Expand mobile version menu
  Skip to main content

What They Do

Insider Info

Swine technicians assist in the raising of hogs for meat production. They tend to baby pigs, assist in the farrowing (birthing) process and help with the breeding through artificial or natural insemination. They also tend to equipment, bathe the animals and more.

They also perform medical procedures such as iron injections and ID tattooing. They are also expected to keep good computer records and to participate as a member of a team.

Not surprisingly, swine technicians spend a great deal of their days around pigs. Muriel Power is a swine technician. She works for government. She says she spends five to six hours a day around pigs.

Working around pigs may not sound like the most pleasant job. Pigs, after all, have a reputation for being, well, dirty and smelly. But that is not necessarily the case. Power says most pig breeders keep their farms very clean because they don't want their animals to catch any diseases.

Yes, the pigs do smell, but Power says it doesn't bother her. "You are in a barn, you must remember. And you are working with pigs, and they smell. You can't get away from...the smell. But it is not unbearable." Power says she wears a mask when she is working, but that's mostly to protect herself against dust.

Swine technicians have to do some heavy lifting in their work, and move around a lot. "You should be in good physical shape," says Power. "I suppose you don't have to, but you should be. It would make it a lot easier if you are, that's for sure."

At a Glance

Help raise hogs for meat production

  • Job prospects are good
  • Pig operations are getting larger
  • Special training programs are available

Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

Support


Powered by XAP

OCAP believes that financial literacy and understanding the financial aid process are critical aspects of college planning and student success. OCAP staff who work with students, parents, educators and community partners in the areas of personal finance education, state and federal financial aid, and student loan management do not provide financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice. This website and all information provided is for general educational purposes only, and is not intended to be construed as financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice.