How much does a Tomato picker make

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  2. Tomato picker
Image that illustrates Tomato picker

Tomato picker

27 500 kr

Berry pickers and planters etc.

24 900 - 28 500 kr / month

Women earn 96% of what men do.

Naturbruk

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Tomato picker

Average salary 27 500 kr
Males 27 900 kr
Females 26 800 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 4 Vacant jobs ->

What does a Tomato Picker do? – Tasks and Work Environment

Tomato pickers mainly work by hand harvesting tomatoes, often in greenhouse environments or outdoors. Tasks include identifying ripe tomatoes, carefully picking them to avoid damage, and sorting and packaging the harvest according to specific quality standards. A typical workday may also include some plant care, such as tying up vines or removing leaves. The work environment is characterized by physical activity, often in warm and humid conditions, and work is frequently performed in teams where cooperation and pace are crucial. Seasonal employment and varying working hours depending on the harvest period and weather conditions are common.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for Tomato Pickers has increased from 23,500 SEK per month in 2022 to 26 400 SEK in 2023 and further to 27 500 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a salary increase of approximately 17% over the period, which is a relatively strong development compared to many other agricultural professions. The positive trend can partly be explained by increased demand for locally grown Swedish food, labor shortages during certain seasons, and general wage adjustments within the picking and planting professions. Regional and employer differences occur, but the overall trend indicates that the profession has become somewhat more attractive from a salary perspective. Despite this, wages still reflect the relatively low educational requirements and seasonal nature of the work.

Tomato Picker Salary – Complete Overview

  • Average salary: 27 500 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 24,900 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 28,500 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 165 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 96% of what men do (men 27 900 SEK, women 26,800 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Highest salary found in the regional sector, lowest in the public sector

Education and Qualifications

Tomato picking is a profession that typically does not require formal education, but some experience in agriculture or gardening can be advantageous. On-the-job introduction is standard, and supervision is often provided at the start of employment. To succeed in the profession, good physical condition, attention to detail, and ability to work in teams are essential. Language skills and understanding of hygiene regulations can also be important depending on the employer and work environment.

  • Formal education: No requirement, but high school education in natural sciences is advantageous
  • Certifications: Not mandatory, but some employers may require hygiene training
  • Practical introduction: Often supervised at the start of employment
  • Prerequisites: Good physical health and teamwork skills
  • Tips for applicants: Prior experience in agriculture facilitates hiring

Working as a tomato picker provides a unique insight into the food supply chain and how fresh produce reaches store shelves. Many employers appreciate staff who quickly learn to recognize different ripeness levels and work methodically. For those interested in sustainable farming, this job can also be a pathway into the future green industries.

– statsskuld.se

Common Benefits and Compensation

Common benefits for tomato pickers include per diem allowances when working away from home, free work clothing, and sometimes subsidized lunch. Some employers also offer basic accommodation for seasonal workers and the possibility of bonuses for high harvest volumes. Insurance and pension contributions according to collective agreements are provided by larger employers.

Competition and Challenges

The competition for jobs as a tomato picker varies depending on the season and region, but generally the recruitment situation is balanced according to the Swedish Employment Agency. Challenges in the profession often involve physically demanding work, monotonous tasks, and sometimes high pace. Seasonal variations and weather dependency can affect the workload, making employment opportunities uneven throughout the year. For those who are careful and persistent, there are opportunities for recurring employment. Language barriers can occur in teams with international composition, requiring good communication skills and teamwork.

Tips for Aspiring Tomato Pickers

To succeed as a tomato picker, it is good to be resilient, as the work often involves long days with physically repetitive tasks. Flexibility is needed because tasks and working hours can vary depending on the harvest period and weather. Being meticulous and methodical helps ensure only ripe tomatoes are picked and quality is maintained. Teamwork skills are important, as work is often performed in teams where efficiency and good morale impact both work environment and results. A positive attitude towards outdoor or greenhouse work facilitates adaptation, and those who quickly learn routines are more likely to secure recurring jobs. Showing responsibility and punctuality is appreciated by employers and can lead to more opportunities within the profession.

Key Facts about Tomato Pickers

  • Salary range: 24,900–28,500 SEK/month
  • Educational requirements: No formal education required
  • Work type: Seasonal employment common, often hourly wage
  • Demand: Moderate opportunities, approx. 360 job openings nationwide
  • Work environment: Physically demanding, often in greenhouses or outdoors

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After a few years of experience, opportunities may open for supervisory roles, such as foreman or team leader within harvest teams. Some choose to further their education in horticulture or greenhouse cultivation, which can lead to more qualified positions within cultivation companies. According to the Swedish Employment Agency's forecast, the job market is balanced with moderate opportunities, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. The profession can also serve as a gateway to broader roles in agriculture, logistics, or food production. Regional differences exist, but generally, job availability is stable during peak seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tomato Pickers

  • What does a Tomato Picker earn?
    - A tomato picker has an average salary of 27 500 SEK per month.
  • What is the highest salary for a Tomato Picker?
    - The highest salary is 28,500 SEK per month and belongs to a man in the regional sector with a high school education.
  • What is the hourly wage for a Tomato Picker?
    - The hourly wage is on average 165 SEK based on 166 working hours per month.
  • Are there gender differences in salary?
    - Yes, women earn 96% of what men do (men 27 900 SEK, women 26,800 SEK).
  • What education is required to become a Tomato Picker?
    - No formal education is required, but experience in agriculture is advantageous.
  • What are the future prospects for Tomato Pickers?
    - Job opportunities are moderate, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
  • How many job openings are available for Tomato Pickers?
    - There are approximately 360 job openings nationwide.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-06 13:24:23

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Tomato picker is 28500 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Regional sector with a high school education, 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 26800 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Tomato picker is 24900 kr. Both men and women in this profession have the same lowest salary and work in the Public sector.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 24500 kr 25200 kr
25-34 28000 kr 28200 kr
35-44 100% 27500 kr 27600 kr
45-54 96% 28100 kr 28300 kr
55-64 28300 kr 28500 kr
Snitt 96% 27200 kr 27500 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Tomato picker has the SSYK code 9210, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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