Salary progression Closer, forest

Average salary 28 200 kr
Males 28 200 kr
Females 28 200 kr

What does a forest thinner do – tasks and work environment

A forest thinner is responsible for maintaining and caring for forest land by removing unwanted vegetation, shrubs, and small trees to promote the growth of more valuable stands. The work is mostly manual, using brush saws, chainsaws, and simple hand tools. The work environment is outdoors in varied terrain and weather, requiring physical strength and safety awareness. Typical tasks include clearing young forests, maintaining roadside and power line corridors, and some nature conservation work. The work is often team-based but can also be independent, with long days during peak season.

Salary development over time

The salary for a forest thinner has shown a clear positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 23,500 SEK per month, increasing to 27 500 SEK in 2023, which is an increase of approximately 12.3%. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 28 200 SEK, a 4.2% increase compared to the previous year. This trend reflects increased demand for forestry work and a focus on sustainable forest management, contributing to salary growth. Despite this, salary levels remain relatively consistent within the profession, though differences may occur depending on employer, region, and skill level.

Forest Thinner Salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 28 200 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 24,900 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 28,500 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 165 SEK
  • Women: 26,800 SEK/month (100% of men's salary)
  • Men: 28 200 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Highest salary in regional sector, lowest in public sector

Education and qualifications

No formal higher education is required to work as a forest thinner, but high school education in nature management or forestry is common and often advantageous. Practical experience, knowledge of work environment and safety, and good physical condition are important prerequisites. Some employers may also require completed courses in brush saw handling and chainsaw licenses.

  • High school education: Nature management program, forestry specialization (3 years)
  • Certificates: Brush saw license and chainsaw license (required by most employers)
  • Internship: On-the-job training during education provides valuable experience
  • Prerequisites: Good physical fitness and interest in outdoor work
  • Courses: Work environment and safety, nature conservation and environment

Working as a forest thinner often involves long days alone, offering great freedom but also requiring self-discipline and the ability to plan work efficiently. Many appreciate the opportunity to be in nature and observe seasonal changes closely. It is a profession where interest in nature and endurance are as important as technical skills.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits include allowances for work clothing and protective equipment, wellness subsidies, and opportunities for further education in areas such as nature conservation or machinery operation. Some employers also offer per diems or travel allowances for work in other locations, as well as access to staff cabins during longer field periods.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a forest thinner is generally moderate, with 360 job openings reported within the profession, including berry pickers and nursery workers. Challenges include the physically demanding work, exposure to weather, and risk of injury when handling machinery and tools. Seasonal variations can affect job availability, especially in areas with shorter growing seasons. Good planning and self-discipline are required to work in often remote and solitary environments. Salary levels are relatively stable but influenced by collective agreements and regional differences.

Tips for aspiring forest thinners

To succeed as a forest thinner, it is beneficial to combine endurance with a genuine interest in nature and forestry. Developing good physical condition makes long, heavy workdays easier, while accuracy and safety awareness reduce accident risks and promote sustainable work. Flexibility is an important trait, especially when weather or working conditions change quickly. Being self-reliant and able to plan work independently is valued by employers, as is a willingness to further educate oneself in machinery handling or environmental issues. Finally, social skills facilitate teamwork during larger clearing efforts, even though much work is done independently.

Key facts about Forest Thinners

  • Salary range: 24,900–28,500 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school in nature management/forestry (3 years), certificates required
  • Work environment: Outdoors, physically demanding, varying weather and terrain
  • Demand: 360 job openings nationwide
  • Gender salary difference: Women earn 100% of men's salary

Career paths and future prospects

After some years of experience, opportunities include advancing to supervisor, safety instructor, or further education as forestry machinery operator or conservationist. Some choose to start their own forestry business or specialize in conservation thinning. According to the Employment Service, demand for forest thinners and related professions is moderate, with an unchanged job market forecast for the next five years. The balanced recruitment situation offers good chances for those with the right education and experience to establish themselves in the profession.

Frequently asked questions about Forest Thinners

  • What does a forest thinner earn?
    - The average salary for a forest thinner is 28 200 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a forest thinner?
    - High school education in nature management/forestry and certification in brush saw and chainsaw are common.
  • What is the work environment like for a forest thinner?
    - Work is outdoors in varied terrain and weather, often physically demanding and independent.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 100% of men's salaries in this profession.
  • What are the future prospects for forest thinners?
    - The outlook is unchanged with moderate employment opportunities according to the Employment Service.
  • What benefits are common for forest thinners?
    - Benefits include work clothing, protective gear, and wellness subsidies.
  • How many job openings are there for forest thinners?
    - There are approximately 360 nationwide.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Closer, forest is 29000 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Regional sector with a high school education, 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 28200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Closer, forest is 26500 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Public sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 27200 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 26800 kr 27800 kr
25-34 28100 kr 28400 kr
35-44 97% 28500 kr 28700 kr
45-54 27500 kr 27700 kr
55-64 28200 kr 28400 kr
Snitt 100% 27700 kr 28200 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 Closer, forest has the SSYK code 9210, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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