Pet sitter, farm pets

What does a livestock caretaker do in agriculture? – Tasks and work environment

A livestock caretaker in agriculture is responsible for daily care of farm animals such as cows, pigs, sheep, and goats. Tasks include feeding, milking, cleaning stables and animal shelters, monitoring health, and assisting with births and veterinary visits. The work often involves shift work, including weekends and early mornings, as animals require year-round supervision. The work environment is physically demanding, with outdoor work occurring regularly, especially on smaller farms where tasks can be highly varied.

Salary development over time

The salary for livestock caretakers in agriculture has shown a slightly positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,200 SEK per month, then increased to 28 400 SEK in both 2023 and 2024, representing an increase of approximately 4.4% during this period. This trend reflects a general pattern where wages in the agricultural sector rise slowly, often in line with collective agreements and inflation rather than dramatic market changes. Despite the increase, salary levels have remained stable over the past year, indicating a certain maturity in the job market. Demand for labor remains high, but wage growth is influenced by the economic conditions of the sector and competition from other industries.

Livestock caretaker, farm animals salary – complete 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/hour
• Women earn: 27 800 SEK/month (94% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 29,700 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Data on regional differences is unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as a livestock caretaker in agriculture, a high school education with a focus on natural resources or agriculture is usually required. Practical experience is highly valued by employers, and many workplaces offer induction for new employees. The profession is also open to those without formal education, but competition for the most attractive positions may be tougher without relevant background.

• High school education: Natural resources program, specialization in agriculture (3 years)
• Vocational training: Adult education in agriculture and animal husbandry
• Internships: On-the-job training (OJT) often included
• Courses: Animal health, animal care, work environment, and machinery operation
• Prerequisites: Usually basic high school eligibility
• Tips for choosing: Interest in animals and practical work is crucial

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for livestock caretakers in agriculture include work clothing, wellness allowances, and sometimes access to staff housing or favorable accommodation conditions on the farm. Some employers also offer training in animal health and machinery use, as well as extra compensation for inconvenient hours such as evenings and weekends. Collective agreements often regulate conditions such as vacation, pension, and sick leave.

Competition and challenges

The job market for livestock caretakers in agriculture is characterized by high demand for labor but also recruitment difficulties. Many working in the profession do so part-time, which can make it hard for employers to find staff for full-time positions. Therefore, the competition for positions is lower for those who are flexible and able to work full-time or during inconvenient hours. Challenges in the profession include physically demanding tasks, outdoor work in all seasons, and a certain risk of work-related injuries. At the same time, technological development requires continuous skills upgrading.

Tips for those who want to become a livestock caretaker in agriculture

To succeed as a livestock caretaker in agriculture, it is good to have a genuine interest in animals and a desire to work practically in a varied environment. Attention to detail is important, as animals' well-being often depends on small details in care. Flexibility is helpful, as workdays can vary greatly depending on the season and animals' needs. Physical endurance is crucial since the work is often heavy and requires long days. Being cooperative and having good communication skills are also valuable, especially when working in teams on larger farms. Finally, being curious about new technology is an advantage, as digitalization and automation are becoming increasingly common in agriculture.

Key facts about livestock caretakers in agriculture

• Education level: High school education (natural resources) most common
• Work environment: Physically demanding, often outdoors and shift work
• Demand: Large opportunities for employment, 360 registered job openings
• Work form: Common with part-time, but full-time positions are in demand
• Technological development: Increasing use of automation and digital systems

Career paths and future prospects

After several years of experience as a livestock caretaker in agriculture, there are opportunities to advance to supervisory roles or specialize in areas such as animal health, breeding, or machinery operation. Some choose to further their education to become farm managers or estate managers, while others start their own businesses. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast, the prospects for employment in the profession are good, and demand is expected to remain steady over the next five years. Those combining practical experience with further education often have particularly good opportunities for career development within natural resource sectors.

Frequently asked questions about livestock caretakers in agriculture

• What does a livestock caretaker, farm animals, earn?
  – The average salary is 28 400 SEK per month, with variation between 27,000 and 32,500 SEK depending on experience, gender, and sector.
• What education is required to become a livestock caretaker?
  – High school education with a focus on natural resources is most common, but adult education and internships can also provide access to the profession.
• What is the job market like?
  – Opportunities for employment are plentiful, and currently there are 360 available jobs in the profession.
• What tasks are included?
  – Animal care, feeding, cleaning, health monitoring, and sometimes machinery operation or administrative work.
• Are there salary differences between women and men?
  – Yes, women earn on average 94% of what men do in the profession.
• How does new technology affect the profession?
  – Automated systems and digital monitoring are becoming more common, which requires new skills.
• Can you work part-time as a livestock caretaker?
  – Yes, part-time work is common, but full-time positions are especially in demand among larger employers.