Plant protection specialist salary

Plant Protection Specialist: Salary and Job Duties

Working as a Plant Protection Specialist means being part of a critical area within agriculture. With a focus on protecting crops from pests and diseases, this profession is crucial to ensuring sustainable and efficient agricultural production. Specialists and advisors in agriculture, including plant protection specialists, work to improve crop yield and quality by developing and implementing protection strategies.

Salary for a Plant Protection Specialist

The salary for a Plant Protection Specialist is an important aspect to consider for those interested in this profession. On average, the salary is 45 200 SEK per month. However, there is a noticeable difference between genders, with men earning an average of 49 100 SEK, while women earn 40 100 SEK. This means that women earn 82% of what men do in the same profession.

For hourly employees, the average salary is 272 SEK per hour, based on 166 working hours per month. It is also worth noting that the average salary has increased from 40 300 SEK to 45 200 SEK since the last measurement, indicating a positive trend in the profession's salary development.

Salary Range and Education Level

The highest salary for a Plant Protection Specialist is 50,100 SEK, which applies to a male working as a private sector official with an unspecified education level. For women, the highest salary is 44,100 SEK. On the other hand, the lowest salary for a woman is 33,100 SEK, belonging to a private sector worker with a three-year high school education. For men, the lowest salary is 36,900 SEK.

Education and Skills Requirements

Becoming a Plant Protection Specialist usually requires a higher education in agronomy, biology, or other related sciences. Many specialists have a degree in agricultural science or ecology with a focus on plant protection. Practical experience in agriculture or a related discipline is also very valuable and can sometimes compensate for formal education.

Working Conditions and Challenges

The working conditions for a Plant Protection Specialist can vary depending on the workplace and specific duties. Many work outdoors in fields to monitor crops and implement plant protection strategies, requiring good physical condition and the ability to work in varying weather conditions. Others may work more in laboratory environments or offices to analyze data and develop new strategies.

Challenges in the profession include staying updated with the latest research findings and techniques in plant protection, as well as managing changes in climate and weather patterns that can affect crop health.

Future Outlook and Competition

According to the Swedish Public Employment Service forecasts, there is currently limited data to make an exact assessment of the future outlook for Plant Protection Specialists. The profession is part of a broader group of specialists and advisors in agriculture, making it difficult to determine specific future projections. However, with the increasing focus on sustainability and efficiency in agriculture, there is potential for increased opportunities in this field.

Benefits and Work Environment

Benefits in the profession can vary depending on the employer and type of employment. There may be opportunities for paid training and further education programs that promote professional development. In some cases, there may also be flexibility in the workplace, where some work can be done remotely or in a location other than the traditional office or laboratory.

In conclusion, being a Plant Protection Specialist is a profession with great responsibility and opportunities for personal development. With an average salary that has recently increased and the potential for future growth in the sector, this profession represents an attractive career path for those interested in contributing to sustainable agricultural production.