Farm workers, animal keepers and machine operators salary

Agricultural Workers, Animal Caretakers, and Machine Operators: A Closer Look

Working as an agricultural worker, animal caretaker, or machine operator involves varied and physically demanding work. The profession includes tasks such as crop cultivation and animal breeding, making it an important part of the agricultural sector. Here you will get an insight into what the profession entails, what salaries are offered, and what requirements are needed to succeed in this field.

What Does it Mean to Work as an Agricultural Worker, Animal Caretaker, and Machine Operator?

As an agricultural worker, animal caretaker, and machine operator, your main tasks involve taking care of plants and animals on a farm. This can include everything from planting and harvesting crops to feeding and caring for the animals. Machine operators also have the responsibility of operating and maintaining agricultural machinery, which is an important part of the work to streamline and facilitate the daily operations of agriculture.

Salary for Agricultural Workers, Animal Caretakers, and Machine Operators

The average salary for an agricultural worker, animal caretaker, and machine operator is 26 700 SEK per month. However, there is a difference between genders; men earn an average of 27 200 SEK while women earn 25 100 SEK, meaning that women earn 92% of what men do in this profession. An hourly employee has an average hourly wage of 160 SEK, based on 166 working hours per month. It is worth noting that the average salary has slightly decreased from the previous measurement, from 26 900 to 26 700 SEK.

Salary Range in the Profession

The salary range in the profession is relatively wide. The highest salary for a man is 45400 SEK and is held by someone working in the municipal sector with a post-secondary education shorter than three years. For women, the highest salary is 35000 SEK. The lowest salary is 23700 SEK and is held by a woman with a three-year high school education. For men, the corresponding lowest salary is 24500 SEK.

Education and Requirements

To work as an agricultural worker, animal caretaker, and machine operator, a high school education in agriculture or a similar vocational training is usually required. Experience in agriculture can also be an important asset. It is advantageous to have knowledge of animal husbandry and crop cultivation, as well as the ability to operate various types of agricultural machinery.

Working Conditions

Working conditions in the profession can vary depending on the season and weather conditions. The work can be physically demanding and often involves long days during the peak season. It is important to be flexible and able to work under varying conditions.

Future Outlook and Recruitment Situation

According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's assessment, there is limited data to make an exact forecast of the future outlook for agricultural workers, animal caretakers, and machine operators. However, it is clear that the agricultural sector will always need labor to ensure food production and animal husbandry. Technological advancements in agriculture may affect the demand for labor in the future.

Challenges in the Profession

The profession faces several challenges, including the importance of staying updated with new technology and methods in agriculture. Climate change and its impact on agriculture are also factors that can affect working conditions and future prospects in the profession.

Benefits and Opportunities

The benefits in the profession can vary depending on the employer and type of employment. It is not uncommon for employers to offer training and courses to ensure that the staff has the right skills. For those interested in animal husbandry and agriculture, the profession offers an opportunity to work closely with nature and gain a direct insight into food production.

In conclusion, working as an agricultural worker, animal caretaker, and machine operator is an important part of the agricultural sector. With the right education and experience, there are opportunities to work in a varied and often rewarding profession. The salary levels are competitive, although there are gender pay gaps. The future outlook is difficult to assess exactly, but the need for labor in agriculture remains constant.