Salary progression Groom

Average salary 29 400 kr
Males 29 500 kr
Females 29 300 kr

What does a horse caretaker do? – Tasks and work environment

A horse caretaker is responsible for the daily care of horses, including feeding, mucking out, grooming, exercising, and monitoring their health. The work may also involve assisting during veterinary visits, farrier work, and competitions. The environment is often physically demanding and takes place outdoors or in stables, with early mornings and sometimes irregular working hours depending on the operation’s needs. The tasks require good physical fitness, a sense of responsibility, and a genuine concern for animal welfare.

Salary development over time

The salary for horse caretakers has shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,200 SEK per month, which increased to 29 400 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average remains at 29 400 SEK, representing an approximate 4.4 % increase from 2022 to 2023, followed by stabilization. This trend reflects a certain stabilization in the job market, where demand for the profession remains steady but salary increases have slowed. Salary development is influenced by factors such as employer sector, experience, and education level, as well as the market’s ability to attract and retain staff in a profession often driven by passion rather than high wages.

Horse caretaker salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 29 400 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 27,000 SEK/month (female, private sector, upper secondary education, 3 years)
  • Highest salary: 32,500 SEK/month (female, public sector, upper secondary education up to 2 years)
  • Hourly wage: 171 SEK (based on 166 hours/month)
  • Gender differences: Men 29,700 SEK, women 29 300 SEK (women earn 100% of men’s salary)
  • Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as a horse caretaker, a upper secondary education in natural resources, often with a focus on horses, is usually required. Practical experience with horses is highly valued, and many employers prefer applicants with completed internships or trainee programs. Some employers may also require specific certifications or courses in animal care and safety. A combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills is essential for success in the profession.

  • Upper secondary education: Natural resources program, horse specialization (3 years)
  • Certifications: Courses in animal care and stable management
  • Internships: Workplace-based learning during education
  • Prerequisites: Interest in and experience with horses
  • Tips: Extra internships and summer jobs at riding schools or stables increase chances of employment

Many horse caretakers get the opportunity to work closely with competition horses and can accompany them to national and international events. This provides exciting travel experiences and valuable insights from the elite level of the horse industry.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensation

Common benefits for horse caretakers may include subsidized stable space, work clothing, wellness allowances, and sometimes housing at or near the workplace. Some employers also offer opportunities for further training or participation in competitions and events. The work is often unionized, which can provide access to contractual insurance and pension schemes.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as a horse caretaker can vary depending on location and specialization. The profession attracts many with a strong interest in horses, but there is a paradoxical situation where recruitment difficulties exist alongside many working part-time. Challenges often include physically demanding work and irregular hours, making it difficult to combine with other commitments. It requires resilience and dedication to thrive and stay in the profession. The salary level is relatively low compared to the effort involved, which affects the profession’s attractiveness. Nevertheless, demand for horse caretakers remains stable, and the job market is considered good nationwide.

Tips for those wanting to become a horse caretaker

To succeed as a horse caretaker, it is important to be responsible and flexible, as working days are often long and varied. A strong interest in horses and patience are crucial, as the work demands precision and care for each animal. Gaining experience early through internships or part-time jobs in stables provides valuable contacts and increases employability. Being cooperative facilitates teamwork, especially at larger facilities. Physical endurance is an advantage, as days are often physically demanding. Good communication skills are appreciated by employers and colleagues, particularly when working with clients or at competitions. Finally, it pays to be curious about further education in horse knowledge and animal care to broaden skills and advance in the profession.

Key facts about Horse Caretakers

  • Educational level: Upper secondary, natural resources – horse specialization
  • Work environment: Physical work in stables and outdoor settings
  • Demand: Great opportunities for employment, 360 job openings nationwide
  • Typical employment: Full-time or part-time, often irregular hours
  • Gender distribution: Women dominate the profession but earn 100% of men’s salary

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a horse caretaker, opportunities may open to advance to supervisory roles such as stable manager or specialize in areas like competition work, young horse training, or rehabilitation. Some choose to further their education as hippologists or veterinary assistants. According to forecasts from the Employment Service, job opportunities are plentiful and expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Recruitment challenges include finding staff with the right experience, while many work part-time in the profession. Overall, the outlook is positive for those engaged and eager to develop within the horse industry.

Frequently asked questions about Horse Caretakers

  • What is the average salary of a Horse Caretaker?
    - The average salary is 29 400 SEK per month.
  • What are the gender differences in salary?
    - Men earn an average of 29,700 SEK, while women earn 29 300 SEK. Women earn 100% of men's salary.
  • What education is required to become a horse caretaker?
    - The most common route is the upper secondary natural resources program with a focus on horses, often combined with practical training.
  • What does the job market look like for horse caretakers?
    - Job opportunities are plentiful, and demand is expected to remain unchanged in the coming years.
  • What is the highest salary for a horse caretaker?
    - The highest salary is 32,500 SEK per month for a woman in the public sector.
  • What are the tasks of a horse caretaker?
    - Tasks include caring for, feeding, exercising, and general health monitoring of horses.
  • What personal qualities are important for a horse caretaker?
    - Responsibility, patience, good physical condition, and teamwork skills are especially important.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Groom is 33900 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 32900 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Groom is 29000 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 29500 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 25200 kr 26300 kr
25-34 28700 kr 29300 kr
35-44 29700 kr 30600 kr
45-54 30900 kr 31400 kr
55-64 29900 kr 30300 kr
Snitt 100% 28700 kr 29400 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 Groom has the SSYK code 6121, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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* Updated with 2026 taxes