How much does a Plant breeders make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Plant breeders
Image that illustrates Plant breeders

Plant breeders

45 700 kr

Specialists and advisors in agriculture etc.

34 400 - 49 300 kr / month

Women earn 85% of what men do.

Naturbruk

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Plant breeders

Average salary 45 700 kr
Males 48 700 kr
Females 41 300 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 7 Vacant jobs ->

What does a plant breeder do? – Tasks and work environment

A plant breeder works on developing and improving various plant varieties through selective crossing, genetic methods, and advanced laboratory techniques. The main task is to create new varieties with desirable traits such as higher yield, disease resistance, and better quality for agriculture and food production. The work environment varies between laboratories, greenhouses, and field trials, where both independent work and collaboration with other specialists are common. The profession requires precision, analytical skills, and a strong interest in plant biology and technology.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salary development for plant breeders has shown steady growth. In 2022, the average salary was 40,300 SEK per month, increasing to 45 200 SEK in 2023 and then to 45 700 SEK in 2024. The total increase over the period is approximately 13.4%, with the largest rise between 2022 and 2023. This trend reflects an increased demand for specialist skills in agricultural technical and biological fields, as well as generally higher salary growth for academic careers in natural resource sectors. Despite a relatively small number of practitioners and some uncertainty about future forecasts, the trend indicates that employers highly value expertise and experience in the field.

Plant breeder salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 45 700 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 34,400 SEK/month (female, private sector)
  • Highest salary: 49,300 SEK/month (male, private sector)
  • Hourly wage (average): 275 SEK
  • Women's salary: 41 300 SEK/month (85% of men's salary)
  • Men's salary: 48 700 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a plant breeder, a university degree in biology, agronomy, or equivalent is required, often with specialization in plant genetics or plant breeding. The educational pathway typically includes both theoretical and practical components, where internships or thesis work at research institutes or companies are common. Further education at advanced levels, such as a master's or doctoral degree, may be necessary for more qualified roles or research positions.

  • Bachelor's degree: Biology, agronomy, or related field (3 years)
  • Master's program: Plant breeding, biotechnology, or plant genetics (2 years)
  • Internship/thesis: Usually within research projects or companies
  • Courses/certifications: Molecular biology, statistics, laboratory techniques
  • Prerequisites: Science-oriented upper secondary education

Many plant breeders work internationally and participate in global research projects, providing great opportunities for cross-border collaborations and insight into the latest technology in the field.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Plant breeders are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, occupational pension, flexible working hours, and opportunities for remote work. Other common compensations include subsidized lunches, skills development, and sometimes access to research resources and international conferences. Employment at larger companies or government research institutes may also include insurance coverage and extra vacation days.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a plant breeder is relatively high due to the limited number of specialist roles and the requirement for advanced education. Challenges in the profession can include rapid technological changes, the need for continuous skills development, and unpredictable research results. Long-term projects and dependence on external funding demand patience and perseverance. At the same time, the profession offers the opportunity to contribute to sustainable food production and innovation in agriculture, which can be highly motivating for the right person.

Tips for aspiring plant breeders

To succeed as a plant breeder, it is beneficial to have strong analytical skills and a genuine interest in plant biology, as the profession requires both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Being meticulous and persistent is crucial when conducting long-term experiments and detailed analyses. It is also wise to seek internships in research or industry early on to gain valuable experience and build a network. Good teamwork and communication skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues across disciplines. Continuously staying updated on new techniques and research findings is important to enhance your competence and employability in a competitive job market.

Key facts about plant breeders

  • Salary range: 34,400–49,300 SEK/month
  • Education level: University education in biology/agronomy, often at master's level
  • Women's share of average salary: 85%
  • Work environment: Laboratory, greenhouse, and field trials
  • Number of available jobs (profession group): 356

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a plant breeder can advance to roles such as project manager, research leader, or specialist in biotechnology and plant genetics. Further education and experience also open opportunities for international research assignments or positions within larger food and agricultural companies. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, there are 356 available jobs in the profession, but due to limited data, no specific forecast is made. The demand for specialists in the field is expected to remain, especially with increased focus on sustainability, climate change, and development of new crops.

Frequently asked questions about plant breeders

  • What is the average salary of a plant breeder?
    - A plant breeder has an average salary of 45 700 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a plant breeder?
    - Usually, a university degree in biology, agronomy, or plant genetics, often at master's or doctoral level.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn an average of 41 300 SEK while men earn 48 700 SEK, which means women earn 85% of men's salaries.
  • What is the job market like for plant breeders?
    - There are 356 available jobs in the profession, but no exact forecast due to limited data.
  • What are the most common work environments for plant breeders?
    - Work environments vary between laboratories, greenhouses, and field trials.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for a plant breeder?
    - The highest salary is 49,300 SEK (male, private sector) and the lowest is 34,400 SEK (female, private sector).

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-08 12:14:20

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Plant breeders is 49300 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a unspecified education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 46900 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Plant breeders is 34400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 40000 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 37800 kr 39500 kr
35-44 42900 kr 45700 kr
45-54 44300 kr 46600 kr
55-64 47200 kr 49700 kr
Snitt 85% 43400 kr 45700 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 Plant breeders has the SSYK code 2134, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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