- Salary statistics
- Substitutes, agriculture
Substitutes, agriculture
30 704 - 30 083 kr / month
Naturbruk
Salary progression Substitutes, agriculture
What does a substitute worker in agriculture do? – Tasks and work environment
A substitute worker in agriculture temporarily replaces regular farmers when needed, for example due to illness, vacation, or other absences. Tasks often include animal care, milking, feeding, cleaning stables, machinery maintenance, and sometimes simple cultivation work. The work takes place on various farms, meaning the work environment can range from modern farms with advanced equipment to smaller, more traditional farms. It is a physically demanding profession where workdays often start early and may involve working on weekends and holidays.
Wage development over time
The salary for substitute workers in agriculture has shown a slight but steady increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 29,716 SEK per month, rising to 29 958 SEK in 2023 and reaching 30 083 SEK in 2024. The total increase corresponds to approximately 1.2 % over the period. The wage development reflects a general trend in the agricultural sector where wages increase in line with inflation and some skill shortages, but demand for this specific job role has not led to significant pay hikes. The salary level of the profession is also affected by seasonal variations and labor availability, with some stability despite changes in the industry structure.
Substitute Worker, Agriculture Salary – Complete Overview
- Average salary: 30 083 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
- Hourly wage: 181 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
- Gender differences: Data not available
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
To work as a substitute worker in agriculture, a high school education in natural resources is generally required, preferably with a focus on agriculture or animal husbandry. Practical experience with daily routines and machinery in farming is highly valuable, and many employers prefer applicants who have completed internships or trainee programs. The educational path can vary, but the industry values flexibility, responsibility, and the ability to work independently.
- High school education: Natural Resources Program (3 years)
- Internships: Usually at least 8–12 weeks of work-based learning (APL)
- Courses: Basic courses in animal husbandry, machinery operation, and work environment
- Prerequisites: Often B driver's license and some machinery experience
- Tip: Part-time or summer jobs on farms provide valuable experience
Working as a substitute provides a unique insight into different farmers' methods and creates a broad network within the industry. The role is especially suitable for those who appreciate variety and want to learn new tasks on different farms.
Common benefits and compensations
Many substitute positions offer compensation for unsociable hours, travel allowances, and sometimes food and lodging if the work is on remote farms. Some employers also provide work clothing and opportunities for further training in animal husbandry or machinery operation.
Challenges and competition
Competition for substitute positions in agriculture varies depending on the season and geographic location. The profession requires great flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to new environments and routines, which can be challenging for many. Physically demanding work, irregular hours, and short-term contracts are common, demanding endurance and adaptability. Since the job often involves working in smaller teams, substitutes need to be able to make decisions independently and handle unexpected situations. The lack of clear career paths and sometimes irregular income can also impact the attractiveness of the profession.
Tips for those who want to become a substitute worker in agriculture
To succeed as a substitute in agriculture, it is good to be flexible and prepared to quickly change workplaces and adapt to different routines. A genuine interest in animals and farm life makes it easier to learn new tasks and makes the job more rewarding. Independence is an important trait, as many tasks are performed alone without constant supervision. Attention to detail and a sense of responsibility are appreciated by farmers who need to hand over responsibility for animals and machinery. Being communicative and attentive helps to build trust with employers and colleagues, which can lead to more assignments and better references.
Key facts about Substitute Workers in Agriculture
- Education level: High school education (natural resources) recommended
- Work environment: Varied, often outdoors and on different farms
- Typical employment: Temporary contracts and hourly employment
- Demand: 360 available jobs as of May 2024
- Special skills: Machinery experience and animal husbandry
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a substitute in agriculture, there are opportunities to specialize in animal husbandry, machinery operation, or to become an entrepreneur in the agricultural sector. Some choose to further their education to become farm managers, supervisors, or advisors in agriculture. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, it is difficult to make an exact assessment of future prospects for substitute workers, but there remains a demand for labor within cultivation and animal husbandry. Currently, there are 360 available jobs in the profession, indicating some demand despite regional and seasonal variations.
Frequently asked questions about Substitute Workers in Agriculture
- What does a substitute worker in agriculture earn?
- The average salary is 30 083 SEK per month and the hourly wage is 181 SEK. - What education is required to become a substitute worker?
- The Natural Resources Program at high school is recommended, often with practical experience in agriculture. - What is the work environment like for substitute workers?
- The work environment is varied, often outdoors and on different farms with physically demanding tasks. - Are there many job openings for substitute workers?
- There are approximately 360 available jobs as of May 2024. - What personal qualities are important?
- Flexibility, independence, and responsibility are particularly valued. - What benefits can be included in the job?
- Compensation for unsociable hours, travel allowances, and sometimes food and accommodation may be provided.
Salary distributed by age and sector
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 Substitutes, agriculture has the SSYK code 6111, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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