- Salary statistics
- Machine barker, forestry
Machine barker, forestry
30 600 - 35 400 kr / month
Women earn 92% of what men do.
Naturbruk
Salary progression Machine barker, forestry
What does a machine barkpeeler do in forestry? – Tasks and work environment
A machine barkpeeler in forestry is responsible for operating and maintaining machines used to remove bark from timber before further transport or processing. Tasks include monitoring machine functions, performing minor repairs, and ensuring a safe and efficient work environment. The work is often outdoors, sometimes under tough weather conditions, requiring good physical fitness and attention to detail. It is common to work both independently and in teams, depending on the size of the workplace and the scope of the assignment.
Salary development over time
The salary for a machine barkpeeler in forestry has shown steady increases over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,400 SEK per month, rising to 31 500 SEK in 2023 and further to 32 900 SEK in 2024. The total increase amounts to approximately 8 percent over three years. This positive trend reflects increased demand for forestry machinery skills and the need to retain experienced workers in a sector where many leave the profession. Market developments, technological progress, and recruitment challenges have also contributed to rising wages. Despite this, there remains a clear gender pay gap within the profession.
Machine barkpeeler in forestry salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 32 900 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 30,600 SEK/month (female)
- Highest salary: 35,400 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, high school education, up to 2 years)
- Hourly wage: 198 SEK
- Women earn: 30,600 SEK (92% of men's salary)
- Men earn: 33 100 SEK
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
To work as a machine barkpeeler in forestry, a high school education with a focus on natural resources or forest machine operation is usually required. Practical experience is highly valued, and many employers prefer candidates who have completed machine operator training or have similar work experience. Certifications for machine handling and safety training are often mandatory.
- High school education: Natural resources, forestry focus (3 years)
- Certifications: Machine operator certificate, safety training
- Practical training: Often part of education or through trainee programs
- Prerequisites: Good physical condition, technical interest, and basic driving license may be required
- Tips for success: Combine education with practical training to increase employability
Working as a machine barkpeeler often involves long days and working under varying weather conditions. For those who enjoy outdoor environments and appreciate Swedish nature, the profession offers a unique combination of technology, independence, and proximity to the forest. There are also good opportunities to develop specialist skills in machine maintenance and logistics.
Common benefits and compensations
Machine barkpeelers in forestry are often offered benefits such as per diems for work away from home, wellness contributions, work clothing, and some extra pay for inconvenient working hours. In some cases, bonuses linked to productivity may also be provided.
Challenges and competition
The profession of machine barkpeeler in forestry is characterized by a paradoxical labor market where recruitment difficulties coexist with many leaving the profession. Despite the national assessment of large job opportunities and a relatively high number of vacancies, competition can be noticeable in certain regions. Challenges include the physical and technical demands placed on workers, as well as the need for continuous updating of skills related to machinery and safety. The work environment can be demanding, especially during winter or in inaccessible terrain, requiring endurance and adaptability.
Tips for those wanting to become a machine barkpeeler in forestry
To succeed as a machine barkpeeler, it is beneficial to combine technical interest with a strong work ethic and good problem-solving skills. Being precise and safety-conscious is crucial, as the work often involves large machinery in environments where the risk of accidents is higher. Flexibility is an asset, as workdays can vary in length and content depending on the season and weather. Good cooperation with colleagues facilitates everyday work, while independence and initiative help perform tasks efficiently. Being physically resilient and having a positive attitude towards outdoor work provides good conditions for satisfaction and success in the profession.
Key facts about machine barkpeelers in forestry
- Education level: High school education, forestry focus
- Work environment: Outdoors, varying weather and terrain
- Job market: 360 vacancies within the profession
- Gender distribution: Men dominate the profession, women earn 92% of men's salary
- Future prospects: Great opportunities for employment, demand unchanged over five years
Career paths and future outlook
After three to five years in the profession, a machine barkpeeler can advance to roles such as supervisor, machine responsible, or further specialize in machine maintenance and logistics. Some choose to pursue entrepreneurship and start their own forestry service businesses. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast for agricultural and forestry machine operators, job opportunities are plentiful nationwide, with stable demand over five years. However, recruitment challenges remain as many leave the profession, prompting employers to focus on retaining and developing skilled staff. Those who invest in further education and specialization have strong career prospects.
Frequently asked questions about machine barkpeelers in forestry
- What does a machine barkpeeler earn in forestry?
- The average salary is 32 900 SEK per month, but varies depending on experience and employment type. - What education is required to become a machine barkpeeler?
- A high school education in natural resources with a focus on forestry is most common, often supplemented with machine operator certificates and practical training. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn on average 92% of what men do within the profession. - What is the job market like for machine barkpeelers?
- There are great opportunities for employment and approximately 360 vacancies nationwide. - What tasks does a machine barkpeeler perform?
- Operating and maintaining bark removal machines, monitoring the process, and performing minor repairs. - What personal qualities are important in the profession?
- Flexibility, accuracy, technical interest, and good physical condition. - What are the future prospects for the profession?
- Demand is expected to remain unchanged over five years, with good employment opportunities.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | 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 |
| Age | 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 |
| Age | 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 |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 29100 kr | 30100 kr | |
| 25-34 | 33300 kr | 34400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 32000 kr | 32700 kr | |
| 45-54 | 34200 kr | 35600 kr | |
| 55-64 | 33100 kr | 33900 kr | |
| Snitt | 92% | 32000 kr | 33100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 29100 kr | 30100 kr | |
| 25-34 | 33300 kr | 34400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 32000 kr | 32700 kr | |
| 45-54 | 34200 kr | 35600 kr | |
| 55-64 | 33100 kr | 33900 kr | |
| Snitt | 92% | 32000 kr | 33100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 29100 kr | 30100 kr | |
| 25-34 | 33300 kr | 34400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 32000 kr | 32700 kr | |
| 45-54 | 34200 kr | 35600 kr | |
| 55-64 | 33100 kr | 33900 kr | |
| Snitt | 92% | 32000 kr | 33100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 92% | 0 kr | 30600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 92% | 0 kr | 30600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 92% | 0 kr | 30600 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 Machine barker, 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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