Plant breeders salary

Salary and Work for Plant Breeders

Working as a plant breeder means being a specialist in agriculture and plant science. Plant breeders work on developing new plant varieties by combining the beneficial characteristics of different plant genes. This may involve improving plants' resistance to diseases, increasing yield, or adapting plants to different climatic conditions.

Salary for Plant Breeders

The average salary for a plant breeder is 45 200 SEK. However, there is a certain salary difference between genders; men earn an average of 49 100 SEK, while women earn 40 100 SEK. This means that women earn approximately 82% of what men do. The average salary has increased from 40 300 SEK to 45 200 SEK since the last measurement.

Highest and Lowest Salaries

The highest salary for a plant breeder is 42,900 SEK and belongs to a man working in the public sector with a doctoral degree. The highest salary for a woman in the same profession is 42,500 SEK. The lowest salary for a plant breeder is 31,200 SEK and belongs to a woman working in the public sector with a 3-year high school education. The lowest salary for a man in the same profession is 35,500 SEK.

Education and Qualifications

To become a plant breeder, a higher education in agronomy, biology, or plant science is usually required. Many employers also require experience in laboratory work and field studies. Further education and specialization in genetics and biotechnology can also be advantageous.

Job Duties

The job duties of a plant breeder are diverse and can include everything from laboratory work to fieldwork. Plant breeders often work on crossbreeding different plants, analyzing genetic data, and testing the performance of new plant varieties in different environments. Workdays can be long and require a lot of physical work, especially during the field season.

Job Market and Outlook

According to the forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service, there is limited data to make an assessment of the job prospects for plant breeders. This means that it may be difficult to accurately predict how the job market will look for this profession in the future.

Benefits

The benefits for plant breeders can vary depending on the employer. Common benefits may include a company-paid mobile phone, paid training programs, and opportunities for research funding. These benefits can be particularly important for those working in research and development.

Considerations for Becoming a Plant Breeder

If you are interested in becoming a plant breeder, it is important to have a strong foundation in natural sciences and an interest in plants and biology. You should also be prepared to work both in laboratories and outdoors, sometimes under demanding conditions. Staying updated with the latest research findings in biotechnology and genetics is also crucial.