Image that illustrates Horse breeder

Horse breeder

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 Horse breeder

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

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

A horse breeder is responsible for planning, executing, and supervising the breeding of horses, from covering and pregnancy to foaling and the foal's first year. Tasks include breeding planning, feeding, stable management, documentation of lineage, and contact with veterinarians and buyers. The work is often carried out on private farms or larger studs and requires physical outdoor work year-round, sometimes in unfavorable weather conditions. A horse breeder needs to have good rapport with animals and be meticulous to ensure the well-being and development of the horses.

Salary development over time

The salary for horse breeders has shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,200 SEK per month and increased to 28 400 kr in both 2023 and 2024, corresponding to a salary increase of approximately 4% between 2022 and 2023. Since then, the salary level has remained unchanged. This increase can partly be explained by increased demand for qualified labor in agriculture and general wage pressure within the sector. Meanwhile, the industry's salary levels have stagnated in the past year, possibly due to the fact that the profession is often practiced at smaller farms and stables with limited salary budgets. Differences in education level and staffing shortages also influence salary levels.

Horse breeder salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 28 400 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 27,000 SEK/month (female, private sector, high school education, 3 years)
  • Highest salary: 32,500 SEK/month (female, public sector, high school education up to 2 years)
  • Hourly wage: 171 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 27 800 SEK (94% of men's salary), men earn 29,700 SEK
  • Regional differences: Limited public statistics, but variations may occur depending on region and employer

Education and qualifications

To work as a horse breeder, a high school education in agricultural studies with a focus on horses is usually required, but many combine this with practical experience on farms or studs. Further training and specialized courses in breeding, animal health, and entrepreneurship are often advantageous for career development.

  • Formal education: Agricultural program with horse specialization (3 years)
  • Certifications: Courses in breeding, animal health, and stable management
  • Internships: Longer internships at studs or farms are recommended
  • Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of horses and animal husbandry
  • Self-study: Opportunities for online courses and industry seminars are available

Many horse breeders choose to combine breeding with other activities, such as riding lessons or stall rental. This creates a more varied and economically sustainable workday, while also providing valuable networks within the horse industry.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensation

Common benefits for horse breeders include access to company housing on the farm, discounts on feed and stable equipment, and insurance for both animals and staff. Some employers also offer opportunities for professional development and participation in industry events, which can be valuable for long-term career growth.

Competition and challenges

The profession of horse breeding is characterized by a paradoxical labor market situation where there are recruitment difficulties at the same time as many work part-time. Competition for permanent positions can be tough, especially in regions with many established studs. Economic fluctuations, changes in demand for horses, and the need for specialized knowledge in breeding and animal health pose challenges for both newcomers and experienced practitioners. Flexibility and the ability to adapt operations to market needs are required. Despite this, the prospects for employment nationwide are considered large, with demand expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.

Tips for aspiring horse breeders

To succeed as a horse breeder, it is good to combine a genuine interest in animals with practical experience and business-minded thinking. Attention to detail is crucial, as breeding work requires documentation and monitoring of the horses' health. Patience and perseverance help manage long working days and challenges such as foaling or illness. Networking and collaboration skills are important for finding the right partners and buyers. Finally, continuous education and staying updated on new research in breeding and animal health are wise to develop within the profession.

Key facts about horse breeders

  • Education level: High school education, often agricultural with horse specialization
  • Work environment: Physical outdoor work on farms or studs
  • Job market: Large opportunities, 360 available jobs within the profession
  • Demand: Unchanged over five years according to the Swedish Employment Service
  • Special skills: Breeding, animal health, entrepreneurship

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, a horse breeder can advance to running their own business, become responsible for larger breeding projects, or work as an industry advisor. There are also opportunities to specialize in areas such as competitive horse breeding, training young horses, or sales. According to the Swedish Employment Service's forecast, the prospects for employment as a breeder and caretaker of farm animals are large, with demand expected to be unchanged over the next five years. The profession suits those who want to combine practical work with long-term planning and have an interest in animals and nature.

Frequently asked questions about horse breeders

  • What is the average salary of a horse breeder?
    - The average salary is 28 400 kr per month.
  • What are the gender differences in salary for horse breeders?
    - Women earn 27 800 kr (94% of men's salary), men earn 29,700 kr.
  • What education is required to become a horse breeder?
    - Usually, a high school education in agricultural studies, preferably with a focus on horses.
  • Are there many job openings for horse breeders?
    - Yes, there are 360 available jobs according to current statistics.
  • What is the highest salary for a horse breeder?
    - The highest salary is 32,500 kr per month and belongs to a woman in the public sector.
  • What personal qualities are important for the profession?
    - Attention to detail, patience, interest in animals, and business skills are especially valuable.
  • What are the future prospects for horse breeders?
    - Opportunities for employment are considered large, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Horse 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 Horse 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
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 Horse 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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