Egg picker

What does an egg collector do? – Tasks and work environment

An egg collector primarily works in agriculture and poultry production, responsible for collecting eggs from hens and other birds. The work can be manual or machine-assisted depending on the farm's size and equipment. Tasks include sorting, inspecting, and packing eggs, as well as ensuring hygienic handling to prevent damage and reduce the risk of disease transmission. The work environment is often physically demanding, involving work in barn conditions where temperature, dust, and noise levels can vary. Seasonal fluctuations and production volume influence workload, especially during periods of increased egg demand.

Salary development over time

The salary for an egg collector has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 23,500 SEK, rising to 26 400 SEK in 2023, and now reaching 27 500 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 17% over the period, surpassing salary growth in many other natural resource professions. This positive trend can partly be explained by increased demand for egg products and a growing focus on food safety, which has raised requirements for skills and responsibility within the profession. Meanwhile, the job market remains relatively stable with a balance between supply and demand, helping to keep wage increases steady without major fluctuations.

Egg collector salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 27 500 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 24,900 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 28,500 SEK/month
• Hourly wage: 165 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 96% of what men do (men: 27 900 SEK, women: 26,800 SEK)
• Regional differences: Highest wages are found in the regional sector, especially for men with a high school diploma

Education and qualifications

To work as an egg collector, no formal higher education is typically required, but experience from agriculture or animal husbandry is often advantageous. Many employers offer internal training and onboarding, enabling individuals with the right attitude and work ethic to quickly enter the profession. Practical skills, accuracy, and understanding of animal husbandry are important qualities for success.

• High school diploma: Natural resource management program, 3 years (advantageous)
• Internal training: Introduction and supervision at the workplace
• Internship: Workplace-based internship is common upon employment
• Pre-knowledge: Experience in animal husbandry or farming highly valued
• Courses: Hygiene and safety training may be required

Common benefits and compensations

Egg collectors are often offered basic employment benefits such as holiday pay, sick pay, and sometimes access to work clothing. At some workplaces, perks like wellness allowances, meal subsidies, or extra pay for working during inconvenient hours may also be available. Opportunities for further training and internal skill development are sometimes offered, especially on larger farms or within bigger companies.

Competition and challenges

The profession as an egg collector is characterized by a balanced job market where the number of available positions matches the number of job seekers. This creates a stable recruitment situation, but competition for the most attractive workplaces can exist, especially for those with experience or specialized skills in food safety. Challenges in the profession mainly relate to the work environment, where tasks can be monotonous and physically demanding. Seasonal variations and access to modern tools also affect working conditions. Additionally, the job requires great attention to detail and endurance, as the pace is often high during production peaks.

Tips for aspiring egg collectors

To succeed as an egg collector, it is good to combine accuracy with good physical endurance. Being attentive to details helps quickly identify damaged or dirty eggs, reducing waste and improving product quality. A positive attitude towards routine work and the ability to work efficiently under time pressure are important qualities, especially during busy periods. Flexibility and willingness to work at different times or tasks are appreciated by many employers. Showing responsibility and interest in animal welfare can build trust and lead to more responsibilities. For those who want to develop within the profession, it pays off to quickly learn new tasks and show initiative, especially regarding quality control or training new colleagues. Finally, good teamwork skills benefit both the work environment and overall efficiency.

Key facts about egg collectors

• Education level: High school diploma is advantageous but not required
• Work environment: Barn and agricultural environment, often physically demanding
• Work arrangements: Seasonal work and permanent positions are common
• Demand: Moderate opportunities, 360 available jobs in the profession
• Gender distribution: Women earn 96% of men's salaries

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience as an egg collector, opportunities open to take responsibility for quality control, supervision, or specialization in food safety. Some choose to further their education in agriculture or animal husbandry to advance to farm manager or supervisor roles at larger farms. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that the job market for berry pickers and nursery workers, including egg collectors, will remain unchanged over the next five years. Demand is expected to be stable, with moderate opportunities for employment and a continued balance between supply and demand. Currently, there are 360 available jobs in the profession, indicating good prospects for those interested in establishing themselves in the field.

Frequently asked questions about egg collectors

• What does an egg collector earn?
  - The average salary for an egg collector is 27 500 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 165 SEK.
• What education is required to work as an egg collector?
  - No formal education is required, but a high school diploma in natural resource management is advantageous, and experience from agriculture is a plus.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, men earn on average 27 900 SEK and women 26,800 SEK, meaning women earn 96% of men's salary.
• What is the job market like for egg collectors?
  - The job market is balanced with moderate opportunities and approximately 360 available jobs in the profession.
• What work environment factors should one be prepared for?
  - The work often occurs in barn environments with physically demanding tasks and may involve working during inconvenient hours.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for an egg collector?
  - The highest salary is 28,500 SEK and the lowest is 24,900 SEK per month.