What does a border veterinarian do? – Tasks and work environment
A border veterinarian works at Sweden's border controls, primarily at airports, ports, and certain border crossings. Their tasks involve inspecting the import and export of animals and animal products to ensure compliance with Swedish and European regulations on disease control and animal health. The role also includes administrative work, sampling, inspection of transports, and advising both authorities and private individuals. The work environment is varied and may involve shift work, outdoor work, and on-call duties, where flexibility and precision are essential to handle unexpected situations.
Salary development over time
The salary for border veterinarians has shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 48,500 SEK per month, increasing to 50 300 SEK in 2023 and further to 53 000 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 9.3% over three years. Drivers of this development include increased focus on animal health at borders, changing trade patterns, and an increased demand for veterinary expertise in the public sector. Despite a good supply of trained veterinarians, recruitment difficulties are reported, which may have contributed to rising salaries. Compared to other veterinary specializations, border veterinarians' salary development is in the upper range.
Border veterinarian salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 53 000 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 45,300 SEK/month (men), 48,900 SEK/month (women)
- Highest salary: 55,700 SEK/month (men), 54,400 SEK/month (women)
- Hourly wage: 319 SEK/hour (average)
- Gender differences: Women earn 95% of what men do
- Regional differences: Salary levels can vary but are generally higher in metropolitan areas and at larger border stations
Education and qualifications
To work as a border veterinarian, a veterinary degree and licensure issued by the Swedish Board of Agriculture are required. In addition to the basic education, specialized courses in disease control, food safety, and regulations for international trade in animals and animal products are often necessary. Practical experience from government work or control activities is advantageous, and good communication skills are important when liaising with various stakeholders.
- Veterinary degree: University education, 5.5 years
- Licensure: Issued by the Swedish Board of Agriculture
- Special courses: Disease control, food safety, EU regulations
- Internship: Recommended within public control activities
- Language skills: Good Swedish and English required
Border veterinarians are often faced with quick decisions and unexpected situations, as each animal transport can pose unique challenges. The profession requires both analytical skills and a high level of responsibility, especially when suspecting contagious diseases.
Common benefits and compensations
Border veterinarians are often offered benefits such as extra vacation days, wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and sometimes on-call or overtime allowances. In the public sector, pension contributions, professional development, and subsidized meals may also be included among the benefits.
Competition and challenges
The job market for border veterinarians is characterized by high demand but also recruitment difficulties, as many positions require specialized skills and experience. A paradox is that many veterinarians work part-time, which can create a shortage of full-time positions. The profession also involves challenges such as rapidly changing regulations, high demands for accuracy, and sometimes stressful working conditions at larger border crossings. At the same time, the role plays an important societal function, where errors can have significant consequences for both animals and humans.
Tips for aspiring border veterinarians
To succeed as a border veterinarian, it is beneficial to have strong analytical skills, as each day involves new assessments of animals and products crossing the border. Good communication and teamwork skills facilitate contact with colleagues and external actors, and help manage complex cases. Flexibility and resilience are crucial, as work can involve quick adjustments and urgent responses to suspected infections. Attention to detail is key, especially in documentation and interpreting regulations. An interest in international issues and regulations is also valuable, as the job often involves collaboration with authorities in other countries. Finally, a strong ethical compass and sense of responsibility are necessary, as decisions can significantly impact animal welfare and public health.
Key facts about border veterinarians
- Education level: Veterinary degree (5.5 years) and licensure
- Work environment: Varied – border stations, airports, ports
- Demand: High, with 375 job openings in the profession
- Typical work form: Public sector, shift work, on-call duties
- Special skills: Disease control, international trade, EU regulations
Career paths and future prospects
After a few years as a border veterinarian, opportunities exist to advance to leadership roles, such as chief veterinarian or inspector responsible for larger control areas. With experience, work within international organizations, policy development, or education can also be pursued. The forecast from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicates good job opportunities, expected to remain stable over the next five years, despite the profession being part of a broader veterinary group. The recruitment situation is characterized by some shortages of full-time positions and specialized skills, but overall, the future outlook is stable for those choosing this career path.
Frequently asked questions about border veterinarians
- What does a border veterinarian earn?
- A border veterinarian has an average salary of 53 000 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, gender, and region.
- What education is required to become a border veterinarian?
- A veterinary degree at university level (5.5 years) and licensure from the Swedish Board of Agriculture are required.
- Are there salary differences between women and men?
- Yes, women earn on average 95% of what men do within the profession.
- What is the work environment like for a border veterinarian?
- The work environment is varied and may include shift work, outdoor environments, and on-call duties at border stations.
- What career opportunities are available for a border veterinarian?
- Good opportunities for leadership roles, further education, and work within international organizations.
- What are the future prospects for border veterinarians?
- Forecasts indicate continued high demand and a stable job market over the next five years.
- What is the highest and lowest salary for a border veterinarian?
- The highest salary is 55,700 SEK (men) and 54,400 SEK (women); the lowest salary is 45,300 SEK (men) and 48,900 SEK (women).
