Pig keeper

What does a Svinskötare do? – Tasks and work environment

A Svinskötare is responsible for the daily care of pigs on farms or agricultural properties. Tasks include feeding, cleaning stables, monitoring animal health, and documenting growth and any illnesses. The profession often involves working in a stable environment where hygiene, safety, and structure are crucial for the well-being of both animals and staff. Physical endurance is required as the work can be heavy and performed in varying temperatures throughout the year. Continuous contact with the animals is essential, and the Svinskötare needs to have a good understanding of animal behavior and needs.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, Svinskötare have experienced some salary increases. In 2022, the average salary was 27,200 SEK per month, while in both 2023 and 2024 the average salary has been 28 400. This represents an increase of approximately 4.4% between 2022 and 2023, after which the salary stabilized at the same level in 2024. This trend reflects a generally stable labor market for the profession, where salary increases are mainly driven by continued demand for skills in agriculture and general wage adjustments in the industry. The shortage of qualified labor and a relatively low supply of trained Svinskötare may also have contributed to maintaining the salary level stable and slightly increasing.

Svinskötare salary – full overview

• Average salary: 28 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 27,000 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, 3-year high school education)
• Highest salary: 32,500 SEK/month (female, public sector, up to 2-year high school education)
• Hourly wage: 171 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 94% of what men do (27 800 SEK for women, 29,700 SEK for men)
• Regional differences: Specific data is missing, but variations may occur depending on labor market and demand in different counties

Education and qualifications

To work as a Svinskötare, a high school education in natural resource management with a focus on agriculture or animal care is usually required. Practical experience working with farm animals is highly meritorious, and education is often combined with practical training on farms. Formal certifications are uncommon, but courses in animal husbandry and work environment are advantageous. An interest in animals and responsibility are fundamental qualities for thriving and developing in the profession.

• High school education: Natural resource management program, specialization in agriculture/animals (3 years)
• Practical training: At least a few weeks of internship on farms or agricultural properties is recommended
• Courses: Animal husbandry, work environment, and safety
• Prerequisites: Basic education, interest in animals and agriculture
• Tips: Early practical experience or summer jobs on farms provide valuable insight

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for Svinskötare include work clothing, health promotion allowances, and sometimes subsidized meals. Some employers also offer opportunities for further training in animal husbandry and safety. Access to staff housing on the farm may be available, especially at larger farms, and collective agreements often provide basic security regarding working hours and salary.

Competition and challenges

The labor market for Svinskötare features good opportunities for employment, but there is also competition for the most attractive positions. The industry experiences recruitment difficulties, partly because many work part-time and fewer young people are seeking careers in agriculture. Challenges in the profession can also include heavy work tasks, varying working hours, and the need for constant presence, especially during disease outbreaks among animals. Changes within the agricultural sector, such as technological development and increased automation, also demand adaptability and technical skills.

Tips for those who want to become a Svinskötare

To succeed as a Svinskötare, it is good to have a genuine interest in animals and to be thorough in daily tasks. Demonstrating responsibility and reliability is crucial since the animals depend on care every day, year-round. Practical skills and good physical condition facilitate heavy tasks and long shifts in a stable environment. Flexibility and the ability to quickly solve unexpected problems are valuable, especially regarding animal health or technical challenges on the farm. Teamwork skills are important since the work often takes place in small teams where mutual support is essential for animal welfare. Being observant and able to quickly notice changes in animal behavior is also a great asset. Finally, a positive attitude and willingness to learn new things provide good opportunities for growth and enjoyment in the profession.

Key facts about Svinskötare

• Salary range: 27,000–32,500 SEK/month
• Average salary: 28 400 SEK/month
• Education level: High school, natural resource management program
• Work environment: Stable, physically demanding
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment, 360 available jobs nationwide

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years as a Svinskötare, there are opportunities to advance to supervisor or responsible for larger herds. Some choose to further educate themselves in animal health, agricultural technology, or even start their own business. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the future outlook remains stable, with large opportunities for employment in the profession of livestock keeper and caretaker of farm animals. Over five years, demand is expected to remain unchanged, but recruitment difficulties may occur due to part-time work and a shortage of trained labor. Technological development within agriculture may also create new roles, such as in animal monitoring and automation systems.

Frequently asked questions about Svinskötare

• What does a Svinskötare earn?
  - The average salary for a Svinskötare is 28 400 SEK per month.
• Are there differences between men's and women's salaries in the profession?
  - Yes, women earn 27 800 SEK while men earn 29,700 SEK, which means women have 94% of men's salary.
• What education is required to become a Svinskötare?
  - High school education in natural resource management, often with practical training on farms, is recommended.
• What is the job market like for Svinskötare?
  - There are great opportunities for employment and approximately 360 jobs available nationwide within the profession.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Specific figures are lacking, but salary and demand may vary depending on region and labor market.
• What are common tasks for a Svinskötare?
  - Feeding, cleaning, monitoring animal health, and documentation are central tasks.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - The outlook is stable with unchanged demand over the next five years.