Image that illustrates Pig keeper

Pig keeper

28 400 kr

Breeders and caretakers of farm animals

27 000 - 32 500 kr / month

Women earn 94% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Pig keeper

Average salary 28 400 kr
Males 29 700 kr
Females 27 800 kr

What does a Pig Caretaker do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A pig caretaker is responsible for the care of pigs within agricultural operations. Tasks include feeding, cleaning stables, monitoring animal health, and documenting growth and illnesses. The role also involves assisting with births and performing simple medical treatments following instructions. The work environment is often physical and takes place in indoor and outdoor farm settings, with shift work and weekend hours depending on operational needs.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salary development for pig caretakers has been relatively stable. In 2022, the average salary was 27,200 SEK per month, increasing to 28 400 SEK in both 2023 and 2024. This represents an increase of about 4.4% between 2022 and 2023, after which the salary level has remained the same. The modest salary increase can partly be explained by continued high demand for labor in animal care, but also by the fact that many in the profession work on smaller and medium-sized farms where salary budgets are limited. The market is characterized by a paradox where employers struggle to recruit, while many workers are part-time, affecting overall salary trends.

Pig Caretaker Salary – Complete Overview

  • Average salary: 28 400 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary (female): 27,000 SEK
  • Lowest salary (male): 29,700 SEK
  • Highest salary (female): 32,500 SEK
  • Highest salary (male): 31,900 SEK
  • Hourly wage (average): 171 SEK
  • Men earn: 29,700 SEK
  • Women earn: 27 800 SEK
  • Women’s salary as % of men’s: 94%

Education and Qualifications

The foundation for working as a pig caretaker is typically a high school education in natural resource management, with a focus on animal husbandry. Practical experience is highly valued, and many employers prefer candidates who have completed internships or trainee programs on farms. There are also opportunities to deepen knowledge through specialized courses and certifications, especially in animal health and barn environment.

  • High school education: Natural resource program, animal focus (3 years)
  • Internships: Work-based learning during education
  • Certifications: Courses in animal health and disease control
  • Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for upper secondary school
  • Tip: Part-time or summer jobs on farms increase employment chances

Many pig caretakers quickly develop a deep understanding of animal behavior and can early detect signs of illness or stress. This sensitivity is often crucial for both animal welfare and production success.

– statsskuld.se

Common Benefits and Compensation

Pig caretakers are generally offered benefits such as per diem for travel, work clothing, wellness contributions, and opportunities for further training in animal care and safety. Some employers also provide subsidized lunches or accommodation, especially on larger farms outside urban areas.

Competition and Challenges

The labor market for pig caretakers is characterized by a paradox where many positions are vacant, yet it is challenging to find the right skills. Recruitment difficulties occur, partly because the job can be physically demanding and involve working during inconvenient hours. Many work part-time, impacting workload and the possibility of full-time employment. Competition for permanent positions may be higher in regions with fewer farms, while demand remains stable in areas with larger livestock production. Success requires practical skills and a genuine interest in animal welfare.

Tips for Aspiring Pig Caretakers

To succeed as a pig caretaker, combining a genuine interest in animals with attention to detail and responsibility is key. Being attentive to animal signals and acting promptly at signs of illness require patience and initiative. Practical experience, such as part-time jobs or internships on farms, provides valuable insight into daily work and improves employment prospects. Physical endurance and the ability to handle heavy tasks are important, as well as working well in teams and following routines. Continuing education in animal health and disease control enhances skills and facilitates taking on more advanced tasks. Flexibility and adaptability to changing duties are advantageous in an environment where no two days are alike.

Key Facts about Pig Caretakers

  • Education level: High school, natural resource management (3 years)
  • Work environment: Physical work in barn and farm settings
  • Work form: Full-time or part-time, often shift work
  • Demand: Large opportunities for employment nationwide
  • Special skills: Animal health, disease control, barn routines

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After three to five years in the profession, there are opportunities to advance to more responsible roles such as barn manager, supervisor, or specialized animal caretaker within larger agricultural companies. Some choose to start their own business or further education in farm management and animal husbandry. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the prospects for employment in the profession as breeders and caretakers of farm animals are high, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over five years. Despite good job opportunities, recruitment difficulties are reported, especially as many work part-time. With increased specialization and experience, pig caretakers can strengthen their position on the labor market and take on more qualified roles.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pig Caretakers

  • What is the average salary of a Pig Caretaker?
    - The average salary for a pig caretaker is 28 400 SEK per month.
  • Are there gender differences in salary for pig caretakers?
    - Yes, men earn an average of 29,700 SEK while women earn 27 800 SEK, which means women earn 94% of men's salary.
  • How has the salary development for pig caretakers progressed?
    - Salaries have increased from 27,200 SEK in 2022 to 28 400 SEK in 2023 and 2024.
  • What education is required to become a pig caretaker?
    - A high school education in natural resource management with a focus on animal husbandry is recommended.
  • What are the most common job tasks?
    - Feeding, cleaning, monitoring animal health, as well as documentation and basic treatments.
  • What are the future prospects for pig caretakers?
    - Projections show continued high demand and good opportunities for employment nationwide.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for pig caretakers?
    - The highest salary is 32,500 SEK (female, public sector) and the lowest is 27,000 SEK (female, private sector).

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Pig keeper 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 Pig keeper 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
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 Pig keeper has the SSYK code 6121, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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