How much does a Harvesting machine operator make

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  2. Harvesting machine operator
Image that illustrates Harvesting machine operator

Harvesting machine operator

32 900 kr

Operators of agricultural and forestry machinery

30 600 - 35 400 kr / month

Women earn 92% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Harvesting machine operator

Average salary 32 900 kr
Males 33 100 kr
Females 30 600 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 3 Vacant jobs ->

What does a harvesting machine operator do? – Tasks and work environment

A harvesting machine operator works with operating and managing forestry machinery, mainly harvesters, to fell and process trees in forestry. Tasks include planning logging operations, maneuvering large and advanced machines, as well as maintenance and simple repairs. The environment is often outdoors, in varied terrain and weather conditions, requiring both technical knowledge and good physical condition. The work is often independent, but collaboration with other machine operators and forestry workers occurs regularly. Safety and precision are crucial, as the machines are powerful and the work environment can be demanding.

Salary development over time

Salaries for harvesting machine operators have shown a steady positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,400 SEK per month, increasing to 31 500 SEK in 2023 and further to 32 900 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 8.2% over three years. Factors driving this development include increased demand for operators in forestry, technological advancements demanding higher skills, and recruitment challenges. Despite the positive salary trend, clear gender differences remain, with women earning on average 92% of men's salaries. Overall, the salary development reflects an industry where labor is in demand but educational levels vary.

Harvesting machine operator salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 32 900 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 30,600 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 35,400 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 198 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 30,600 SEK, men earn 33 100 SEK (92%)
  • Regional differences: Data varies, some wage differences between northern and southern Sweden

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a harvesting machine operator typically goes through high school natural resources program with a forestry focus, but there are also adult education and YH programs for those changing careers later in life. Practical experience is highly valuable, as the work requires both technical understanding and good machine handling skills. In addition to formal education, employers often seek certifications in safety and machine operation.

  • High school education: Natural resources program, forestry focus (3 years)
  • Vocational college/adult education: Forestry machinery operation (1–2 years)
  • Certificates: Chainsaw license, forestry machine operator license
  • Internship: Often required for practical training or trainee periods
  • Prerequisites: Good physical condition and technical understanding

Technological innovations in forestry machinery have made the profession more advanced and digitalized. Today's harvesting machines are often equipped with GPS and computer systems, which set new demands for digital skills and problem-solving abilities.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensation

Benefits for harvesting machine operators often include per diems when working away from home, overtime pay, wellness allowances, and sometimes further training paid by the employer. Some employers also offer bonuses linked to productivity and safety.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a harvesting machine operator is moderate, but employers report difficulties in finding qualified personnel. The physically demanding work environment, irregular hours, and the need for technical skills cause many to leave the profession after a few years. At the same time, many experienced operators are retiring, increasing the demand for new workers. Safety requirements and labor law standards impose high demands on employers and employees. Ongoing digitalization also means operators need to stay updated on new technology and methods.

Tips for those who want to become a harvesting machine operator

To succeed as a harvesting machine operator, it’s good to have an interest in technology and machinery, as the profession requires daily handling of advanced equipment. Precision is key, especially when planning and executing logging in sensitive natural areas. Flexibility facilitates work, as weather and terrain vary. Good teamwork skills are valuable when working in teams or in contact with landowners and colleagues. Finally, endurance and a sense of responsibility are important, as the work often involves long days and high safety focus.

Key facts about harvesting machine operators

  • Education level: High school diploma or vocational training
  • Work environment: Outdoors, often in forests and variable weather
  • Work form: Independently or in small teams
  • Demand: Great opportunities for employment according to Arbetsförmedlingen
  • Special skills: Machine handling, digital technology, and safety

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience, there are opportunities to advance to supervisor, machine manager, or instructor within forestry companies. Some choose further education in forest management or machinery technology. Forecasts from Arbetsförmedlingen show that demand for operators of agricultural and forestry machinery will remain unchanged over the next five years, but job opportunities are considered strong due to retirements and recruitment difficulties. Currently, there are approximately 360 job openings nationwide, offering good chances for employment for those with the right skills.

Frequently asked questions about harvesting machine operators

  • What does a harvesting machine operator earn?
    - The average salary is 32 900 SEK/month, with a highest salary of 35,400 SEK and a lowest salary of 30,600 SEK.
  • Are there differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn an average of 30,600 SEK/month compared to men's 33 100 SEK, which corresponds to 92%.
  • What education is required to become a harvesting machine operator?
    - High school natural resources program with forestry focus, or adult education/YH training in forestry machinery operation, plus certification.
  • What is the job market like?
    - Demand is high and there are approximately 360 job openings nationwide.
  • What are the work environment conditions?
    - Work is outdoors in forests, often under varying weather and terrain, with high safety demands.
  • What benefits are common in this profession?
    - Per diems, overtime pay, wellness allowances, and sometimes productivity bonuses.
  • What career opportunities are there after a few years?
    - Opportunities to become supervisor, machine manager, instructor, or pursue further education within forestry.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-14 01:04:20

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Harvesting machine operator is 35400 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 30600 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Harvesting machine operator is 30600 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 32800 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 28700 kr 29700 kr
25-34 32900 kr 34000 kr
35-44 31900 kr 32600 kr
45-54 33900 kr 35300 kr
55-64 33600 kr 34500 kr
Snitt 92% 31900 kr 32900 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 Harvesting machine operator has the SSYK code 8341, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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