Strawberry growers

What does a strawberry picker do? – Tasks and working environment

A strawberry picker is responsible for the entire process of strawberry cultivation, from planning and soil preparation to harvest and sales. The work includes manual tasks as well as machine-assisted activities, such as planting, fertilizing, watering, and pest control. During the harvest season, the pace is high and workdays are often long, especially in favorable weather when the berries ripen quickly. The cultivation environment is outdoors and involves both physical effort and some exposure to weather, requiring endurance and flexibility. In addition to practical tasks, administrative duties, sales planning, and sometimes personnel management during peak season are often included.

Salary development over time

The salary development for strawberry pickers has been relatively stable in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 29,716 SEK per month, which increased slightly to 29 958 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary amounts to 30 083 SEK per month. The total salary increase during this period is approximately 1.2%, indicating a modest but consistent growth. Development is primarily influenced by seasonal variations, labor market demand, and limited automation possibilities within the profession. The small percentage change suggests a mature market where supply and demand are relatively balanced, and larger pay rises are mainly expected with structural changes in the industry or increased specialization in cultivation.

Strawberry picker salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 30 083 SEK/month
• Lowest/Highest salary: Varies depending on season, experience, and farm size
• Hourly wage: 181 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
• Gender differences: No specific data available
• Regional differences: Data missing, but variations may occur

Education and qualifications

To work as a strawberry picker, formal education is not required, but knowledge in agriculture and crop cultivation is a clear advantage. Many who establish themselves in the profession have experience from agricultural studies at the high school level or have taken courses in gardening. Practical experience weighs heavily and can often be decisive for employment or starting your own cultivation. Self-studies, online courses, and internships also provide good opportunities to develop necessary skills.

• High school education: Natural resource program with specialization in agriculture or gardening (3 years)
• Courses: Crop cultivation, organic farming, machinery handling
• Internships: Work on farms or cultivation sites during the season
• Self-studies: Online courses and literature on strawberry cultivation
• Certificates: Possibly for machinery operation or plant protection agents

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for strawberry pickers often include work clothing, wellness allowances, and the possibility of staff housing during the season. Some employers also offer bonuses for high yields or access to personal cultivation plots for private use. Seasonal workers may sometimes receive travel allowances and meals on-site, especially at larger farms.

Competition and challenges

Competition within strawberry cultivation is largely influenced by weather conditions, market demand, and imports of berries from abroad. Price pressure is high, especially during periods of abundant supply, which can negatively affect profitability. Additional challenges include labor shortages during peak season and increased environmental requirements. Small-scale growers may find it difficult to compete with larger players in terms of price and volume but can instead niche with local or organic production. Efficiency and good planning are crucial to meet these challenges and maintain a stable operation.

Tips for aspiring strawberry growers

To succeed as a strawberry grower, it is good to be persistent and have a strong interest in both cultivation and entrepreneurship. Careful planning of cultivation and berry handling is important, as small mistakes can impact the entire harvest. Practical skills and problem-solving abilities facilitate handling unexpected challenges such as weather or pests. Flexibility is a valuable asset, especially during intensive harvest periods when workload can vary greatly. Good teamwork skills are often needed when managing seasonal workers and interacting with customers. Being curious about new cultivation methods and continuously furthering your education increases your chances of success and competitiveness in the market.

Key facts about strawberry growers

• Education level: High school education or equivalent experience
• Work environment: Outdoor work with varying seasonal intensity
• Work form: Self-employed or seasonal employee
• Demand: 360 available jobs within the profession (2024)
• Special skills: Crop cultivation and machinery handling

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a strawberry grower, there are opportunities to take on greater responsibility, such as team leader, advisor in crop cultivation, or starting your own cultivation with expanded activities. Some choose to combine strawberry cultivation with other specialized berry or vegetable farming, which can provide increased stability and diversity in work. Forecasts from the Employment Service show a stable need for labor within the profession, although no precise assessment can be made for strawberry growers due to limited data. The number of available jobs in the group is relatively high, indicating continued demand. Developments in environmental technology and sustainable farming may also create new career opportunities in the longer term.

Frequently asked questions about strawberry growers

• What does a strawberry grower earn?
  - A strawberry grower has an average salary of 30 083 SEK per month.
• How much does a strawberry grower earn per hour?
  - The hourly wage is approximately 181 SEK, based on 166 working hours per month.
• Is education required to become a strawberry grower?
  - Formal education is not required, but experience and courses in crop cultivation are advantageous.
• What is the working environment like for a strawberry grower?
  - The work is mainly outdoors and physically demanding, especially during the harvest season.
• Are there many job openings for strawberry growers?
  - There were 360 available jobs within the profession in 2024.
• What benefits are common?
  - Common benefits include work clothing, wellness contributions, and sometimes staff housing during the season.
• What are the outlooks for strawberry growers?
  - Prognoses are lacking, but demand for labor within the profession remains stable.