How much does a Pig breeder make

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  2. Pig breeder
Image that illustrates Pig breeder

Pig breeder

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 Pig breeder

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

What does a pig breeder do? – tasks and work environment

Pig breeders are responsible for raising and caring for pigs, from piglets to slaughter-ready animals. Tasks include daily feeding, supervision, cleaning of stables, and monitoring animal health and welfare. Pig breeders often work closely with the animals and handle basic veterinary procedures, reporting, and documentation related to the herd. The work environment involves physical activity, early mornings, and work both indoors in stables and outdoors, regardless of weather. Shift work and sometimes weekend duties are common, especially on larger farms.

Salary development over time

The profession of pig breeding has seen steady salary growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,200 SEK per month, increasing the following year to 28 400 SEK and remaining at the same level in 2024. This represents a salary increase of approximately 4.4% from 2022 to 2023, while the salary has been unchanged between 2023 and 2024. This development reflects a period of increased valuation of the profession, likely linked to rising demand for labor, while salary levels have now stabilized. Salary levels are also influenced by factors such as education level and market demand for qualified pig breeders within the agricultural sector.

Pig breeder salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 28 400 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 27,000 SEK/month (woman, private sector, high school education 3 years)
  • Highest salary: 32,500 SEK/month (woman, public sector, high school education up to 2 years)
  • Hourly wage: 171 SEK
  • Women: 27 800 SEK (94% of men's salary)
  • Men: 29,700 SEK
  • Regional differences: No specific data available

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a pig breeder usually involves completing the natural resource program at high school, with specialization in agriculture or animal husbandry. Practical experience is highly valuable, and many employers prefer applicants who have completed internships or trainee periods on pig farms. The education combines animal knowledge, technology, and environmental awareness, providing a broad foundation for the profession.

  • High school education: Natural resource program, 3 years
  • Internship: Often mandatory during education
  • Certifications: Opportunities for courses in animal husbandry and disease control
  • Prerequisites: Basic education, interest in animals and agriculture
  • Tips: Extra courses in animal health and environmental technology provide a competitive edge

Many pig breeders develop a close relationship with their animals and can quickly notice behavioral or health changes – a skill that is invaluable for animal welfare and farm success.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for pig breeders include work clothing, wellness allowances, and sometimes subsidized lunches. Some workplaces offer opportunities for skill development, and accommodation may be provided for employees on larger farms. Compensation for inconvenient working hours and weekend work is also common in the industry.

Competition and challenges

The profession of pig breeding is characterized by high demand for labor nationwide, but there is a paradoxical situation where many work part-time, and employers experience recruitment difficulties. Competition for full-time positions can therefore be significant, especially on larger farms and in the public sector. Challenges include managing work environment risks, complying with strict animal welfare regulations, and adapting to technological changes in agriculture. Additionally, good physical fitness and endurance are required to handle the daily, sometimes demanding tasks.

Tips for those who want to become pig breeders

To succeed as a pig breeder, it is beneficial to have a genuine interest in animals and the ability to work independently. Patience is important when routines must be followed carefully and unexpected situations arise, while flexibility is key to quickly adapting to changes in animal needs or work structure. Being communicative and cooperative is an asset, especially on larger farms where teamwork is essential. Practical teamwork and initiative are appreciated by employers, and a willingness to continually learn about animal health and technology provides advantages on the job market. Attention to detail and a sense of responsibility help maintain high animal welfare and safety on the farm.

Key facts about pig breeders

  • Education level: High school education (natural resource program)
  • Work environment: Physically demanding, often in stables and outdoor environments
  • Work form: Full-time or part-time, shift work and weekends are common
  • Demand: Great opportunities for employment according to Arbetsförmedlingen
  • Special skills: Animal health and disease control are advantageous

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, many pig breeders have the opportunity to advance to supervisory roles, such as stable manager or production manager on larger farms. Some choose to further their education in animal health or agricultural technology to broaden their work area. Forecasts from Arbetsförmedlingen show that opportunities for employment as a pig breeder, within the group of breeders and caretakers of farm animals, are large and expected to remain stable over five years. Recruitment difficulties in the labor market mean that trained and experienced pig breeders are in high demand. There are also good opportunities to start your own business or specialize in, for example, organic production.

Frequently asked questions about pig breeders

  • What does a pig breeder earn?
    - The average salary for a pig breeder is 28 400 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a pig breeder?
    - High school education in natural resource programs, preferably with practical experience in agriculture, is recommended.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 94% of men's salaries in the profession.
  • What does the job market look like for pig breeders?
    - The job market is strong with many opportunities, and there are numerous available jobs nationally.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Attention to detail, responsibility, patience, and an interest in animals are key qualities.
  • What are the career paths?
    - After a few years, you can advance to supervisory roles, specialize, or start your own farm.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-11 07:55:52

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

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