Agricultural instructor

What does an Agricultural Instructor do? – Tasks and Work Environment

An Agricultural Instructor works to educate, supervise, and advise farmers, students, or other professionals within the agricultural sector. Tasks often include planning and conducting practical and theoretical training, providing advice on cultivation, animal husbandry, and environmental issues, as well as developing new work methods in agriculture. The work environment can vary between classrooms, farm visits, and advisory settings, requiring good communication skills and practical experience of everyday farm life. The role also involves collaboration with other specialists and industry actors to ensure high-quality training that is up-to-date with the latest research and regulations.

Salary Development Over Time

Over the past three years, the salary for an Agricultural Instructor has shown steady growth. In 2022, the average salary was 40,300 SEK per month, rising in 2023 to 45 200 SEK, and further in 2024 to 45 700 SEK. This represents a total increase of approximately 13.4% over the period, indicating a positive trend in the profession. The salary increase can partly be attributed to increased demand for specialized skills in agriculture, especially related to sustainability and new technology. More training initiatives and higher skill requirements have likely contributed to raising salary levels. However, gender differences remain evident, with men earning higher average salaries than women, highlighting ongoing structural challenges in the industry.

Agricultural Instructor Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 45 700 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 34,400 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 49,300 SEK/month
• Hourly wage: 275 SEK
• Women’s salary in relation to men: 85%
• Men earn: 48 700 SEK/month
• Women earn: 41 300 SEK/month

Education and Qualifications

To work as an Agricultural Instructor, a post-secondary education in agriculture or a related field is usually required. Many have a university degree in agronomy, land surveying, or similar, often supplemented with pedagogical training or experience. Practical experience in farming is also an important requirement, as teaching is often closely linked to real work situations and technology. Additional qualifications can include certifications or specialized courses in crop cultivation, animal husbandry, or environmental management.

• Education: University degree in agriculture, agronomy, or similar (3–5 years)
• Pedagogical skills: Teaching qualifications or courses recommended
• Experience: Work experience in agriculture often required
• Certifications: Can be supplemented with specialized courses or certificates
• Pre-requisites: Good knowledge of Swedish and basic IT skills

Common Benefits and Compensation

Agricultural Instructors are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowances, work clothes, and opportunities for professional development. Travel for work and flexible working hours may occur, especially during field visits and training sessions outside regular workplaces. Some employers also offer subsidized lunches or access to corporate health services.

Competition and Challenges

Competition for positions as an Agricultural Instructor varies by region and employer, but the number of available jobs is relatively limited. A challenge is that both deep subject knowledge and pedagogical skills are required, which narrows the recruitment pool. Long distances between workplaces and variation in work environments also demand flexibility and good planning skills. Since the profession is closely linked to changes in agriculture, the job market is influenced by technological development, environmental regulations, and political decisions. The industry also struggles to reduce salary gaps between genders and to attract more young people to the profession.

Tips for Aspiring Agricultural Instructors

To succeed as an Agricultural Instructor, it is beneficial to combine a passion for education with a genuine interest in agricultural development. Strong communication skills facilitate conveying complex topics pedagogically, while analytical skills help tailor training to current needs and new research. Practical experience in farming enhances credibility and builds trust with participants, so gaining work experience in the industry is wise. Flexibility is valuable since the work environment can shift between offices, fields, and training facilities. Staying updated on new regulations and technologies, and building networks with colleagues and industry stakeholders, helps keep training relevant. Patience and creativity are also important, especially when motivating and inspiring others to learn and develop.

Key Facts about Agricultural Instructor

• Education level: Post-secondary degree in agriculture/agronomy
• Work environment: Varies between classrooms, fields, and digital platforms
• Work arrangement: Usually full-time, some travel and fieldwork
• Demand: Approximately 360 job openings within the profession
• Gender distribution: Men have higher average salaries, women constitute a significant proportion

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After three to five years in the profession, an Agricultural Instructor can develop into a leading specialist, training manager, or advisor with a specialized focus, e.g., on environment, technology, or business development. Opportunities also exist to work in project management, further training of other instructors, or developing educational materials. According to the Swedish Employment Agency, there is no specific forecast for the profession due to limited data, but a certain demand is indicated by the 360 job openings in the sector for specialists and advisors in agriculture. Continued technological development and increased sustainability requirements are expected to positively influence the job market, although competition for the most attractive positions may be high.

Common Questions about Agricultural Instructor

• What does an Agricultural Instructor earn?
  - An Agricultural Instructor has an average salary of 45 700 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and employment type.
• How to become an Agricultural Instructor?
  - Typically, a university degree in agriculture, agronomy, or similar, along with practical experience and pedagogical skills, is required.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, men earn on average 48 700 SEK and women 41 300 SEK, which means women earn approximately 85% of men's salaries.
• What is the highest salary for an Agricultural Instructor?
  - The highest reported salary is 49,300 SEK per month for a man, while the highest for a woman is 46,900 SEK.
• What does an Agricultural Instructor do?
  - The profession involves educating and advising within agriculture, both theoretically and practically, as well as developing training initiatives and collaborating with industry.
• What are the future prospects?
  - There is no exact forecast, but approximately 360 job openings are available according to recent statistics.
• What education is required?
  - Post-secondary education in agriculture or a related field, often supplemented with pedagogical training and work experience, is common.