Replacement, animal care salary

Salary and Work for Substitute Animal Caretakers

Working as a substitute animal caretaker involves taking care of farm animals, which can include everything from dairy cows and pigs to sheep and goats. The profession is crucial to ensure that the animals receive the daily care they need, even when the regular animal caretaker is absent.

Job Duties

As a substitute animal caretaker, the job duties involve caring for the animals, which includes feeding, cleaning the stables, and monitoring the animals' health. When needed, it may also involve assisting with veterinary visits and performing basic medical treatments. It is a physically demanding job that requires good animal knowledge and a sense of the animals' well-being.

Education and Qualifications

To work as a substitute animal caretaker, a basic education in agriculture or animal care is usually required. Many high schools offer agricultural programs with a focus on animal care, which is a good starting point. Post-secondary education such as vocational training in agriculture and animal care can also be advantageous. Practical experience is often as important as formal education in this profession.

Salary Statistics

The average salary for a substitute animal caretaker is 27 200 SEK per month. There is a certain salary difference between genders; men earn an average of 27 900 SEK, while women earn 26 600 SEK. Women's salaries therefore correspond to approximately 95% of men's salaries. The average salary has increased from 26 100 SEK to 27 200 SEK since the last measurement.

Job Opportunities and Outlook

According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, job opportunities for breeders and caretakers of farm animals, which includes substitute animal caretakers, are significant. At the national level, demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. However, there is a paradox in the recruitment situation: despite many part-time workers in the profession, it is often difficult to recruit personnel.

Benefits

Benefits in the profession can vary depending on the employer. Some employers may offer paid training to further develop employees' skills. Other benefits may include subsidized work clothes or access to a company car, but these benefits are not necessarily standard in the profession.

Things to Consider

If you are interested in working as a substitute animal caretaker, it is important that you have a genuine love for animals and are not afraid of physical work. Flexibility is another important factor, as working hours can be varied and sometimes involve early mornings or late evenings. A strong work ethic and the ability to work independently are also important qualities for success in this profession.