- Salary statistics
- Nursery workers
Nursery workers
28 000 - 30 300 kr / month
Women earn 92% of what men do.
Naturbruk
Salary progression Nursery workers
What does a nursery worker do? – Tasks and work environment
A nursery worker is responsible for cultivating, caring for, and planting plants in a nursery. Tasks include sowing, pruning, watering, and protecting against pests and diseases. The work is usually outdoors or in greenhouses and requires physical activity and attention to detail to ensure the health and quality of the plants. The environment can vary depending on the season and weather conditions, and collaboration with colleagues is common to meet production goals.
Salary development over time
Nursery workers have experienced a positive salary trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 26,500 SEK per month, which increased to 27 600 SEK in 2023, and reached 29 300 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 10.6 percent during the period. This development can be explained by increased demand for skilled labor in horticulture and improved working conditions. Factors such as seasonal variations and regional differences also influence salary levels. Since nursery workers often require specific knowledge of plant needs and cultivation techniques, the salary increase is also linked to the professionalization of the profession.
Working as a nursery worker requires patience and precision since plant development is often slow and sensitive to environmental changes. It is a profession where practical experience and an interest in nature are invaluable qualities.
Nursery worker salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 29 300 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 28,000 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 30,300 SEK/month
- Hourly wage: 176 SEK (based on 166 working hours/month)
- Gender differences: Women earn 92 % of what men earn
- Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on geographic area and local demand
Education and qualifications
The educational path for nursery workers is often practically oriented, focusing on horticulture and plant knowledge. Formal education can be supplemented with short courses and internships to develop necessary skills. Many learn the profession through high school programs in natural resources or through workplace-based training.
- High school programs in natural resources or gardening (3 years)
- Vocational courses in plant knowledge and cultivation techniques
- Internships or apprenticeships at nurseries
- Knowledge in plant biology is advantageous
- Further education through self-study or online courses
Common benefits and compensations
Nursery workers are often offered collective agreement benefits such as holiday pay, sick pay, and pension contributions. Some employers may also provide wellness allowances and opportunities for professional development. Compensation for overtime and unsociable hours depends on employment type and workplace.
Competition and challenges
The profession is characterized by seasonal demand, which can lead to variations in employment opportunities and working hours. Competition for permanent positions can be high, especially in areas with many nurseries. Challenges also include physical strain and exposure to weather conditions. The profession requires updated knowledge of plant protection and environmentally friendly cultivation methods to meet industry developments.
Tips for aspiring nursery workers
To succeed as a nursery worker, it is good to be meticulous and have a genuine interest in cultivation and nature. A careful work style helps to identify and address problems with plants in time. Patience is also important since plant processes often take time and require ongoing care. Flexibility is another valuable trait, as work can vary with seasons and workload. Finally, good teamwork skills facilitate effective collaboration and contribute to a positive work environment.
Key facts about nursery workers
- Education level: High school education in natural resources or equivalent
- Salary range: 28,000–30,300 SEK/month
- Work environment: Outdoors and greenhouses with physical work
- Gender distribution: Women earn on average 92 % of men's salary
- Working hours: Usually 166 hours per month
Career paths and future prospects
After 3–5 years as a nursery worker, there are opportunities to advance to specialized roles such as cultivation manager or plant protection specialist. Some choose to further their education to become a gardener or agronomist to broaden their career options. According to data from the Employment Service, there are approximately 360 job openings in the broader group of horticulturists, but due to limited data, no specific assessment is made for nursery workers. Overall, demand is expected to be stable with employment opportunities for those with relevant skills and experience.
Frequently asked questions about nursery workers
- What is the average salary of a nursery worker?
- The average salary is approximately 29 300 SEK per month. - What education is required to become a nursery worker?
- High school programs in natural resources or gardening are common pathways. - Are there gender differences in salary for nursery workers?
- Yes, women earn on average 92 % of what men earn. - What is the work environment like for nursery workers?
- Work is often outdoors or in greenhouses with varying physical demands. - Are there opportunities for career development?
- Yes, with experience and further education, you can advance to specialized roles. - What is the hourly wage for nursery workers?
- The hourly wage is approximately 176 SEK based on a standard monthly salary. - How does seasonality affect salary and work?
- Seasonal variations can influence both workload and employment types.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 28400 kr | 28700 kr | |
| 45-54 | 28700 kr | 28800 kr | |
| Snitt | 92% | 29200 kr | 29300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 28400 kr | 28700 kr | |
| 45-54 | 28700 kr | 28800 kr | |
| Snitt | 92% | 29200 kr | 29300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 28400 kr | 28700 kr | |
| 45-54 | 28700 kr | 28800 kr | |
| Snitt | 92% | 29200 kr | 29300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 92% | 30200 kr | 30300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 92% | 30200 kr | 30300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 92% | 30200 kr | 30300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 92% | 27700 kr | 28000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 92% | 27700 kr | 28000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 92% | 27700 kr | 28000 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 Nursery workers has the SSYK code 6112, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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