Stable foreman

What does a Stable Supervisor do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A stable supervisor is responsible for the daily operation of stables and equine facilities, with tasks ranging from feed planning and animal health to staff scheduling and contact with suppliers. The role often involves close collaboration with horse owners, veterinarians, and other agricultural professionals. The work environment is physically demanding and outdoor-based, where the workday can include mucking out, animal supervision, machinery handling, and basic maintenance. Flexibility is often required, as work needs to be adapted to the animals' needs and routines, which may involve early mornings, weekend work, and on-call duties.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for a stable supervisor has shown a modest but steady increase. In 2022, the average salary was 27,200 SEK per month, while in 2023 and 2024 it has remained at 28 400. This corresponds to a salary increase of approximately 4.4% between 2022 and 2023, but the level has since remained unchanged. The development can be explained by a relatively constant demand for expertise in animal husbandry and agriculture, while employers have faced challenges in raising wages in line with inflation. The salary increase also reflects an increased focus on work environment and animal welfare, which demands higher skills and may push wages upward over time, albeit at a slow pace in recent years.

Stable Supervisor Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 28 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 27,000 SEK/month (female, private sector, high school education 3 years)
• Highest salary: 32,500 SEK/month (female, public sector, high school education up to 2 years)
• Hourly wage: 171 SEK (based on 166 working hours/month)
• Gender differences: Women earn 27 800 SEK, men 29,700 SEK (women 94% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Slight variations, but salaries tend to be somewhat higher in regions with larger horse industries and public employers

Education and Qualifications

To work as a stable supervisor, a high school education with a focus on natural resource use is usually required, often supplemented with practical experience from stable work and animal husbandry. Further education in leadership, work environment, and animal health can be advantageous, as can courses in machinery handling and safety. The role demands both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, with the ability to organize and lead staff being central.

• High school education: Natural resource program, 3 years
• Further education: Courses in animal husbandry, work environment, leadership
• Practical experience: Experience from stable or animal-related activities is required
• Certifications: Safe horse handling, machine and tractor licenses may be desirable
• Prerequisites: Interest in animals, good physical condition, and sense of responsibility

Common Benefits and Compensation

Common benefits for a stable supervisor often include free or subsidized stable space for their own horse, work clothes, wellness allowance, and sometimes staff housing at larger facilities. Overtime pay and shift allowances are common, especially in the public sector or larger private operations. Some employers also offer skills development and training grants as part of employment conditions.

Challenges and Competition

The profession of a stable supervisor is characterized by a paradoxical recruitment situation: job opportunities are good nationwide, but there is also competition for permanent full-time positions, as many work part-time. Challenges include physically demanding tasks and high responsibility, especially at larger facilities with many animals and staff. Technological developments and increased documentation requirements also demand higher digital competence, while work environment and animal welfare require continuous skill development. Working hours can be irregular, and workload varies seasonally and depending on the number of animals.

Tips for Aspiring Stable Supervisors

To succeed as a stable supervisor, it is beneficial to combine a genuine interest in animals with a strong sense of responsibility and good organizational skills. Flexibility helps in handling unforeseen events and changing tasks, while teamwork is crucial in communicating with colleagues and external actors. Practical experience from stable work provides a solid foundation, but developing leadership and communication skills is also important for managing staff and customer relations. An early tip is to seek internships or part-time jobs in stable environments to build networks and references, while further education in work environment and animal health offers a competitive edge. Finally, resilience and good physical condition are important, as the work is often physically and mentally demanding.

Key Facts about Stable Supervisor

• Average salary: 28 400 SEK/month
• Salary range: 27,000–32,500 SEK/month
• Education level: High school (Natural Resource Program) with practical experience
• Work environment: Physically demanding, outdoor and indoor in stables
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment, especially in larger facilities

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After 3–5 years as a stable supervisor, there may be opportunities to advance to supervisory roles, such as stable manager or operations responsible for larger facilities. Some choose to further their education in animal care, veterinary medicine, or agricultural entrepreneurship to broaden their career options. According to the Employment Service's forecasts, demand for breeders and caretakers of farm animals remains high nationwide, with unchanged prospects over five years. At the same time, competition for permanent positions exists, as many work part-time and recruitment difficulties are common. Currently, there are about 360 job openings in the group, indicating good career opportunities for those with the right skills and flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions about Stable Supervisor

• What is the average salary of a Stable Supervisor?
  - The average salary is 28 400 SEK per month.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, men earn an average of 29,700 SEK and women 27 800, which means women earn 94% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a stable supervisor?
  - High school education with a focus on natural resource use and practical experience from stable work is recommended.
• What are the job prospects for the profession?
  - Demand is high, and the forecast remains unchanged over five years, according to the Employment Service.
• What are the most common benefits?
  - Benefits may include free stable space, work clothes, wellness allowance, and staff housing.
• How broad is the salary spread within the profession?
  - The salary span ranges from 27,000 SEK to 32,500 SEK per month.
• How many job openings are there for stable supervisors?
  - There are approximately 360 job openings in the group of breeders and caretakers of farm animals.