Image that illustrates Outdoor guide

Outdoor guide

30 200 kr

Guides and tour leaders

27 700 - 33 600 kr / month

Women earn 97% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Outdoor guide

Average salary 30 200 kr
Males 30 800 kr
Females 29 900 kr

What does an Outdoor Guide do? – Tasks and Work Environment

An Outdoor Guide leads and is responsible for activities in nature, such as hikes, kayaking trips, climbing, skiing, or cycling excursions. Tasks include planning trips, guiding groups, ensuring safety, and often providing training in outdoor techniques and natural knowledge. Contact with participants is central and requires the ability to inspire, inform, and create a sense of security. The work environment is mainly outdoors, often in varying weather conditions and sometimes in remote areas where independence and problem-solving skills are crucial.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for an Outdoor Guide has developed positively. In 2022, the average salary was 28,200 SEK, followed by an increase to 28 500 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 30 200 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 7% from 2022 to 2024. This increase can partly be explained by increased demand for nature experiences and a growing tourism sector, where certified guides are valued higher. The salary development is also a result of improved working conditions and increased professionalism in the profession. Despite this, salary levels remain within the range for similar service professions, with a tendency for continued steady growth.

Outdoor Guide salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 30 200 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 27,700 SEK/month (female, high school education, 3 years)
  • Highest salary: 33,600 SEK/month (female, public sector, high school education up to 2 years)
  • Hourly wage: 181 SEK
  • Women: 29 900 SEK/month
  • Men: 30 800 SEK/month
  • Gender pay gap: Women earn 97% of what men do

Education and Qualifications

To work as an Outdoor Guide, a high school education with a focus on nature, leisure, or tourism is usually required, often supplemented with specific training in outdoor activities and safety. Many employers require certificates in first aid, leadership, and specific activities such as climbing or paddling. Practical experience is highly valued, and it is common to combine education with internships or seasonal work to build relevant skills.

  • High school education: Leisure and health, tourism, or natural resource programs, 2–3 years
  • Specialized courses: Courses in first aid, wilderness safety, leadership
  • Certifications: Examples include paddling or climbing certificates
  • Internships: Internships or traineeships are common
  • Experience: Previous work in outdoor activities, associations, or tourism is advantageous

Many Outdoor Guides combine their work with other seasonal professions within tourism or education, providing great variety and opportunities to work in different parts of the country – or the world.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Typical benefits for Outdoor Guides include free or subsidized equipment, paid training and certifications, and access to transportation and sometimes food and lodging during longer trips. Extra compensation for inconvenient hours or weekend work is common, as are bonus payments for special assignments or high season.

Challenges and Competition

The profession of Outdoor Guide is characterized by seasonal variation and competition for the most attractive positions, especially in popular tourist areas. Since many employers require documented experience and specific certifications, entry into the job market can be challenging for newcomers. The physical and mental demands are high, as work often takes place under tough weather conditions and requires strong leadership. Additionally, insecure employment forms and fluctuating assignment volumes can affect income and job security. Regional differences in demand exist, with jobs in mountain and archipelago areas being particularly sought after.

Tips for aspiring Outdoor Guides

To succeed as an Outdoor Guide, it’s good to combine a genuine interest in nature with strong leadership skills and a high level of service. Being flexible and solution-oriented helps when unexpected situations arise, and a pronounced ability to work in teams or with diverse groups is valuable. Good communication skills are important for instructions and safety briefings, while patience and pedagogical skills make it easier to engage participants with different experience levels. Practical experience in outdoor activities, preferably through volunteer work or seasonal jobs, provides a solid foundation. It’s also wise to invest in further training and specialized courses in areas like first aid or wilderness safety to increase your attractiveness on the job market.

Key facts about Outdoor Guide

  • Education level: High school education, supplemented with special courses
  • Work environment: Outdoors, often in varied and sometimes challenging environments
  • Employment type: Seasonal or project-based work is common
  • Demand: 550 available jobs within the profession 'Guides and Tour Leaders'
  • Special skills: Safety, first aid, and leadership

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, an Outdoor Guide can advance to more specialized roles, such as outdoor education trainers, tourism developers, or responsible for larger events and arrangements. Some choose to start their own business offering niche guiding services, while others move into leadership positions within tourism companies or organizations. Future prospects are influenced by the growing demand for nature-based experiences, but according to the Employment Service, there is no specific forecast for the profession due to limited data. However, within the broader category 'Guides and Tour Leaders,' many available positions are reported, indicating good opportunities for those who are flexible and have the right skills.

Frequently asked questions about Outdoor Guides

  • What is the average salary of an Outdoor Guide?
    - The average salary for an Outdoor Guide is 30 200 SEK/month.
  • What education is required to become an Outdoor Guide?
    - High school education with a focus on outdoor activities, tourism, or leisure, along with supplementary courses and certifications.
  • Are there significant salary differences between men and women?
    - Women earn 97% of what men do within the profession.
  • What does the job market look like for Outdoor Guides?
    - There are 550 available jobs within the profession 'Guides and Tour Leaders.'
  • What influences the salary of an Outdoor Guide?
    - Level of education, experience, certifications, and the geographical location of the workplace are key factors.
  • Who are the most common employers?
    - Tourism companies, municipalities, outdoor organizations, and private adventure tourism providers.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Outdoor guide is 33600 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Public sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 31500 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Outdoor guide is 27700 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 30600 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 24300 kr 28200 kr
25-34 27700 kr 30600 kr
35-44 29600 kr 31700 kr
Snitt 97% 27200 kr 30200 kr
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 Outdoor guide has the SSYK code 5113, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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