- Salary statistics
- Milk producer
Milk producer
27 000 - 32 500 kr / month
Women earn 94% of what men do.
Naturbruk
Salary progression Milk producer
What does a milk producer do? – Tasks and work environment
A milk producer is responsible for the operation, care, and production at a dairy farm. Tasks include everything from feeding and milking cows to monitoring animal health, maintaining machinery and facilities, and documenting production. Planning of feed, breeding work, and handling administrative tasks related to the farm’s economy and food safety are often included. The work environment is physically demanding and varies between stables, barns, and outdoor settings – with early mornings and work during weekends and holidays. Technological development has changed the profession, but much of the work remains practical and involves close contact with animals.
Salary development over time
The salary for a milk producer has shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,200 SEK per month, while in 2023 and 2024 it increased to 28 400. This corresponds to an increase of approximately 4.4% over three years. The trend indicates that salary levels have plateaued in the past year, which can be explained by a stable demand for milk producers, many working part-time, and the profession being strongly affected by market prices for milk and production costs. Technological advancements and requirements for specialized skills may influence salary development further in the long term, but recent increases have been moderate.
Milk producer salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 28 400 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 27,000 SEK/month (woman, private sector employee)
- Highest salary: 32,500 SEK/month (woman, public sector)
- Hourly wage (average): 171 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 27 800 SEK, which is 94% of men's salary at 29,700 SEK
- Regional differences: Variations occur depending on county and farm size
Education and qualifications
To work as a milk producer, a high school education in natural resource management is usually required, preferably with courses in machinery handling, animal health, economics, and food safety. Practical experience is highly valued, and many start as apprentices or interns before taking on greater responsibility. Self-study and further training in areas such as sustainability and technology are also common.
- High school education: Natural resource management program, 3 years
- Courses/certifications: Animal care, machinery handling, work environment
- Internship/training: Usually via high school or summer jobs on farms
- Prerequisites: Interest in animals, technology, and farming environment
- Further training: Possible via YH-educations or industry courses
Many milk producers run their own businesses, combining practical work with entrepreneurship, which provides freedom but also great responsibility for the operation's economy and development.
Common benefits and compensations
Within the profession of milk producer, it is common to be offered benefits such as work clothing, wellness allowances, and access to staff housing, especially on larger farms. Some employers also offer further training, insurance, and bonuses linked to production results. Flexible working hours and part-time opportunities are often available, allowing for a balance between work and private life.
Competition and challenges
The competition within the profession is relatively low nationally because demand for milk producers is stable, and recruitment difficulties exist in some regions. One of the biggest challenges is that the work is often physically demanding and involves irregular working hours. The profitability of the industry is directly affected by global milk prices and production costs, which can create economic uncertainty for both employees and self-employed farmers. Technological development and increased demands for sustainability and animal welfare require higher skills and adaptation. Many work part-time, which affects income and workload.
Tips for those who want to become a milk producer
To succeed as a milk producer, it is good to be responsible and have a genuine interest in animals and farming. Precision is important, especially when handling animal health and food safety, while technical interest facilitates the use of new machinery and digital systems. Flexibility is needed to handle irregular working hours and unforeseen events on the farm. Being resilient and able to work independently is crucial, as workdays are often long and require both physical and mental strength. Social skills and teamwork are also valuable, especially when working in teams or managing operations together with others.
Key facts about milk producers
- Average salary: 28 400 SEK/month
- Education level: High school (natural resource management), often supplemented with courses
- Work environment: Physically demanding, often outdoors and with animals
- Job opportunities: Large, 360 available jobs in the group
- Gender differences: Women earn 94% of what men do
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a milk producer can take on greater responsibilities, such as team leader, farm manager, or by running their own farm. For those wishing to further their education, opportunities exist to work as advisors in the agricultural sector, specializing in breeding, animal health, or environmental issues. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, job opportunities are plentiful, with demand expected to remain unchanged over five years. Recruitment difficulties are reported, especially for full-time positions, which bodes well for those with the right education and experience.
Frequently asked questions about milk producers
- What does a milk producer earn?
- A milk producer has an average salary of 28 400 SEK per month. - What are the lowest and highest salaries for a milk producer?
- The lowest salary is 27,000 SEK and the highest is 32,500 SEK per month depending on experience, education, and sector. - Are there differences between men and women in the profession?
- Yes, women earn an average of 27 800 SEK, which is 94% of men's salary at 29,700 SEK. - What education is required to become a milk producer?
- High school education in natural resource management is most common, preferably supplemented with courses and practical training. - What is the work environment like for a milk producer?
- The work environment is physically demanding, often outdoors, and involves shift work with animals. - What are the future prospects?
- Job opportunities are large, and demand is expected to be unchanged over the next five years. - How many job openings are available in the profession?
- There are approximately 360 vacant positions within the group of breeders and caretakers of farm animals.
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 Milk producer has the SSYK code 6121, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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