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 26 400 SEK, corresponding to a wage increase of about 12%. In 2024, the trend continued upward with an average salary of 27 500 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: 27 500 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 (96% of men's salary)
• Men: 27 900 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

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 27 500 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 27 900 SEK and women 26,800 SEK, which means women earn approximately 96% 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.