How much does a Animal keepers, agriculture make

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Animal keepers, agriculture

28 400 kr

Breeders and caretakers of farm animals

27 000 - 32 500 kr / month

Women earn 94% of what men do.

Naturbruk

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Animal keepers, agriculture

Average salary 28 400 kr
Males 29 700 kr
Females 27 800 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 5 Vacant jobs ->

What does a farm animal caretaker do? – Tasks and work environment

A farm animal caretaker is responsible for the daily care of farm animals, which often include cows, pigs, sheep, and other production animals. Tasks range from feeding, watering, and cleaning stalls to monitoring animal health and well-being. The role also includes assisting with calvings, minor veterinary procedures, and documenting animal conditions. The work environment involves physical work outdoors and indoors, with the workday often aligned with the animals’ needs rather than fixed office hours. Safety and hygiene are central aspects of the profession, and the work environment can sometimes be demanding, especially during busy periods such as lambing or calving.

Salary development over time

The salary for farm animal caretakers has shown a relatively stable development over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,200 SEK per month, while it increased to 28 400 in 2024. This represents a salary increase of about 4.4% during the period, which can be linked to a slightly increased demand for skilled caretakers and general adjustments within the industry. Over the past year, salary levels have been unchanged, reflecting a calmer market development and some stabilization within the profession. Structural factors such as education level and regional differences also influence salary development, although no dramatic changes have been observed recently.

Farm Animal Caretaker Salary – Complete Overview

  • Average salary: 28 400 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 27,000 SEK/month (female, private sector, 3-year upper secondary education)
  • Highest salary: 32,500 SEK/month (female, public sector, up to 2-year upper secondary education)
  • Hourly wage: 171 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Women earn 27 800 SEK/month, men 29,700 SEK/month (women 94% of men's salary)

Many farm animal caretakers develop a deep understanding of animal behavior and well-being, which allows them to quickly detect illness or abnormal behaviors. This experience-based knowledge is difficult to replace with technology and is invaluable for the daily operation of farms.

– statsskuld.se

Education and qualifications

To work as a farm animal caretaker, a typical requirement is upper secondary education in natural resources, often with a focus on farm animals. Practical experience is highly valued, and many employers view completed internships or traineeships positively. Additional certifications, such as in animal health or machinery operation, can be advantageous and improve employment prospects.

  • Upper secondary education: Natural resources program, specialization in farming (3 years)
  • Internships: Mandatory practical training during education
  • Certifications: Courses in animal health, hygiene, or machinery licenses (e.g., tractor)
  • Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for upper secondary education
  • Advice for choosing: Select schools with strong industry networks for better internship opportunities

Common benefits and compensations

Farm animal caretakers are often offered benefits such as work clothing, wellness allowances, and access to staff facilities. Some employers may also provide training in animal handling or machinery use, as well as housing on or near the farm. Overtime pay, collective agreements, and insurance coverage are common within the profession, especially with larger employers.

Competition and challenges

The job market for farm animal caretakers is characterized by high demand but also certain recruitment difficulties, especially since many work part-time. Challenges include attracting new, young workers to a physically demanding profession and managing irregular working hours aligned with animal needs. Salary levels are relatively consistent, but competition for permanent, full-time positions can be intense in some regions. Digitalization and new technology are also changing job tasks, which requires ongoing skills development.

Tips for aspiring farm animal caretakers

To succeed as a farm animal caretaker, it’s beneficial to have a genuine interest in animals and be attentive to their needs, as quick reactions are often required in unexpected situations. Practical problem-solving skills are valuable, especially when technical or logistical challenges arise. Being resilient and able to work independently is important, as workdays can be long and sometimes involve solitary work. Collaboration skills are also necessary, especially during busy periods or larger tasks involving multiple people. Finally, an openness to learning new skills and adapting to changing work methods is essential, as the industry evolves rapidly.

Key facts about Farm Animal Caretakers

  • Education level: Upper secondary education in natural resources
  • Work environment: Physical work, outdoors and indoors
  • Work arrangements: Often shift work and weekends, sometimes part-time
  • Demand: Significant opportunities for employment nationwide
  • Number of job openings: 360 within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a farm animal caretaker, experienced workers can advance to supervisory roles, such as foreman or barn manager. Some choose to further their education in animal health, consulting, or farm technology, which can lead to specialized positions or work in consulting firms. The Swedish Public Employment Service forecasts that job opportunities in the profession will remain strong, with steady demand over the next five years. Recruitment difficulties persist, especially due to many part-time workers and the practical experience required. Digitalization and sustainability focus may create new career paths for those interested in technology and development within agriculture.

Frequently asked questions about Farm Animal Caretakers

  • What does a Farm Animal Caretaker earn?
    - A farm animal caretaker has an average salary of 28 400 SEK per month.
  • How has the salary development looked for Farm Animal Caretakers?
    - Salaries have increased from 27,200 SEK in 2022 to 28 400 in 2024, an increase of approximately 4.4%.
  • Are there regional salary differences?
    - Salaries can vary depending on employer and region, but the national average is 28 400 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a Farm Animal Caretaker?
    - Usually, upper secondary education in natural resources, often with a focus on farm animals.
  • What does the demand look like for Farm Animal Caretakers?
    - Demand is high nationwide, with approximately 360 job openings.
  • What are the most common job tasks?
    - Feeding, animal health, barn cleaning, and documentation of animal condition.
  • Are there opportunities for further education or career development?
    - Yes, opportunities exist to advance to leadership roles or further education in animal health and technology.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 11:40:55

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Animal keepers, agriculture is 32500 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Public sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 31900 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Animal keepers, agriculture is 27000 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 29700 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 25500 kr 27200 kr
25-34 26600 kr 28000 kr
35-44 29600 kr 30300 kr
45-54 27600 kr 27900 kr
55-64 30600 kr 31300 kr
Snitt 94% 27400 kr 28400 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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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 Animal keepers, agriculture has the SSYK code 6121, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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