- Salary statistics
- Forester, forest manager
Forester, forest manager
43 100 - 64 000 kr / month
Chefer & ledare
Salary progression Forester, forest manager
What does a forestry officer, forest manager do? – Tasks and work environment
A forestry officer, forest manager works on planning, leading, and developing forestry operations. Tasks often include long-term forest management, nature conservation planning, advising on forest cultivation and timber production, as well as supervision and follow-up of forestry measures. The role also involves responsibility for finances, personnel, and administration within forest management. The work environment combines office work with field visits in forests and on land, where inspections and inventories are routine. Contacts with landowners, contractors, and authorities are part of daily work, making communication skills essential in the profession.
Salary development over time
The salary for forestry officers, forest managers has shown a steady upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 54,500 SEK, increasing to 55 000 SEK in 2023 and reaching 56 100 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total increase of approximately 2.9 % during this period. This development can be linked to an increased focus on sustainable forestry, digitization, and the need for specialist competence in natural resource management. The demand for experienced managers and forestry officers has also been strengthened by retirements and a growing forestry sector, which has contributed to slightly faster salary increases than the average for similar professions.
Forestry officer, forest manager salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 56 100 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 43,100 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 64,000 SEK/month
- Hourly wage (average): 337 SEK
- Gender differences: Men earn 55 500 SEK, women 53,000 SEK (highest salary); lowest salary for women 43,100 SEK
- Regional differences: Salary levels may vary between counties, but detailed statistics are lacking
Education and qualifications
To work as a forestry officer, forest manager, a university degree in forest science or forest management is usually required, often at the master's level. The education combines biology, ecology, economics, and law with practical field components. Admission to the program requires relevant upper secondary education and sometimes specific prerequisites. Internships and trainee programs are common for gaining work experience and networking within the industry.
- Formal degree: Forestry degree or master's in forest science (5 years)
- Internships/trainee: Often part of the education and highly meritorious
- Prerequisites: Science-based upper secondary education, specific eligibility in biology and mathematics
- Certifications: Possible in nature conservation, environmental management, or occupational safety
- Tips for choosing: Select programs with practical components and industry contacts
Many forestry officers engage in international projects for sustainable forestry, providing opportunities to work abroad and exchange experiences with colleagues worldwide.
Common benefits and compensations
Common benefits for forestry officers, forest managers include company cars or travel allowances for fieldwork, wellness contributions, flexible working hours and remote work options, as well as professional development through courses and conferences. The profession often has access to favorable pension schemes and extra vacation days after longer employment periods.
Competition and challenges
The job market for forestry officers, forest managers is relatively good, but competition for the most attractive positions can be tough. The number of qualified professionals is limited, giving an advantage in job searches, especially for those with practical experience or specialized skills in nature conservation, digital mapping, or sustainability work. Challenges in the profession often involve balancing economic interests with ecological and social sustainability, as well as managing changing legal requirements and increased environmental expectations from society. Rapid technological shifts and digitization demand ongoing training and adaptability.
Tips for aspiring forestry officers, forest managers
To succeed as a forestry officer, forest manager, it is beneficial to combine analytical skills with a genuine interest in nature and the environment. During studies, seek internships or summer jobs in the industry to build networks and gain practical experience. Engagement and initiative are appreciated by employers, especially when leading own projects or participating in development work. A communicative personality facilitates collaboration with landowners, contractors, and authorities. Staying updated on legislation and new technical tools is crucial, as is being flexible and adaptable when work tasks shift between office and field.
Key facts about forestry officers, forest managers
- Education level: Master's or forestry degree (5 years)
- Work environment: Varies between office and field
- Demand: 175 available jobs in Sweden (2024)
- Typical employment: Full-time, often permanent positions
- Special skills: Forest ecology, nature conservation, digital tools
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years, a forestry officer, forest manager can move into more specialized roles such as forest chief, conservation advisor, or project manager for larger development projects. There are also opportunities to work as a consultant, within government agencies, or on international assignments. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the outlook is good, especially for those combining forestry expertise with digital skills or sustainability experience. Retirement of experienced staff and increased demands for environmentally adapted forestry are expected to keep demand stable in the future.
Frequently asked questions about forestry officers, forest managers
- What does a forestry officer, forest manager earn?
- The average salary is 56 100 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience and employer. - What education is required to become a forestry officer?
- A master's degree or forestry degree in forest science, usually five years of full-time studies. - What does the job market look like?
- Demand is good with 175 available jobs according to current statistics. - Are there regional salary differences?
- Salaries may vary between counties, but detailed statistics are lacking for specific regions. - What tasks does a forestry officer, forest manager perform?
- Planning, leading, and developing forest management, nature conservation, advising, and fieldwork plus administration. - What personal qualities are important?
- Analytical skills, interest in nature, good communication, and flexibility are especially valued. - What are the career opportunities?
- Opportunities for advancement to specialist roles, managerial positions, or international assignments.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 54000 kr | 57400 kr | |
| 45-54 | 51900 kr | 53200 kr | |
| Snitt | 53500 kr | 56100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 48800 kr | 49200 kr | |
| 45-54 | 77% | 55200 kr | 55700 kr |
| 55-64 | 58300 kr | 59300 kr | |
| Snitt | 85% | 54100 kr | 54800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 48800 kr | 49200 kr | |
| 45-54 | 77% | 55200 kr | 55700 kr |
| 55-64 | 58300 kr | 59300 kr | |
| Snitt | 85% | 54100 kr | 54800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 54200 kr | 57600 kr | |
| 45-54 | 51700 kr | 53100 kr | |
| Snitt | 53500 kr | 56200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 54200 kr | 57600 kr | |
| 45-54 | 51700 kr | 53100 kr | |
| Snitt | 53500 kr | 56200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 53000 kr | 55500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 50600 kr | 50900 kr | |
| 45-54 | 77% | 66500 kr | 66800 kr |
| 55-64 | 59100 kr | 60500 kr | |
| Snitt | 85% | 58300 kr | 59000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 50600 kr | 50900 kr | |
| 45-54 | 77% | 66500 kr | 66800 kr |
| 55-64 | 59100 kr | 60500 kr | |
| Snitt | 85% | 58300 kr | 59000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 52900 kr | 55400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 52900 kr | 55400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 77% | 50700 kr | 51200 kr |
| Snitt | 85% | 49700 kr | 50300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 77% | 50700 kr | 51200 kr |
| Snitt | 85% | 49700 kr | 50300 kr |
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 Forester, forest manager has the SSYK code 1380, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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