How much does a Deforestation, machine operator make

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Deforestation, machine operator

32 900 kr

Operators of agricultural and forestry machinery

30 600 - 35 400 kr / month

Women earn 92% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Deforestation, machine operator

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

What does a forest harvester, machine operator do? – Tasks and work environment

A forest harvester, machine operator primarily works with operating and managing heavy machinery in forestry, such as harvesters and skidders. Tasks include felling trees, bucking, cutting, and transporting timber from the felling site to storage. The profession requires good machine skills, precision, and the ability to work independently under varying conditions. Work is mostly outdoors, sometimes in demanding weather and difficult terrain, which demands physical and mental resilience from those in the profession.

Salary development over time

Salary development for forest harvesters, machine operators has been steadily positive in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,400 kronor per month, followed by an increase to 31 500 kronor in 2023. The latest statistics from 2024 show a further rise to 32 900 kronor, representing a total increase of approximately 8.2% over three years. This trend reflects both increased demand for skilled machine operators in forestry and the challenges in recruiting personnel for the profession. The market shows some labor shortages, likely pushing wages upward. Additionally, gender differences are evident, with men still earning higher average salaries than women in the field.

Forest harvester, machine operator salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 32 900 kr/month
  • Lowest salary: 30,600 kr/month (female)
  • Highest salary: 35,400 kr/month (male, private sector employee)
  • Hourly wage: 198 kr
  • Women earn: 30,600 kr/month (92% of men's average salary)
  • Men earn: 33 100 kr/month
  • Regional differences: Varying, but generally higher wages in northern Sweden where logging volumes are greatest

Education and qualifications

To work as a forest harvester, machine operator, a secondary school education in natural resource management with a forestry focus is typically required, often supplemented with certifications and practical training. Many employers seek experience in machine operation and some technical understanding. There are also opportunities for further training through courses and internal programs to broaden skills or specialize in specific machinery.

  • High school education: Natural resource management program with forestry specialization (3 years)
  • Certifications: Machine operator certificate and safety courses
  • Practical training: Longer internships during education are common
  • Prerequisites: Interest in technology and forestry, B-driver's license often required
  • Further education: Opportunities for advanced courses and specialization

Many machine operators in forestry work in shifts, which can lead to long workdays but often result in longer periods of consecutive days off. It is common for crews to change work sites frequently and work in different locations, providing great variation in daily life.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Forest harvesters, machine operators are often offered benefits such as per diems when working away from home, work clothing, wellness allowances, and sometimes access to service vehicles. Several employers also provide training, accident insurance, and opportunities for bonuses or performance-based compensation when high productivity levels are achieved.

Competition and challenges

The profession of forest harvester, machine operator is characterized by a paradoxical labor market where there is a shortage of skilled operators, yet many leave the industry. Recruitment difficulties are common, increasing competition for experienced machine operators. The work environment can be challenging with long days, remote locations, and weather-dependent conditions. Technical demands are increasing with machine development, requiring continuous training. At the same time, gender differences in wages and working conditions pose challenges to the industry's attractiveness.

Tips for aspiring forest harvesters, machine operators

To succeed as a forest harvester, machine operator, it is beneficial to have a strong interest in technology and machinery, as the work requires good understanding of advanced equipment. Being resilient and able to handle stress is important since workdays can be long and the pace high, especially during intensive logging periods. Precision and safety awareness are crucial, as machines are powerful and the working environment can be risky. Flexibility and adaptability facilitate work in varying locations and tasks. Social skills and teamwork are valued, especially in work crews where communication and collaboration are key to achieving high productivity and ensuring a safe work environment.

Key facts about Forest harvesters, machine operators

  • Education level: Secondary education (natural resource management, forestry)
  • Typical work pattern: Shifts and seasonal work
  • Demand: Great job opportunities, over 360 available jobs nationwide
  • Special skills: Machine operator certification and technical competence
  • Work environment: Outdoors, often in remote or varied terrain

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years in the profession, a forest harvester, machine operator can advance to roles such as supervisor, instructor, or machinery manager. There are also opportunities to specialize in certain machine types or pursue further training in machine service and maintenance. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, job opportunities are expected to remain strong and demand stable over the next five years. However, competition for the most experienced and technically skilled operators is fierce, especially in regions with high logging volumes. The industry offers good prospects for those willing to continue education and adapt to new technology.

Frequently asked questions about Forest harvesters, machine operators

  • What does a forest harvester, machine operator earn?
    - The average salary is 32 900 kronor per month, with variations between 30,600 and 35,400 kronor depending on experience, gender, and employment type.
  • How to become a forest harvester, machine operator?
    - Most commonly, a secondary school education in natural resource management with a forestry focus, along with practical training and a machine operator certificate.
  • Are there many jobs as a forest harvester, machine operator?
    - Demand is high and there are over 360 available jobs nationwide according to current data.
  • What personal qualities are needed?
    - Interest in technology, endurance, precision, and teamwork skills are important qualities in the profession.
  • What is the work environment like?
    - Work is conducted outdoors, often in shifts, sometimes under challenging weather and in difficult terrain.
  • Are there gender differences in salary?
    - Yes, women have an average salary of 30,600 kronor, which is approximately 92% of men's average salary.
  • Can I pursue further education?
    - Yes, there are opportunities for additional training and specialization within different machine types or supervisory roles.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-11 01:18:20

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Deforestation, machine operator 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 Deforestation, machine operator 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 Deforestation, machine operator has the SSYK code 8341, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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