- Salary statistics
- Chicken breeder
Chicken breeder
27 000 - 32 500 kr / month
Women earn 94% of what men do.
Naturbruk
Salary progression Chicken breeder
What does a chicken farmer do? – Tasks and work environment
A chicken farmer is responsible for raising and caring for chickens, often from hatching to slaughter weight. Tasks include daily supervision of the animals, feeding, health and growth monitoring, as well as managing ventilation and temperature in the barns. Hygiene routines are central to prevent diseases, and the work may also involve some administration related to animal husbandry and documentation. The work environment is often physical, involving work in barn settings, sometimes early mornings or weekends, requiring good physical condition and attention to detail.
Salary development over time
The salary for a chicken farmer has shown stable growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,200 SEK per month, which increased to 28 400 SEK in 2023 and has remained at the same level in 2024. This corresponds to a salary increase of approximately 4.4% between 2022 and 2023, but the salary has plateaued since then. The limited salary increase is partly due to stable but not growing demand for chicken farmers, with the market characterized by a high proportion of part-time work and few major changes in workload. The industry’s emphasis on practical experience over formal education also contributes to a relatively steady wage development.
Chicken farmer salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 28 400 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 27,000 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 32,500 SEK/month
- Hourly wage (average): 171 SEK
- Men's average salary: 29,700 SEK
- Women's average salary: 27 800 SEK
- Women earn: 94% of what men do
- Regional differences: Data unavailable
Education and qualifications
To work as a chicken farmer, usually no higher education is required, but high school education in natural resource management or agriculture is highly advantageous. Practical experience in animal husbandry weighs heavily, and many learn the profession directly on the job. Employers may also require courses in animal health and hygiene, especially for larger facilities with high demands on disease control.
- High school education: Natural resource management program with animal specialization (3 years)
- Practical experience: Often through internships, summer jobs, or traineeships
- Short courses: Hygiene, animal health, and animal welfare
- Certifications: Basic animal handling certificates may be required
- Prerequisites: No formal education needed, but an interest in animal husbandry is important
Many chicken farmers work on family-owned farms where generational succession is common. It is not unusual for knowledge and responsibility to be passed down within the family, creating a strong tradition and sense of community at the workplace.
Common benefits and compensations
Chicken farmers are often offered benefits such as work clothing, subsidized lunches, and sometimes on-farm accommodation. Occupational pensions, insurances, and wellness allowances are common, especially with larger employers. Some employers also provide training and skill development in animal husbandry and disease control.
Competition and challenges
The job market for chicken farmers is paradoxical: many work part-time, yet recruitment difficulties are reported. Employers seek individuals with practical experience and a genuine interest in animals, which can limit the pool of candidates. Strict hygiene and disease prevention requirements, coupled with physically demanding work and irregular hours, pose challenges. Technological advancements and automation are also changing job tasks, requiring adaptability from employees. Despite these challenges, employment opportunities are generally good, and unemployment in the profession is low.
Tips for aspiring chicken farmers
To succeed as a chicken farmer, it is beneficial to have a genuine interest in animals and to be meticulous in your work. Demonstrating responsibility and patience is crucial, as daily supervision and routines are central to the profession. Flexibility is also important, since working hours can be irregular and tasks vary depending on the season and animal needs. Good teamwork skills facilitate work, especially on larger farms where teamwork is essential. Being practically inclined and capable of solving problems independently is valuable, as technical failures and unexpected situations may occur. For those eager to learn more, additional courses in disease prevention and animal health can be advantageous. Building networks within the industry and staying updated on new technology can also contribute to a successful career.
Key facts about Chicken Farmers
- Education level: High school education in natural resource management most common
- Work environment: Physical, often in barns or farms
- Demand: Large opportunities for employment nationwide
- Number of job openings: 360 in the profession
- Typical employment forms: Full-time and part-time, often seasonal variation
Career paths and future prospects
After a few years in the profession, a chicken farmer can advance to roles such as supervisor or operations manager at larger farms. Some choose to further their education in animal health or agricultural management, taking on more comprehensive responsibilities. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast, job opportunities are expected to be plentiful over the next five years, with demand remaining stable. Technological development within the industry also opens new roles in automation and quality assurance. For those interested in specialization, options include organic production or advisory services. There is also the possibility of starting your own chicken farming business.
Common questions about Chicken Farmers
- What does a Chicken Farmer earn?
- A chicken farmer has an average salary of 28 400 SEK per month. Men earn an average of 29,700 SEK and women 27 800 SEK. - What education is required to become a chicken farmer?
- High school education in natural resource management is most common, but practical experience is often more important than formal education. - What is the job market like for chicken farmers?
- Opportunities for employment are plentiful, with approximately 360 job openings in the profession. - Are there regional salary differences?
- Data on regional salary differences for chicken farmers is lacking. - What personal qualities suit the profession?
- Attention to detail, responsibility, and an interest in animals are particularly important qualities. - What are the highest and lowest salaries?
- The highest salary is 32,500 SEK and the lowest 27,000 SEK, depending on employment type and experience. - What tasks are included for a chicken farmer?
- Animal supervision, feeding, hygiene routines, and health monitoring are part of the job.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | 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 |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 27200 kr | 29600 kr | |
| 25-34 | 100% | 28300 kr | 30400 kr |
| 35-44 | 108% | 30200 kr | 31700 kr |
| 45-54 | 103% | 30100 kr | 31800 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 31500 kr | 32700 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 29300 kr | 31000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 27200 kr | 29600 kr | |
| 25-34 | 100% | 28300 kr | 30400 kr |
| 35-44 | 108% | 30200 kr | 31700 kr |
| 45-54 | 103% | 30100 kr | 31800 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 31500 kr | 32700 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 29300 kr | 31000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 25500 kr | 27200 kr | |
| 25-34 | 26600 kr | 27900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 29600 kr | 30300 kr | |
| 45-54 | 27600 kr | 27900 kr | |
| Snitt | 93% | 27300 kr | 28400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 25500 kr | 27200 kr | |
| 25-34 | 26600 kr | 27900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 29600 kr | 30300 kr | |
| 45-54 | 27600 kr | 27900 kr | |
| Snitt | 93% | 27300 kr | 28400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 94% | 29100 kr | 29700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 100% | 29400 kr | 30400 kr |
| 35-44 | 108% | 27900 kr | 29600 kr |
| 45-54 | 103% | 28100 kr | 31100 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 29700 kr | 32900 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 28800 kr | 31300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 100% | 29400 kr | 30400 kr |
| 35-44 | 108% | 27900 kr | 29600 kr |
| 45-54 | 103% | 28100 kr | 31100 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 29700 kr | 32900 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 28800 kr | 31300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 93% | 29100 kr | 29700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 93% | 29100 kr | 29700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 24900 kr | 26700 kr | |
| 25-34 | 26700 kr | 28300 kr | |
| 35-44 | 27700 kr | 28500 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 26500 kr | 27800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 27100 kr | 29000 kr | |
| 25-34 | 100% | 28100 kr | 30400 kr |
| 35-44 | 108% | 30600 kr | 32000 kr |
| 45-54 | 103% | 30500 kr | 32000 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 31900 kr | 32700 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 29300 kr | 31000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 27100 kr | 29000 kr | |
| 25-34 | 100% | 28100 kr | 30400 kr |
| 35-44 | 108% | 30600 kr | 32000 kr |
| 45-54 | 103% | 30500 kr | 32000 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 31900 kr | 32700 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 29300 kr | 31000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 24900 kr | 26700 kr | |
| 25-34 | 26700 kr | 28200 kr | |
| Snitt | 93% | 26500 kr | 27700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 24900 kr | 26700 kr | |
| 25-34 | 26700 kr | 28200 kr | |
| Snitt | 93% | 26500 kr | 27700 kr |
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 Chicken 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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