- Salary statistics
- Breeders, pets
Breeders, pets
28 467 - 28 218 kr / month
Naturbruk
Salary progression Breeders, pets
What does a pet breeder do? – Job tasks and work environment
Pet breeders are responsible for breeding, caring for, and selling animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, or other small pets intended for companionship. Tasks may include planning matings, managing pregnancy, raising young, administrative documentation, communicating with buyers, and ensuring good animal health and hygiene. The work involves daily supervision, feeding, and environmental enrichment for the animals. The work environment is often home- or farm-based and involves many practical tasks, requiring physical endurance and great care for animal welfare.
Salary development over time
Salaries for pet breeders have shown a very slight but stable increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,874 SEK per month, slightly increased to 28 101 SEK in 2023, and reached 28 218 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total increase of about 1.2 % over the period. The slow salary growth can be explained by low industry growth, limited margins for small breeders, and relatively low demand for specialized labor. Despite increased awareness of animal protection and breeding ethics, there has been little impact on salary levels. The market is characterized by many self-employed individuals and small operations, which also influences the salary level.
Pet breeder salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 28 218 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data unavailable
- Hourly wage: 169 SEK
- Gender differences: No statistics available
- Regional differences: Data unavailable
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a pet breeder varies, but formal education is often advantageous. Many start with high school education in animal care, but there are also opportunities to deepen knowledge through courses, certifications, or association training. Practical experience and in-depth knowledge of animal needs are crucial, as well as familiarity with legislation and breeding ethics.
- High school education: Animal care or natural resource programs, 3 years
- Specialized courses: Breeding, animal health, nutrition
- Certifications: From industry organizations or breed clubs
- Internship: Recommended with experienced breeders
- Knowledge of legislation: Fundamental for the operation
Many pet breeders are active within non-profit organizations and breed clubs, where sharing experiences and networking often lead to new knowledge and valuable contacts within the industry.
Common benefits and compensations
Benefits for pet breeders vary depending on the employment type. Self-employed individuals can enjoy flexible working hours and the opportunity to combine work with private life, while employees at larger kennels or pet stores may receive discounts on pet food, grooming products, or further training. Pension schemes and insurance are less common but do exist in some employment forms.
Competition and challenges
Competition within the pet breeding industry is fierce, especially for popular breeds or species. The market is fragmented and dominated by many small-scale operators, making it difficult to establish without a strong brand or specialized expertise. Laws and regulations regarding animal care and breeding are extensive and require constant updating. Running a business also involves risks of financial insecurity and high availability demands. Animal welfare, ethics, and sustainable breeding are central issues that affect workload and buyer trust.
Tips for aspiring pet breeders
To succeed as a pet breeder, having a genuine interest in animals and a lot of patience is essential, as the work often involves long days and unexpected challenges. Precision is important for documenting breeding, health status, and complying with legal requirements regarding animal care. Social skills facilitate contact with buyers and other breeders and help build a good reputation. It is also recommended to continuously educate oneself in animal health and breeding methods to stay updated. Business acumen and organizational skills are crucial for running a sustainable operation. An open attitude to collaboration and networking can provide valuable advice and support the development of the breeding business. Finally, resilience and a strong commitment to animal welfare are necessary to thrive and succeed in the long term.
Key facts about Pet Breeders
- Average salary: 28 218 SEK/month
- Hourly wage: 169 SEK
- Education level: High school education (animal care) recommended
- Work form: Most commonly self-employed or small-scale operation
- Job openings: Approximately 360 current positions within the profession
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years, a pet breeder can develop their business toward more specialized breeding, training, or consulting in animal health and breeding ethics. Some choose to start larger kennels, work with import/export of breeding animals, or take roles within organizations focused on animal protection and certification. The future outlook is relatively stable, with a steady demand for quality breeders and increasing requirements for animal welfare. According to the Employment Service, there are currently 360 available jobs in the profession, indicating good opportunities for those with the right skills and dedication. Digitalization and increased online visibility offer additional opportunities for marketing and sales.
Frequently asked questions about Pet Breeders
- What does a pet breeder earn?
- The average salary is 28 218 SEK/month, with an hourly wage of 169 SEK. - Is formal education necessary to become a breeder?
- Formal education is not required, but a high school diploma in animal care is strongly recommended. - What are the job responsibilities of a pet breeder?
- Breeding, care, sales, documentation, and contact with buyers are included. - Are there many job openings for breeders?
- There are approximately 360 current vacancies within the profession according to statistics. - What personal qualities are important?
- Patience, thoroughness, social skills, and animal interest are particularly important. - What is the work environment like?
- The work environment is often home- or farm-based and involves physical work with daily animal care. - What are the future prospects?
- The outlook is stable with continued demand for quality breeders and increased animal welfare requirements.
Salary distributed by age and sector
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 Breeders, pets has the SSYK code 6122, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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