competition can increase during low season and in less attractive areas. During peak season, especially in tourist-heavy regions, there is often a shortage of qualified staff. Many positions are seasonal or part-time, which can limit opportunities for permanent and full-time employment. The role requires flexibility and patience, especially when handling unexpected situations and diverse guest needs.

Tips for aspiring hostel managers

To succeed as a hostel manager, it is important to have a strong service orientation and genuine interest in meeting people. Flexibility and stress resistance help when the pace varies between calm and busy periods, and problem-solving skills are valuable in handling unforeseen events. Good organizational skills aid in managing bookings and routines, while communication skills facilitate contact with international guests. An interest in languages and cultures is often an advantage, as is being attentive to guests' needs and wishes. Showing responsibility and initiative can also open opportunities for more responsibilities and career growth within the industry.

Key facts about Hostel Managers

  • Average salary: 30 400 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 26,900–32,200 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school (hotel & tourism), sometimes supplemented with courses
  • Work environment: Social, often shift and seasonal work
  • Demand: Good – 123 job openings in the profession in spring 2024

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as a hostel manager, there are opportunities to advance to supervisory roles, such as site manager or reception manager at larger establishments. Some move on to work within hotel chains, travel agencies, or other parts of the hospitality industry. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, demand for the profession remains strong, with good employment opportunities, although many positions are part-time or seasonal. Over five years, demand is expected to remain stable, though some employers report recruitment difficulties for experienced staff.

Frequently asked questions about Hostel Managers

  • What is the average salary of a Hostel Manager?
    - The average salary for a hostel manager is 30 400 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a Hostel Manager?
    - High school education in hotel and tourism is most common, but experience and language skills are often more important than formal education.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 97% of what men do in the profession.
  • What is the job market like for Hostel Managers?
    - Job opportunities are good, especially during peak season and in tourist-heavy areas.
  • What benefits are common for Hostel Managers?
    - Common benefits include overtime pay, staff discounts, wellness contributions, and sometimes staff accommodation.
  • What career paths are available after a few years in the profession?
    - It is common to advance to site manager, reception manager, or other roles within the hospitality sector.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Hostel host is 32200 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 32100 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Hostel host is 26900 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 30200 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 94% 25700 kr 27900 kr
25-34 96% 29000 kr 30900 kr
35-44 95% 29700 kr 31100 kr
45-54 29700 kr 31500 kr
55-64 33500 kr 35700 kr
Snitt 97% 28500 kr 30400 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
Register an account before you can comment

To write a comment you need to create an account.


Default Avatar

About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Hostel host has the SSYK code 4224, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

Search salary statistics for occupation
8000 kr
<-|->
90000 kr
Vacant jobs
Similar occupations
  • Read more about working as Ship chef
    Fri, 5 Dec 2025 - 07:35
  • Read more about working as Kitchen assistant
    Fri, 5 Dec 2025 - 08:06
  • Read more about working as Diet cook
    Fri, 5 Dec 2025 - 07:24
  • Read more about working as Bar master
    Fri, 5 Dec 2025 - 06:33
  • Read more about working as barista
    Fri, 5 Dec 2025 - 07:03
  • Read more about working as Hostel host
    Fri, 5 Dec 2025 - 00:55
Latest posts
  • Public Opinion - Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest
    Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35
  • National Debt - The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden
    Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00
Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

With our Swedish tax calculator, you can easily calculate your after-tax income (net salary).

Swedish Church Member

* Updated with 2025 taxes