How much does a Chipper operator, forestry make

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  2. Chipper operator, forestry
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Chipper operator, forestry

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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Salary progression Chipper operator, forestry

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

What does a chipping machine operator do in forestry? – Tasks and work environment

A chipping machine operator in forestry is responsible for operating and maintaining specialized machines that chip wood parts, branches, and other forest material. The work is primarily outdoors in forest environments and involves handling large, technically advanced machinery under varying weather conditions. Tasks include both driving and continuous monitoring of machine functions, as well as minor repairs and daily maintenance. Safety is central, as work often takes place in terrain with limited visibility and near other machines or personnel.

Wage development over time

The salary for forestry chipping machine operators has shown a clear 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% over three years. This development is linked to continued high demand for skilled machine operators in forestry, while the number of trained workers has not increased at the same pace. Higher technical requirements and increased mechanization in forestry further push up wages. Additionally, work environment factors and labor shortages in certain regions have positively influenced wage levels.

Forestry chipping machine operator salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 32 900 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 30,600 SEK/month (female)
  • Highest salary: 35,400 SEK/month (male, privately employed officer)
  • Hourly wage: 198 SEK/hour
  • Women earn: 92% of what men do (women: 30,600 SEK, men: 33 100 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Salary variations may occur, especially between northern and southern Sweden depending on the labor market and availability of jobs.

Education and qualifications

To work as a forestry chipping machine operator, a high school education in forestry machinery or equivalent natural resource programs is usually required. Practical experience is highly valued, as well as knowledge of machinery technology and safety regulations. Some employers may also require specific certificates or training in safety and machinery maintenance.

  • High school education: Natural resource program with forestry specialization, 3 years
  • Certifications: Machine operator certificate, chainsaw license, and safety training
  • Practical training: On-the-job training during education is common
  • Prerequisites: Basic high school eligibility, interest in technology and nature
  • Tips for choosing: Continuing education and specialization in machinery technology provide advantages in the job market

Forestry chipping machine operators often work independently outdoors and must make quick decisions when unexpected obstacles arise, such as weather changes or technical problems. This demands initiative and problem-solving skills, making the profession both challenging and varied.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Forestry chipping machine operators are often offered benefits such as per diems for work away from home, compensation for unsocial hours, and access to work clothing and protective equipment. Some employers may also provide wellness allowances and opportunities for further training in machinery maintenance or safety.

Competition and challenges

The profession of forestry chipping machine operators is characterized by a paradoxical labor market where recruitment difficulties coexist with many leaving the profession. The number of job openings is relatively high, but the technical requirements and need for independent work make it challenging to find suitable candidates. The work environment is physically demanding and often solitary, which can be difficult for some. Technological development also requires operators to continuously update their skills to handle new machinery and digital systems. Seasonal variations and weather conditions can affect workload and require flexibility.

Tips for those wishing to become a forestry chipping machine operator

To succeed as a forestry chipping machine operator, it is beneficial to have a technical interest and good problem-solving skills, as work often involves quickly fixing minor faults on machinery. Precision is important since safety and machine performance must always be prioritized, especially in challenging terrain. Independence and a sense of responsibility are crucial, as work often takes place alone far from colleagues. Being flexible and resilient under stress helps when facing unexpected situations like weather changes or machine breakdowns. Finally, an interest in nature and outdoor work is a significant advantage, as large parts of the workday are spent outdoors in varying conditions.

Key facts about forestry chipping machine operators

  • Education level: High school, natural resource program with forestry specialization
  • Work environment: Outdoors, variable weather, often independent work
  • Demand: Great opportunities for employment, 360 job openings in Sweden
  • Special skills: Machinery technology and safety procedures
  • Typical employment: Full-time, sometimes seasonal

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years as a forestry chipping machine operator, there are opportunities to advance to machinery supervisor, supervisor, or instructor for new operators. Some choose to further their education in machinery technology or occupational safety, which can open doors to more specialized roles within forestry companies or machinery suppliers. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, job opportunities in the profession are expected to remain strong over the next five years, with stable demand. Technological development and the shift toward more sustainable forestry may also create new career paths in digitalization and efficiency improvements.

Frequently asked questions about forestry chipping machine operators

  • What does a chipping machine operator earn in forestry?
    - The average salary is 32 900 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience and employer.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 92% of what men do in the profession.
  • What education is required?
    - High school education in natural resources with forestry specialization, machine operator certificate, and practical training.
  • What is the job market like for forestry chipping machine operators?
    - Demand is high, with approximately 360 job openings in Sweden.
  • What are the occupational health and safety risks?
    - The work involves risks related to heavy machinery, weather, terrain, and solitary work, requiring high safety standards.
  • Can you advance in the profession?
    - Yes, opportunities exist to become machinery supervisor, supervisor, or pursue further training in technology and leadership.
  • What is the highest salary for a forestry chipping machine operator?
    - The highest known salary is 35,400 SEK per month for a male privately employed officer with high school education.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-13 19:22:53

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Chipper operator, forestry 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 Chipper operator, forestry 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 Chipper operator, forestry has the SSYK code 8341, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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