Nursery owners, fewer than 5 employees

What does a nursery owner do – small operation?

A nursery owner with fewer than five employees is responsible for the entire operation of a small nursery, where cultivation, sales, and customer relations are central. Tasks include planning plant production, purchasing plant material, caring for plants, and managing logistics and deliveries. Practical work is often combined with administrative tasks such as bookkeeping, personnel management, and marketing. The work environment is mainly outdoors and can be physically demanding, especially during the growing season, involving heavy lifting, varying weather, and high tempo during peak season.

Salary development over time

The salary for a nursery owner with fewer than five employees has shown a stable but slow increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 26,500 SEK per month, then increased to 27 600 SEK in 2023 and further to 29 300 SEK in 2024. This represents a total salary increase of approximately 10.6% over the period, exceeding the general inflation rate during the same time. This positive trend can partly be explained by increased awareness of sustainable cultivation and a growing interest in locally produced plants, which has led to slightly higher demand and improved revenue opportunities for small-scale owners. At the same time, salary levels remain relatively low compared to other professions within the natural resource sector, with clear differences between genders and regions.

Nursery owner – comprehensive salary overview

• Average salary: 29 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 28,000 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 30,300 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 176 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 92% of what men do
• Regional differences: Data varies, but salary levels can be influenced by proximity to larger markets and local interest in gardening

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a nursery owner in a small operation often involves a combination of formal education in gardening and practical experience. Many have completed high school with a focus on agriculture or gardening, but it is also common to supplement with courses in entrepreneurship, marketing, and plant knowledge. The ability to handle finances and personnel is an important asset, especially when running your own business.

• Vocational training in gardening: High school level, 3 years
• Short courses/certifications: e.g., plant protection, business economics
• Internship: Workplace-based learning is strongly recommended
• Prerequisites: Interest in plants, basic economics
• Further education/online: Opportunities for further training via industry organizations

Common benefits and compensations

For nursery owners with fewer than five employees, benefits are often linked to the size and profitability of the business. Common perks include flexible working hours, opportunities for further education, discounts on plant materials, and access to their own products. Pension schemes and insurances vary depending on the company form and whether the owner is employed in their own company or operates as a sole proprietor.

Competition and challenges

Small nurseries face competition from both larger garden centers and low-price operators, which demands niche marketing and excellent customer service. Seasonal variations and weather-dependent production mean that income can be unevenly distributed throughout the year. Challenges also include long working days during peak season and administrative work related to laws and regulations concerning plant protection and the environment. Despite these hurdles, there are opportunities for those who can offer unique plants, specialized knowledge, or a strong local presence.

Tips for aspiring small-scale nursery owners

To succeed as a nursery owner with fewer than five employees, it’s important to combine a passion for plants with strong entrepreneurial skills. Attention to detail is necessary to keep track of finances and stock, while creativity helps find new sales channels and products. Perseverance is key during long workdays and weather challenges, and flexibility allows adaptation to seasonal changes. Social skills and customer service ease interactions with clients and partners, while a willingness to learn continuously provides an advantage in a rapidly changing industry. Networking with others in the gardening sector can also provide valuable experiences and opportunities.

Key facts about nursery owners in small operations

• Salary range: 28,000–30,300 SEK/month
• Education level: High school education in gardening, often supplemented with courses
• Typical work environment: Outdoors, seasonal, and physically demanding
• Demand: Approximately 360 available jobs in the profession (May 2024)
• Gender salary difference: Women earn 92% of what men do

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a small operation nursery owner, there are opportunities to expand the business, specialize in organic cultivation or rare plants, or move into advisory roles within the gardening industry. Some choose to engage with local industry organizations or pursue further education in leadership and business development. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that it is difficult to make precise predictions about future job prospects for nursery owners, but the profession of horticulturists currently offers about 360 available jobs and continues to see interest in gardening products and sustainable cultivation. Competence in entrepreneurship and marketing is becoming increasingly important to meet competition.

Common questions about nursery owners in small operations

• What does a nursery owner with fewer than 5 employees earn?
  - A nursery owner in a small operation has an average salary of 29 300 SEK per month, with a salary range between 28,000 and 30,300 SEK.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 28,000 SEK while men earn 30,300 SEK, meaning women receive approximately 92% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a nursery owner?
  - High school education in gardening or agriculture is most common, supplemented with courses and practical experience.
• What does the job market look like for nursery owners?
  - There are about 360 available jobs, but competition can be tough and demand varies regionally.
• What are the tasks of a nursery owner?
  - Tasks include plant cultivation, sales, customer contact, administration, and staff management.
• What are the biggest challenges in the profession?
  - Seasonal variations, weather-dependent production, and competition from larger players are the main challenges.
• What is the highest salary for a nursery owner with fewer than 5 employees?
  - The highest salary is 30,300 SEK and belongs to a man who is a privately employed official.