What does a Seminveterinär do? – Tasks and work environment
A Seminveterinär primarily works in reproductive management within animal husbandry, mainly with farm animals such as cattle and pigs. The profession involves performing artificial inseminations, diagnosing pregnancy, providing advice on fertility and animal health, and sometimes assisting with births. The work environment is often field-based, involving travel between farms, outdoor work in varying weather conditions, and close contact with both animal owners and other specialists. It requires a high level of responsibility, precision, and good communication skills since the work affects both animal welfare and farm economics.
Salary development over time
Salaries for Seminveterinärer have increased positively over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 48,500 SEK, rising to 50 300 SEK in 2023 and further to 53 000 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 9.3% over three years, with the largest growth between 2023 and 2024. The salary trend can be linked to increased demand for veterinary skills in the agricultural sector and a generally high pressure on the veterinary labor market. Recruitment difficulties and a high proportion of part-time work also contribute to pushing up salary levels.
Seminveterinär salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 53 000 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 45,300 SEK/month (men), 48,900 SEK/month (women)
- Highest salary: 55,700 SEK/month (men), 54,400 SEK/month (women)
- Hourly wage: 319 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 95% of what men do
- Regional differences: Data on variation is lacking
Education and qualifications
To work as a Seminveterinär, a veterinary degree with a focus on reproduction and semen management is required. After obtaining the veterinary degree, the aspiring Seminveterinär often needs to supplement with specialized courses and practical training in the field. The industry demands both theoretical and practical skills to ensure animal health and sustainable animal husbandry.
- Veterinary degree: University education, approximately 5.5 years
- Specialized courses in reproduction/semen: Often required
- Practical training: Field practice with farm animals recommended
- Certification: Possible through the Swedish Board of Agriculture
- Prerequisites: Science-oriented upper secondary education
Many Seminveterinärer have the opportunity to work independently and develop close relationships with both animals and owners. The work can involve long travels in rural areas and often requires flexibility regarding working hours, especially during periods of high reproductive activity among the animals.
Common benefits and compensations
Seminveterinärer often have access to a company car, compensation for unsociable working hours, and wellness allowances. Other common benefits may include further training, extra vacation days, and occupational pension. In some cases, work clothing and equipment necessary for fieldwork are also provided.
Competition and challenges
The profession as a Seminveterinär is characterized by a labor market with great opportunities but also challenges. There are nationwide recruitment difficulties, partly because many work part-time. The tasks require high specialization, which can limit the number of applicants. At the same time, the work involves physical strain and sometimes long working days, especially during busy periods. Technological advances in agriculture also increase demands for ongoing training and adaptability. Despite these challenges, the demand for the profession remains stable, and employment opportunities are expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
Tips for aspiring Seminveterinärer
To succeed as a Seminveterinär, it is beneficial to be both meticulous and flexible, as the work often involves unforeseen situations in the field. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration with animal owners and colleagues, while technical interest is an advantage when new methods and equipment are introduced. Having analytical skills helps in solving fertility and health issues, and a strong commitment to animal welfare is essential. Persistence and stress tolerance are especially needed during periods of high workload. Building a network within the industry and continuously staying updated on new research findings also provide a solid foundation for a long-term and successful career.
Key facts about Seminveterinär
- Average salary: 53 000 SEK/month
- Education level: Veterinary degree (about 5.5 years) + specialized courses
- Highest salary: 55,700 SEK/month (men), 54,400 SEK/month (women)
- Job market: 375 available jobs within the profession
- Future prospects: Large, with unchanged demand over 5 years
Career paths and future outlook
After 3–5 years in the profession, a Seminveterinär can develop into roles such as responsible for larger semen stations or work as an advisor in animal health and reproduction. There are also opportunities for further education and specialization in areas such as embryo transfer, fertility treatments, or research. The Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast shows that job opportunities within the veterinary group are significant, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over five years. Recruitment remains paradoxical, as there are difficulties finding the right expertise while many work part-time. The profession offers good prospects for those who wish to specialize and contribute to the development of Swedish animal husbandry.
Frequently asked questions about Seminveterinär
- What is the average salary of a Seminveterinär?
- The average salary is 53 000 SEK per month.
- What education is required to become a Seminveterinär?
- A veterinary degree lasting about 5.5 years plus specialized courses in semen and reproduction.
- Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn approximately 95% of what men do within the profession.
- What is the job market outlook for Seminveterinärer?
- There are great opportunities for work and 375 available jobs within the profession.
- What are the most common job duties?
- Artificial insemination, fertility counseling, pregnancy diagnostics, and advice to animal owners.
- Which personal qualities are important?
- Attention to detail, flexibility, good communication skills, and commitment to animal welfare.
- What are the highest and lowest salaries for a Seminveterinär?
- The highest salary is 55,700 SEK (men), 54,400 SEK (women); the lowest salary is 45,300 SEK (men), 48,900 SEK (women).
