Farm workers, animal keepers and machine operators salary

Salary and Work for Farm Workers, Animal Caretakers, and Machine Operators

Working as a farm worker, animal caretaker, and machine operator involves a versatile daily routine where one is expected to handle both crop cultivation and animal breeding. It is a profession that requires practical skills and a good understanding of nature and animals. But what is the salary like for these professional groups, and what is required to get a job in this field?

Average Salary

The average salary for the profession of farm worker, animal caretaker, and machine operator is 26 700 SEK per month. There is a gender pay gap, with men earning an average of 27 200 SEK while women earn 25 100 SEK. This means that women earn about 92 percent of what men do in this profession. Compared to last year, the average salary has increased from 26 900 SEK to 26 700 SEK, indicating a salary increase within the profession.

Job Responsibilities

The job responsibilities for farm workers, animal caretakers, and machine operators are diverse and can include everything from tending to crop cultivation to taking care of animals and operating agricultural machinery. It involves a combination of physical work and technical skills. One must be prepared to work outdoors in various weather conditions and be able to handle both manual and mechanical tasks.

Crop Cultivation

Within crop cultivation, job responsibilities may include sowing, watering, fertilizing, and harvesting crops. It requires knowledge of different plant species and their growth cycles, as well as the ability to use and maintain agricultural machinery.

Animal Care

Animal care involves taking care of the animals' daily needs, such as feeding, cleaning stables, and monitoring the animals' health. It requires knowledge of animal behavior and health, as well as the ability to detect and handle any issues that may arise.

Machine Operation

As a machine operator, one is responsible for operating and maintaining various types of agricultural machinery, such as tractors, harvesters, and excavators. This requires good technical knowledge and safety awareness.

Education and Requirements

To work as a farm worker, animal caretaker, and machine operator, a high school education in agriculture or agricultural science is usually required. There are also opportunities to pursue further education and courses to specialize in certain areas, such as animal care or machinery handling. Practical experience is highly valuable in this profession, and many employers value previous work experience in agriculture or animal husbandry.

Benefits

Benefits in the profession can vary depending on the employer. Some employers offer paid training and courses for employees to further educate themselves in their field. Other benefits may include a company-paid mobile phone and work clothes.

Future Outlook

According to the Employment Service, there is limited data to assess the job prospects for crop growers and animal breeders in mixed farming. This means that it may be difficult to predict exactly how the job market will look in the future. However, it is always advantageous to have a broad skill set and be flexible when it comes to tasks and workplaces.

In summary, farm workers, animal caretakers, and machine operators are versatile professions that require both practical and technical skills. The average salary is 26 700 SEK, with a gender pay gap where women earn more than men. Education and practical experience are important prerequisites for getting a job in this field, and there are opportunities for various benefits depending on the employer. The future outlook is difficult to assess due to limited data, but having a broad skill set and flexibility is always an advantage.