Pig keeper salary

Working as a Swine Caretaker: Salary and Job Description

Working as a swine caretaker involves taking care of farm animals, with a focus on pigs. It is a profession that requires both patience and knowledge of animal behaviors and needs. Swine caretakers are part of the occupational group "Livestock Breeders and Caretakers," which means that job duties can vary depending on the size and focus of the farm.

Salary for Swine Caretakers

The average salary for a swine caretaker is 28 400 kronor per month. However, there is a certain salary gap between genders; men earn an average of 30 000 kronor while women earn 27 700 kronor. This means that women's salaries correspond to 92 percent of men's salaries in the profession. Hourly swine caretakers have an average hourly wage of 171 kronor, based on a work month of 166 hours.

Salary Development

Since the last measurement, the average salary for swine caretakers has increased from 27 200 kronor to 28 400 kronor, showing a positive trend in the profession. The highest salary in the profession is 31600 kronor, belonging to a woman employed in the public sector. For men, the highest salary is 31000 kronor.

Lowest Salaries

The lowest salary for a swine caretaker is 26800 kronor, belonging to a man working as a privately employed worker with a post-secondary education of three years or more. For women, the lowest salary is 27600 kronor.

Education and Qualifications

To become a swine caretaker, an education in agriculture is often a good start. Many high schools offer specializations focusing on animal care and agriculture, providing a solid foundation for working with animals on a farm. There are also post-secondary programs and courses that can deepen one's knowledge in animal husbandry and agriculture.

Employment Prerequisites

The opportunities for employment as a swine caretaker are considered good. Nationally, there are significant job opportunities, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over a five-year period. However, the recruitment situation can be challenging, as many in the profession work part-time. This means that there are potential opportunities for those interested in full-time work.

Working Conditions

Working as a swine caretaker is physically demanding and may involve long working hours, depending on the season and the animals' needs. The work environment can be noisy, and the smell can be strong, which is something to be prepared for. Benefits such as paid training or other perks are not common in this profession, but some employers may offer training opportunities to enhance employees' skills.

Future Outlook

The future outlook for swine caretakers is relatively stable. The profession is part of the agricultural sector, and labor market forecasts indicate that demand for livestock breeders and caretakers is expected to remain unchanged over a five-year period. This means that there is a stable job market for those interested in working with animals in agriculture.

Challenges in the Profession

One of the biggest challenges in the profession is handling the physical demands and sometimes irregular working hours. Additionally, a good understanding of animal needs and behaviors is required, as well as the ability to quickly respond to changes in their health or environment.

Summary

Working as a swine caretaker is a profession that requires both physical and mental abilities. Salaries are competitive, with an average salary of 28 400 kronor, and the future outlook appears stable. Despite some recruitment challenges, there are good opportunities for those willing to work full-time in this important field.