- Salary statistics
- Farmers, crop production
Farmers, crop production
30 704 - 30 083 kr / month
Naturbruk
Salary progression Farmers, crop production
What does an agricultural worker in crop production do? – Tasks and work environment
An agricultural worker in crop production is responsible for the entire production chain of agricultural crops, from sowing to harvest. Tasks include planning the growing season, soil preparation, sowing, watering, fertilization, and weed and pest control. During the harvest period, work is often intense and requires flexibility, as weather and market conditions can affect working hours and activities. The work environment varies between fields, greenhouses, and machinery halls, and much of the work is outdoors with heavy machinery and tools. Seasonal variations mean that workload can be high at certain times, while winter months are sometimes used for planning, maintenance of equipment, and administration.
Salary development over time
The salary for an agricultural worker in crop production has shown a cautious but steady increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 29,716 SEK per month, which increased to 29 958 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary is 30 083 SEK per month. The percentage increase between 2022 and 2024 is approximately 1.2%. This salary trend reflects a stable but slow growth, possibly due to factors such as consistent demand for Swedish food products, some automation in agriculture, and unchanged educational requirements. Despite technological advances and increased efficiency, salary development has not seen major jumps, which is common in traditional agricultural professions.
Working as an agricultural worker in crop production often means following the rhythm of nature and seasonal changes. Many professionals describe a strong sense of freedom and closeness to nature, but also a responsibility for the environment and food supply. The industry often attracts entrepreneurs who appreciate the variation between practical work and business thinking.
Salary overview for agricultural workers in crop production
- Average salary: 30 083 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
- Hourly wage: 181 SEK
- Gender differences: Data not available
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
To work as an agricultural worker in crop production, a secondary education in natural sciences is recommended, but many also learn the profession through practical experience on family farms or through employment. Some choose to pursue further education in agricultural technology or environmental and crop sciences. Self-study and courses on new cultivation methods, machinery, and sustainability are also common ways to develop skills.
- Secondary education in natural sciences: 3 years
- Vocational higher education in agriculture: 1–2 years
- Courses/certifications in plant protection and machinery handling
- Practical experience on farms: often required for employment
- Self-study and online courses on new technology and sustainable cultivation
Common benefits and compensation
Agricultural workers in crop production may have access to benefits such as per diem allowances when working away from home, subsidized work clothing, and certain machinery equipment. In some cases, employer-provided housing, training in sustainable cultivation, and insurance coverage are offered. Opportunities for bonuses or profit sharing are common, especially on larger farms or within cooperatives.
Challenges and competition
Competition within agriculture and crop production is affected by factors such as weather, global food imports, and fluctuations in demand for Swedish crops. Many farmers face challenges related to climate change, high investment costs for machinery, and increased environmental regulations. The industry is characterized by an aging workforce, which can create opportunities for younger people with the right qualifications. Continuous adaptation to technological innovations and changing market conditions is essential. Profitability can vary significantly between farms and regions.
Tips for those who want to become an agricultural worker in crop production
To succeed as an agricultural worker in crop production, it’s good to combine perseverance with a strong interest in nature and technology. Being solution-oriented helps when unexpected problems arise, such as machinery breakdowns or weather setbacks. Curiosity about new cultivation methods and digital tools makes it easier to optimize work and increase yields. Independence is a valuable trait, as much of the work is done alone and requires own decisions. At the same time, teamwork skills are important in larger projects or collaborations with other farmers. Being meticulous and responsible is crucial for achieving the best possible harvest and financial outcome.
Key facts about agricultural workers in crop production
- Education level: Secondary or vocational education in natural sciences
- Work environment: Outdoors, fields, and machinery halls
- Work pattern: Seasonal variation, often independent
- Demand: 360 job openings in Sweden (2024)
- Special skills: Machinery handling, plant protection, sustainable cultivation
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, an agricultural worker in crop production can take on greater responsibilities, such as supervisor, operations manager, or advisor within an agricultural enterprise. Some choose to start their own business or specialize in organic farming or innovative crops. According to the Employment Service, there is no detailed forecast for the profession, but the 360 job openings indicate some demand within the field. Future opportunities are influenced by climate change, technological development, and increased consumer demands for sustainability. The industry’s development suggests that those combining traditional knowledge with new methods have good chances for continued employment.
Frequently asked questions about agricultural workers in crop production
- What does an agricultural worker in crop production earn?
- The average salary is 30 083 SEK per month. - What education is required to become an agricultural worker in crop production?
- A secondary education in natural sciences or equivalent practical experience is recommended. - Are there salary differences between regions?
- There is no available data on regional salary differences for this profession. - What occupational hazards are there?
- Physically demanding work, machinery, and exposure to weather can pose certain risks. - What are the future prospects?
- There are 360 job openings within the profession, but no detailed forecast from the Employment Service. - Is a certificate required to work with plant protection?
- Yes, certain plant protection products require special certificates and training. - What personal qualities are important?
- Perseverance, independence, responsibility, and interest in technology and nature.
Salary distributed by age and sector
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 Farmers, crop production has the SSYK code 6111, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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