How much does a Ground preparation driver, forestry make

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  2. Ground preparation driver, forestry
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Ground preparation driver, forestry

32 900 kr

Operators of agricultural and forestry machinery

30 600 - 35 400 kr / month

Women earn 92% of what men do.

Naturbruk

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Ground preparation driver, forestry

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

What does a site preparation operator do in forestry? – Tasks and working environment

Site preparation operators in forestry are responsible for preparing the land for planting new trees. Their tasks include operating and maintaining heavy forestry machinery that digs, turns, and loosens the soil to give seedlings the best possible conditions to grow. The work is usually carried out outdoors in forests, sometimes under challenging weather conditions and on varied terrain. It requires technical knowledge and good physical endurance, while always following safety procedures and environmental considerations. Site preparation operators often work independently but also collaborate with other forestry professionals.

Wage development over time

In the past three years, site preparation operators in forestry have experienced a steady wage increase. In 2022, the average salary was 30,400 kr per month. In 2023, the average rose to 31 500 kr, corresponding to approximately 3.6% growth. In 2024, wages have continued to rise to 32 900 kr, a further increase of about 4.4% compared to the previous year. This positive trend can be partly explained by increased demand for forestry labor and overall industry wage growth. Recruitment challenges have also led employers to offer more competitive conditions. Wage growth is expected to stabilize in the coming years, assuming demand remains unchanged nationwide.

Site preparation operators often work alone in remote forest areas, making independence and problem-solving skills crucial. Rapid technological development in forestry machinery means an interest in new technology is a great asset.

– statsskuld.se

Site preparation operator, forestry salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 32 900 kr/month
  • Lowest salary: 30,600 kr/month (woman, unspecified sector and education)
  • Highest salary: 35,400 kr/month (man, private sector employee, upper secondary education up to 2 years)
  • Hourly wage (average): 198 kr
  • Men's average salary: 33 100 kr/month
  • Women's average salary: 30,600 kr/month
  • Women's salary as a percentage of men's: 92%
  • Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on region and employer, but primarily follow national averages.

Education and qualifications

To work as a site preparation operator in forestry, a gymnasium education focusing on natural resources or forestry machinery operation is usually required. Practical experience with machinery operation is highly valuable, and many employers prefer candidates who have completed specific courses for forestry machinery operators. Certifications for machinery and knowledge of maintenance are often required. In some cases, self-study or workplace-based internships can be pathways into the profession.

  • Gymnasium education: Natural resources, forestry focus (3 years)
  • Vocational training: Operator certification for forestry machinery
  • Workplace internships: Common in training programs
  • Certifications: Machinery licenses, safety training
  • Prerequisites: Driver's license B, technical interest

Common benefits and compensations

Site preparation operators in forestry are often offered benefits such as per diems for work away from home, work clothing and safety equipment, as well as wellness allowances. Overtime pay and extra vacation days depending on the employer and collective agreements are also common. Some employers provide further training in machinery technology and safety.

Competition and challenges

Competition for jobs in forestry site preparation is relatively low, mainly due to recruitment difficulties and a high number of retirements. Challenges in the profession include working under difficult weather conditions, long working hours, and sometimes isolated workplaces far from home. Technological development in forestry machinery requires ongoing training. The physical demands and safety risks can be higher than in many other industries, emphasizing the importance of proper training and safety equipment.

Tips for those wanting to become a site preparation operator in forestry

To succeed as a site preparation operator, it’s beneficial to have a technical interest and quickly learn how different machines work, as new models are constantly introduced. Precision is important to ensure safety and proper land preparation. Independence is a great asset since the work often takes place far from colleagues and requires decision-making skills. Endurance and good physical condition help during long workdays and in varying weather conditions. Finally, problem-solving skills are crucial, especially when unexpected challenges or machine failures occur in the field.

Key facts about site preparation operators in forestry

  • Education level: Gymnasium diploma in natural resources, forestry focus
  • Work environment: Outdoors, often in remote forest areas
  • Demand: Good opportunities for employment nationwide
  • Work form: Independent work with machinery
  • Number of available jobs (2024): 360 within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After gaining some years of experience as a site preparation operator in forestry, there may be opportunities to advance to supervisory roles within machine crews or take responsibility for machinery maintenance and training new operators. Some choose further education in related areas, such as machinery planning or forest management. The employment agency’s forecasts indicate that job opportunities in the profession will remain strong over the next five years, even if demand remains stable. Recruitment challenges for employers continue, creating good prospects for those with the right education and experience. Many leave the profession, further increasing the need for new operators.

Frequently asked questions about site preparation operators in forestry

  • What does a site preparation operator earn in forestry?
    - The average salary is 32 900 kr/month, ranging between 30,600 and 35,400 kr/month, depending on experience, gender, and employer.
  • What education is required to become a site preparation operator?
    - Gymnasium education in natural resources with a forestry focus, vocational training, and certifications for forestry machinery.
  • How is the demand for site preparation operators in forestry?
    - The demand is large and stable, with about 360 job openings nationally.
  • Are there gender pay gaps?
    - Yes, women earn on average 92% of what men do in the profession.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Independence, technical interest, accuracy, and problem-solving skills are highly valued.
  • What is the work environment like?
    - The work takes place outdoors in forests, often alone and under tough weather conditions.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-14 06:59:02

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Ground preparation driver, 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 Ground preparation driver, 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 Ground preparation driver, 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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