The Oldest Job in Greece Still Has Vacancies
Shepherding in Greece is thousands of years old, and in one respect little has changed: the animals need tending every single day. What has changed is who is available to do it. Younger Greeks have largely moved to the cities, while demand for sheep and goat milk — most of it destined for feta and other traditional cheeses — remains strong. Farms across the plains of Thessaly and the hills of Epirus now depend heavily on workers from abroad.
The work needs no degree, though employers strongly prefer people who have handled animals before. This is an independent editorial guide; figures are indicative and we are not a recruiter.
Job Snapshot
The basics in one table.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Job titles | Shepherd, livestock worker, milker |
| Main locations | Larissa, Karditsa, Trikala (Thessaly); Epirus; Central Greece |
| Experience | Animal-handling experience strongly preferred |
| Contract | Usually one year, renewable |
| Accommodation | Usually provided on or near the farm |
| Schedule | Full-time, early starts, rotating days off |
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Salary by Role
Pay starts at the national minimum wage, reported at €920 gross per month from April 2026, and under Greek law is paid 14 times a year. Because farms normally provide a room, a worker's living costs are low, which is where the real value of these jobs lies.
| Level | Monthly Pay (gross) |
|---|---|
| Livestock Helper | €920 + accommodation |
| Experienced Shepherd | €950 – €1,100 + accommodation |
| Milking Operator | €1,000 – €1,200 |
| Farm Supervisor | €1,150 – €1,350 |
What the Work Involves
Tasks follow the animals' daily and yearly cycle.
- Milking, by hand on small farms or with parlour equipment on larger units
- Taking flocks out to graze and bringing them back
- Feeding, watering, and mixing rations for housed animals
- Cleaning pens, sheds, and milking areas
- Helping during lambing and kidding season, including night checks
- Spotting lameness, illness, or injury and reporting it
- Assisting with shearing, hoof trimming, and vaccinations
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Grazing Flocks or Indoor Units?
Two quite different jobs share the same title. On traditional farms you spend long days outdoors with the flock, often alone, sometimes moving to mountain pastures in summer. On modern intensive units the animals are housed, milking is mechanised, and the day is more structured with a team around you. The first suits people who value independence and know animals well; the second is easier for someone coming from other farm or factory work. Ask which kind of farm it is before you accept.
Where Farms Are Concentrated
Thessaly is the centre of the industry.
| Region | Demand |
|---|---|
| Larissa | Very high |
| Karditsa and Trikala | High |
| Epirus (Ioannina) | High |
| Central Greece | Moderate to high |
Who Can Apply
Farmers look for dependability above everything. You should be at least 18, physically strong, comfortable with early mornings and all weather, and genuinely at ease around animals. Any shepherding, dairy, or livestock background from your home country is your biggest selling point — describe it specifically, with flock sizes and duties. Basic English helps at first; picking up everyday Greek quickly makes working with the farmer far smoother.
The Legal Route for Non-EU Workers
Non-EU nationals must be approved before starting. Typically the farmer applies to hire a named third-country worker, you then apply for a national (type D) visa at the Greek consulate, and a residence permit follows after arrival. Agriculture is one of the sectors where Greece regularly authorises foreign labour, but each case is decided by the authorities and nothing is guaranteed. Travelling on a tourist visa to 'convert it later' is not a legal option.
Documents to Prepare
Have these ready before you apply.
- Valid passport
- Signed employment contract with wage, hours, and housing terms
- Employer work approval and type D work visa
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical certificate
- Photographs or references showing your livestock experience
Life in Rural Greece
Expect quiet villages, long distances to the nearest town, and limited public transport. Days are tied to milking times, with a break in the middle. Farm housing is usually simple but rent-free, and living costs are low, so many workers save a large part of their wage. The trade-off is isolation; a phone with a good data plan and a way to reach town on your day off matter more than you might think.
Safety, Growth and Scams
Rams and billy goats can injure, and some animal diseases pass to humans, so wear gloves and boots, wash thoroughly, and ask about vaccinations. Workers who learn milking machinery and flock health can become supervisors or herd managers. Finally, be careful: fake agents sell Greek farm visas that do not exist. Never pay a large fee for a job, and insist on a written contract from a named employer.