- Salary statistics
- Barn keeper, farm pets
Barn keeper, farm pets
27 000 - 32 500 kr / month
Women earn 94% of what men do.
Naturbruk
Salary progression Barn keeper, farm pets
What does a dairy farm worker in livestock do? – Tasks and working environment
A dairy farm worker in livestock is responsible for the daily care of animals on the farm, primarily cows, pigs, sheep, or goats. Tasks include feeding the animals, ensuring access to clean water, cleaning stables, and monitoring animal health. Many workers also assist with births, perform simple medical procedures, and report anomalies to animal owners or veterinarians. The work environment is often physically demanding and outdoors-based, with early mornings and work during weekends and public holidays. Ergonomic challenges and contact with animals require strength, endurance, and precision.
Salary development over time
Dairy farm workers in livestock have experienced relatively stable salary development in recent years. The average salary was 27,200 SEK in 2022 and increased to 28 400 SEK in 2023, remaining at that level in 2024. This represents an overall increase of approximately 8.8% over two years, with no change in the past year. Salary levels are influenced by factors such as market demand for labor, the extent of part-time work, and the economic conditions of employers within agriculture. Since many in the profession work part-time and the labor market faces recruitment difficulties, wage increases have plateaued in the last year despite continued demand.
Salary overview for dairy farm workers in livestock – complete
- Average salary: 28 400 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 27,000 SEK/month (female, private sector)
- Highest salary: 32,500 SEK/month (female, public sector)
- Hourly wage (average): 171 SEK
- Women's salary: 27 800 SEK/month (94% of men's salary)
- Men's salary: 29,700 SEK/month
- Regional differences: Data on regional variations are lacking, but salary levels may be affected by local labor market conditions.
Education and qualifications
To work as a dairy farm worker in livestock, a high school education in natural resource management is usually required, often supplemented with practical experience or training in animal husbandry. Formal requirements are relatively low, but employers value both education and hands-on experience. There are also opportunities to specialize through shorter courses or further training in animal health and agricultural techniques.
- Education: High school program in Natural Resource Management (3 years)
- Certifications: Courses in animal husbandry, animal welfare, or machinery operation
- Practical training: Workplace-based learning (WBL) during education
- Prerequisites: Basic schooling, interest in animals and agriculture
- Further training: Opportunities to specialize in areas like milk production or organic farming
Working as a dairy farm worker often provides a unique closeness to animals and nature, attracting many who seek a practical, meaningful, and varied career. Many consider daily contact with animals and the opportunity to follow their development as one of the greatest rewards in the profession.
Common benefits and compensations
Common benefits for dairy farm workers include overtime allowances for weekend and night work, work clothing, wellness contributions, and sometimes access to accommodation on the farm. Some employers also offer training in animal health and safety, as well as subsidized meals or staff discounts on agricultural products.
Competition and challenges
The labor market for dairy farm workers in livestock is characterized by a paradox: many work part-time in the profession, while employers often find it difficult to find full-time staff. Physical strain, irregular hours, and flexibility requirements can make the job challenging. Despite large national employment opportunities, competition for permanent full-time positions can be high, especially in areas with many applicants and few larger farms. Digitalization and technological development also influence tasks, requiring continuous training and adaptability.
Tips for those wanting to become dairy farm workers in livestock
To succeed as a dairy farm worker in livestock, it is important to be responsible and genuinely caring for animals, as tasks require both accuracy and empathy. Practical experience is a big advantage, so early internships or summer jobs on farms are recommended. Flexibility and patience are crucial since work often involves early mornings, weekend work, and unexpected challenges in animal care. Being proactive and able to work independently facilitates quick decision-making. Good physical health and endurance also ease daily tasks, especially heavy lifting and long workdays.
Key facts about dairy farm workers in livestock
- Educational level: Usually requires high school diploma in natural resource management
- Work environment: Physically demanding, often outdoors and in barn settings
- Employment type: Commonly part-time and seasonal employment
- Demand: Great opportunities for work nationwide
- Special skills: Animal handling, machinery operation, basic animal health knowledge
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a dairy farm worker in livestock, opportunities exist to advance to supervisory roles, farm managers, or specialize in areas such as animal health, breeding, or organic farming. Some choose to start their own farm or further their education as an agronomist, livestock specialist, or animal caretaker with specific focus. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast, job prospects are expected to remain strong over the next five years, with demand remaining steady. The industry features many part-time employees and recruitment challenges, which can influence competition depending on region and season. Currently, there are 356 job openings in the profession across Sweden.
Common questions about dairy farm workers in livestock
- What does a dairy farm worker in livestock earn?
- The average salary is 28 400 SEK/month, with variation depending on experience, gender, and sector. - Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
- Yes, men earn on average 29,700 SEK while women earn 27 800 SEK, which is 94% of men's salary. - What education is required to become a dairy farm worker?
- High school diploma in natural resource management is most common, often supplemented with practical training and courses in animal husbandry. - How is the job market?
- Opportunities are large nationwide, but many work part-time and recruitment issues exist. - What are the highest and lowest salaries?
- The highest salary is 32,500 SEK (female, public sector), the lowest is 27,000 SEK (female, private sector). - What personal qualities are important?
- Responsibility, empathy, flexibility, and good physical condition are key traits for the profession. - Are there development opportunities?
- Yes, after some years, advancement to supervisor, specialization, or starting your own business is possible.
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 Barn keeper, farm pets has the SSYK code 6121, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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