- Salary statistics
- Apple picker salary
Apple picker salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
26 500 - 29 000 SEK / month
Women earn 100% of what men do.
Naturbruk
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Salary progression Apple picker
What does an apple picker do? – Tasks and work environment
An apple picker is responsible for harvesting apples from orchards and fruit gardens during the season. Tasks often include hand-picking fruit and sorting the harvest by quality and ripeness. The work may also involve simple pruning, collecting, and transporting the fruit, as well as cleaning tools and work areas. The work environment is mainly outdoors, meaning weather and seasonal variations affect both pace and working conditions. Physical labor and long working hours are common, especially during peak season when the harvest must be processed quickly to ensure quality.
Wage development over time
The salary for an apple picker has developed steadily in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 23,500 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 27 500 SEK, corresponding to a wage increase of about 12%. In 2024, the trend continued upward with an average salary of 28 200 SEK, an increase of another 4% compared to the previous year. This positive wage trend can partly be explained by increased demand for seasonal workers and a generally higher cost level in food production. However, the apple picker market still shows some wage variation, influenced by experience, work region, and employment type. Despite relatively low formal education requirements, the industry shows a slow but steady rise in wages, reflecting the ongoing need for labor during harvest seasons.
Apple picker salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 28 200 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 24,900 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 28,500 SEK/month
- Hourly wage (average): 165 SEK/hour
- Women: 26,800 SEK/month (100% of men's salary)
- Men: 28 200 SEK/month
- Regional differences: Highest salary in the Regional sector, lowest in the Public sector
Education and qualifications
To work as an apple picker, no formal education is required, but experience in agriculture or previous seasonal work is often advantageous. Employers value practical skills, physical endurance, and accuracy. An introduction at the workplace is common, and sometimes shorter internal courses on harvesting and fruit handling are offered. Knowledge of safety procedures and basic tool handling can also be desirable.
- Formal education: Not required, but high school education in natural resource management is advantageous
- Practical experience: Previous work in agriculture or seasonal work is appreciated
- Introduction: Short workplace introductions are common
- Prerequisites: Physical endurance and accuracy
- Tips for choosing: Interest in outdoor work and teamwork is beneficial
Seasonal work as an apple picker often offers the opportunity to work in scenic environments and provides a unique insight into Swedish fruit cultivation. Many employers value flexibility and teamwork, as the work is often done in small teams under tight deadlines. For those interested in sustainable food production, the profession can also be a pathway into a growing and environmentally conscious industry.
Common benefits and compensations
An apple picker often receives seasonal benefits such as free or subsidized work clothing, access to simple accommodation near the workplace, and sometimes employee discounts on fruit or other products from the farm. Some employers may also offer bonuses for high harvest volumes or work during weekends and inconvenient hours. Reimbursement for travel expenses may be provided when working in rural areas.
Competition and challenges
The competition for seasonal jobs as an apple picker is considered moderate, with approximately 360 available jobs within the berry picker and nursery worker professions on the Swedish labor market. A challenge is that the employment period is limited to the harvest season, which can create uncertainty about ongoing employment. Physically demanding tasks and outdoor work in varying weather conditions require high endurance and health. Since the work is usually team-based, good cooperation and flexibility are necessary. Language skills in Swedish or English can be an advantage for effective communication with supervisors and colleagues. Despite these challenges, there are good opportunities for those who are flexible and have the right attitude to find work in the field.
Tips for those who want to become an apple picker
To succeed as an apple picker, it is good to be resilient and comfortable with physical outdoor work, as long days and changing weather are part of everyday life. Having a careful approach helps ensure that the fruit is handled gently and maintains high quality. Flexibility is also important, as tasks can vary depending on harvest size and weather conditions. Good teamwork facilitates collaboration with colleagues, especially during busy periods. An interest in nature and sustainable food production can provide extra motivation during workdays. Punctuality and reliability are appreciated by employers, as the harvest is often time-critical. Finally, a positive attitude and the ability to adapt to the challenges of seasonal work are valuable.
Key facts about apple pickers
- Education level: No formal education required
- Work environment: Outdoors, often physically demanding
- Employment type: Seasonal employment is most common
- Demand: Moderate opportunities for work
- Number of job openings: 360 within the profession
Career paths and future prospects
After a few years of experience, there may be opportunities to take responsibility as a supervisor for smaller work teams, especially for those demonstrating good organizational skills and leadership. Some choose to further their education in horticulture, fruit cultivation, or agriculture to broaden their employment options. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, opportunities for work within the berry picker and nursery worker professions are considered moderate over the next five years, with unchanged demand. The recruitment situation is balanced, meaning there is neither a shortage nor an oversupply of labor. For those interested in staying within the industry, there are also opportunities to specialize in other crops or to work further in food production and sustainable agriculture.
Common questions about apple pickers
- What does an apple picker earn?
- The average salary for an apple picker is 28 200 SEK per month. - What is the hourly wage for an apple picker?
- The hourly wage averages 165 SEK based on 166 working hours per month. - Are there wage differences between men and women?
- Yes, men earn on average 28 200 SEK and women 26,800 SEK, which means women earn approximately 100% of men's wages. - Is education required to become an apple picker?
- No, formal education is not required, but practical experience is an advantage. - What are the future prospects for apple pickers?
- The job market is considered to have moderate opportunities with unchanged demand in the coming years. - What is the highest and lowest salary for an apple picker?
- The highest salary is 28,500 SEK and the lowest is 24,900 SEK per month. - How many job openings are available for apple pickers?
- Currently, there are 360 available jobs within the berry picker and nursery worker professions.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 26800 kr | 27800 kr | |
| 25-34 | 28100 kr | 28400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 97% | 28500 kr | 28700 kr |
| 45-54 | 27500 kr | 27700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 28200 kr | 28400 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 27700 kr | 28200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 25600 kr | 25600 kr | |
| 35-44 | 98% | 27000 kr | 27400 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 26700 kr | 26900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 25600 kr | 25600 kr | |
| 35-44 | 98% | 27000 kr | 27400 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 26700 kr | 26900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 26800 kr | 27800 kr | |
| 25-34 | 28100 kr | 28400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 97% | 28500 kr | 28700 kr |
| 45-54 | 27500 kr | 27700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 28200 kr | 28400 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 27700 kr | 28200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 26800 kr | 27800 kr | |
| 25-34 | 28100 kr | 28400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 97% | 28500 kr | 28700 kr |
| 45-54 | 27500 kr | 27700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 28200 kr | 28400 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 27700 kr | 28200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 26700 kr | 27300 kr | |
| 25-34 | 28400 kr | 28800 kr | |
| 35-44 | 97% | 28700 kr | 29000 kr |
| 45-54 | 27500 kr | 27700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 28200 kr | 28400 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 27800 kr | 28200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 98% | 26800 kr | 27700 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 26900 kr | 27200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 98% | 26800 kr | 27700 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 26900 kr | 27200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 26700 kr | 27300 kr | |
| 25-34 | 28400 kr | 28800 kr | |
| 35-44 | 97% | 28700 kr | 29000 kr |
| 45-54 | 27500 kr | 27700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 28200 kr | 28400 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 27800 kr | 28200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 26700 kr | 27300 kr | |
| 25-34 | 28400 kr | 28800 kr | |
| 35-44 | 97% | 28700 kr | 29000 kr |
| 45-54 | 27500 kr | 27700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 28200 kr | 28400 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 27800 kr | 28200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 97% | 28000 kr | 28100 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 27400 kr | 28200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 25900 kr | 25900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 98% | 27100 kr | 27100 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 26500 kr | 26500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 25900 kr | 25900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 98% | 27100 kr | 27100 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 26500 kr | 26500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 97% | 28000 kr | 28200 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 27400 kr | 28200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 97% | 28000 kr | 28200 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 27400 kr | 28200 kr |
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 Apple picker has the SSYK code 9210, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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