Barn keeper, farm pets salary

Barn Caretaker: An Insight into Salaries and Working Conditions

Working as a barn caretaker involves taking care of the farm's livestock, which includes breeding and maintenance. The profession offers a varied daily routine where one handles everything from feed management and milking to monitoring the animals' health and well-being. This article provides a deeper understanding of what it means to work as a barn caretaker, while also taking a closer look at salary statistics and job prospects within the field.

Salary Statistics for Barn Caretakers

The average monthly salary for a barn caretaker, working with farm livestock, is 28 400 kronor. However, there is a certain salary difference between genders; men earn an average of 30 000 kronor while women earn 27 700 kronor, meaning that women earn 92% of what men do in this profession. Hourly barn caretakers have an average hourly wage of 171 kronor, based on 166 working hours per month.

Income Variances within the Profession

The salary range within the profession can vary. The highest salary for a barn caretaker is 31600 kronor, belonging to a woman in the public sector with a high school education of up to two years. The highest salary for men is 31000 kronor. On the lower end of the salary scale, we find a privately employed man with a post-secondary education of three years or more earning 26800 kronor. The lowest salary for a woman in the same profession is 27600 kronor.

Education and Qualifications

To work as a barn caretaker, a basic education in agriculture or animal husbandry is usually required. Many employers value practical experience, and some offer internal training to enhance staff competence. A high school education in agriculture or animal care can be a good starting point for those interested in the profession. Vocational colleges also offer specialized training in agriculture and animal husbandry that can increase job opportunities.

Working Conditions and Future Prospects

Working as a barn caretaker often involves early mornings and working at inconvenient hours, including weekends and holidays. It is a physically demanding job that requires good physical fitness and a passion for animals. The work environment can be both indoors in barns and outdoors on farms.

Future Prospects within the Field

According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, the opportunities for employment as a barn caretaker are good at the national level. Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. However, there is a paradoxical recruitment situation where there are difficulties in recruiting personnel while many work part-time in the profession.

Challenges and Rewards

As a barn caretaker, one faces several challenges, including working in varying weather conditions and handling animals that may be sick or stressed. It is important to have patience and the ability to react quickly in high-pressure situations.

Despite these challenges, the profession offers a range of rewards. Working with animals can be very rewarding for those passionate about animal care and agriculture. Many also appreciate the physical aspect of the work and the opportunity to work outdoors.

Benefits and Working Conditions

For barn caretakers, there are often opportunities for benefits such as subsidized training and sometimes on-site accommodation. However, benefits such as remote work or a paid mobile phone are less common, as work is largely conducted on-site. Employers may sometimes offer extra days off or bonuses for good work performance.

Summary

Working as a barn caretaker involves taking care of the farm's livestock and working in an environment that requires dedication and good physical health. With an average salary of 28 400 kronor and promising future prospects, the profession offers stability for those who enjoy working with animals. The challenges are many, but the rewards for those passionate about animals and agriculture are significant.