Image that illustrates Barn keeper, farm pets

Barn keeper, farm pets

28 400 kr

Breeders and caretakers of farm animals

27 000 - 32 500 kr / month

Women earn 94% of what men do.

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Salary progression Barn keeper, farm pets

Average salary 28 400 kr
Males 29 700 kr
Females 27 800 kr

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.

– statsskuld.se

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.
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Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Barn keeper, farm pets is 32500 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Public sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 31900 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Barn keeper, farm pets is 27000 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 29700 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's 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
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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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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