Replacement, animal care salary

Animal Caretaker: A Closer Look at the Profession

Working as an animal caretaker involves taking care of the livestock on a farm. This can range from feeding and milking cows to keeping sheep and pigs clean and healthy. The profession requires a love for animals and an understanding of their needs, as well as the ability to handle stressful situations and work under varying conditions.

Salary and Gender Pay Gap

The average salary for an animal caretaker is 28 400 SEK per month. However, there is a gender pay gap; men earn an average of 30 000 SEK while women earn 27 700 SEK, meaning women earn 92% of men's salaries. Hourly workers can expect an average hourly wage of 171 SEK, based on 166 working hours per month.

Highest and Lowest Salaries

The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 31600 SEK and for a man, it is 31000 SEK. On the other end of the spectrum, the lowest salaries are where a man earns 26800 SEK and a woman earns 27600 SEK. These differences may be due to factors such as employers, sector, and educational level.

Salary Development

Over the past year, the average salary for animal caretakers has increased from 27 200 SEK to 28 400 SEK. This positive trend may reflect an increased demand for the profession or changes within the agricultural sector.

Working Conditions and Responsibilities

An animal caretaker performs various tasks. This can include taking care of the animals' daily needs, such as feeding and cleaning the stables. It is also important to monitor the animals' health and well-being, which may require basic medical care.

Education and Qualifications

To become an animal caretaker, a high school education in agriculture or animal care is usually required. There is also the opportunity to specialize in different areas, which can open up further career opportunities. For the highest salaries in the profession, we see that a high school education of up to 2 years may be sufficient, while some privately employed workers with post-secondary education earn less.

Future Outlook

The Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts indicate that job opportunities for livestock breeders and caretakers, and thus also for animal caretakers, are expected to be significant. Over a five-year period, demand is expected to remain stable. This provides a solid foundation for those considering pursuing this profession.

Recruitment Situation

Despite the good job opportunities, there are paradoxically recruitment difficulties in the profession. Many work part-time, which may mean that there is a potential supply of labor that is not fully utilized.

Final Thoughts

Working as an animal caretaker is both challenging and rewarding. It requires a passion for animals and a willingness to work hard under varying conditions. With good prospects for the future and opportunities for career development in the field, it can be an excellent choice for those who love animals and nature.