Bull keeper

What does a bull keeper do? – Tasks and working environment

A bull keeper primarily works with the care, feeding, and handling of bulls on farms. Tasks include daily supervision of the animals, cleaning stables, monitoring health, and documenting growth and any signs of illness. The role also involves breeding work, assisting during veterinary visits, and sometimes operating machinery to transport feed or animals. The work environment is often physical and takes place mainly outdoors or in stables, requiring strength and precision. Safety is central since the work involves large animals, and workdays can vary between early mornings and late evenings, especially during busy periods like calving or feed management.

Salary development over time

The salary for bull keepers has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,200 SEK per month and increased to 28 400 during 2023. This level has remained consistent, with the same average salary reported for 2024. The increase between 2022 and 2023 amounts to approximately 4.4%, but since then, salary levels have plateaued. This trend can mainly be explained by stable demand for labor in agriculture, but also by the fact that the profession belongs to an industry where salary room is often limited by profitability in farming. The stagnation in wages over the past year may also be influenced by economic factors affecting the entire sector, such as rising costs for feed and energy, and a high proportion of part-time employees.

Bull keeper 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
• Gender differences: Women earn 94% of what men do (men: 29,700 SEK, women: 27 800 SEK)
• Regional differences: No data available

Education and qualifications

To work as a bull keeper, a high school education in agriculture is generally required, often with a focus on animal husbandry. Practical experience and knowledge of animal behavior are highly valuable, and employers often seek both formal education and practical skills. Some workplaces may also require specific courses in animal handling or work environment safety. Opportunities for further training include courses or certifications in animal care and agricultural technology.

• High school education: Natural resources program, animals (3 years)
• Internship: Often mandatory during studies
• Work experience: Highly advantageous for employment
• Courses/certificates: For example, animal protection, machinery safety
• Prerequisites: Interest and understanding of animals and agriculture

Common benefits and compensations

Bull keepers are often covered by collective agreements that include vacation pay, overtime pay for work outside regular hours, and pension contributions. Many employers also provide work clothing, wellness allowances, and sometimes housing on or near the farm, especially on larger farms. For weekend work or overtime, special compensation is usually provided according to agreement.

Competition and challenges

The labor market for bull keepers is characterized by good job opportunities nationwide, but recruitment difficulties exist due to a lack of applicants with the right skills. Many positions are part-time, which can make it difficult to attract staff seeking full-time work and long-term security. The profession is also physically demanding and involves working outside of regular office hours, which may deter some. Additionally, demand is influenced by factors such as farm profitability and changes in animal husbandry regulations. The combination of high demand and few applicants means competition for the most attractive positions can be relatively low, but it requires flexibility and commitment from those who want to work long-term in the industry.

Tips for those who want to become a bull keeper

To succeed as a bull keeper, it is beneficial to have a genuine interest in animals and a willingness to work practically. Experience with animals, such as through internships or summer jobs, provides valuable insight and increases employability. Precision is crucial for early detection of health issues in animals, while patience and calmness facilitate working with large, sometimes unpredictable bulls. Flexibility is also important, as workdays can vary greatly in length and intensity depending on the season and tasks. Being responsible and able to work independently is appreciated by employers, especially on smaller farms where multiple tasks are common. Continuously updating your knowledge, for example through courses or industry events, offers advantages when new methods or regulations are introduced. Finally, good physical condition is essential, as the job often involves heavy lifting and long days in the field or stable.

Key facts about Bull Keepers

• Salary range: 27,000–32,500 SEK/month
• Average salary: 28 400 SEK/month
• Education level: High school, agriculture (3 years)
• Work environment: Physically demanding, outdoors and in stables
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment nationwide

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience, a bull keeper can advance to supervisor or stable manager at larger farms. There are also opportunities to specialize in breeding, animal health, or machinery operation, or to start your own business in animal breeding. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the outlook for the profession is good, and the labor market is expected to remain stable over the next five years, with continued high demand for skilled animal caretakers. The shortage of trained workers means many positions will likely be available, even though part-time work is common. For those looking to develop further, options include training as an agronomist, farm manager, or other roles in agricultural consulting and management.

Frequently asked questions about Bull Keepers

• What is the average salary of a bull keeper?
  - The average salary for a bull keeper is 28 400 SEK per month.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 94% of what men do in the profession.
• What education is required to become a bull keeper?
  - High school education in agriculture, often with a focus on animal husbandry, is most common.
• What is the job market like for bull keepers?
  - Opportunities for employment are plentiful, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a bull keeper?
  - The highest reported salary is 32,500 SEK, and the lowest is 27,000 SEK per month.
• What are the duties of a bull keeper?
  - Care, feeding, supervision, breeding work, and documentation of bulls.
• Are there opportunities for further education?
  - Yes, through courses in animal health, breeding, and agricultural technology.