Image that illustrates Forest officer

Forest officer

31 800 kr

Forestry workers

31 500 - 38 100 kr / month

Women earn 105% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Forest officer

Average salary 31 800 kr
Males 31 700 kr
Females 33 400 kr

What does a Skogsbefäl do? – tasks and work environment

A Skogsbefäl plays a central role in leading, planning, and supervising work within forestry. Tasks often include responsibility for work teams, machinery planning, safety routines, and logistics during harvesting, planting, or forest management. The role also involves coordinating efforts, ensuring environmental requirements are met, and reporting to management on work processes and results. The work is largely outdoors in varying terrain and weather conditions, requiring endurance and flexibility. Skogsbefäl is also expected to handle technical equipment and sometimes participate practically in fieldwork.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the average salary for Skogsbefäl has steadily increased from 29,600 SEK per month in 2022 to 30 200 SEK in 2023, and further to 31 800 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 7.4% over the period, with the biggest jump between 2023 and 2024. The salary increase is linked to a greater focus on sustainable forestry and a growing need for qualified management within the sector. Despite a high supply of labor, demand for experienced and educated Skogsbefäl has remained stable, helping to push wages upward. The industry is also influenced by regional factors and employer structures, with private sector employees often earning slightly higher wages than municipal or government employees.

Skogsbefäl salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 31 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,500 SEK/month (men), 32,400 SEK/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 38,100 SEK/month (men), 34,900 SEK/month (women)
  • Hourly wage (average): 191 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn on average 33 400 SEK/month (105% of men's 31 700 SEK/month)
  • Regional differences: Data is lacking, but variations may occur depending on employer and geography

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a Skogsbefäl often involves high school education in forestry, followed by further training or specialized courses in management and forestry. The job market values both practical experience and formal credentials, especially for roles with greater responsibility. Internships and trainee programs are common to gain insight into the profession's demands and to develop leadership skills.

  • High school education: Forestry, 3 years
  • Post-secondary courses/certificates: Leadership, work environment, machinery operation
  • Practical training/trainee: Often required by larger employers
  • Prerequisites: Experience in forestry work and machine operation are considered advantageous
  • Tips: Combine practical experience with leadership courses for the best opportunities

The work of a Skogsbefäl often involves making quick decisions in the field, where weather, terrain, and unexpected events can rapidly change plans. Therefore, the role requires good problem-solving skills and the ability to handle stressful situations. Enjoying physically active outdoor work is a significant advantage.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Skogsbefäl are often offered benefits such as per diems when working away from home, wellness allowances, and sometimes access to company cars or work clothing. Accident insurance and pension contributions are common, along with opportunities for skills development and further training provided by the employer.

Competition and challenges

The job market for Skogsbefäl is characterized by good employment opportunities but also some competition for the most attractive positions. According to the Employment Service, there is a paradoxical situation of both recruitment difficulties and a large number of people leaving the profession. This means there are many available jobs, but employers often seek candidates with the right combination of experience, education, and leadership skills. The industry also faces challenges related to technological development and increased environmental requirements, which demand higher competence and flexibility from employees.

Tips for those who want to become Skogsbefäl

To succeed as a Skogsbefäl, it is beneficial to combine good physical fitness with strong leadership abilities. Gaining experience through practical work in the forest provides invaluable understanding of work tasks, while education in management and environmental issues increases chances of obtaining responsible positions. Engagement and initiative are highly valued, especially in situations requiring quick decisions. A structured approach to work facilitates planning and resource allocation, while good communication skills contribute to effective teamwork. Being open to new technology and continuously developing your skills are also key factors for long-term success in the profession.

Key facts about Skogsbefäl

  • Average salary: 31 800 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school vocational training + further education
  • Work environment: Outdoors, field-based, seasonal variations
  • Demand: Great employment opportunities according to the Employment Service
  • Salary range: 31,500–38,100 SEK/month

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, there are good opportunities to advance to larger responsibilities, such as regional manager, project supervisor, or specialist in nature conservation and environmental certification. Some move on to educational roles or consulting within forestry. According to the Employment Service's forecast, the demand for Skogsbefäl and related roles remains unchanged over the next five years, with continued good job prospects. Technological development in the industry also creates new career paths, especially for those interested in machine control, digital forest inventory, or environmental management.

Frequently asked questions about Skogsbefäl

  • What does a Skogsbefäl earn?
    - A Skogsbefäl earns on average 31 800 SEK per month, with a salary range between 31,500 SEK and 38,100 SEK.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Women earn on average 33 400 SEK per month, which is 105% of men's salary at 31 700 SEK.
  • What education is required to become a Skogsbefäl?
    - High school education in forestry and further leadership training are recommended.
  • What is the job market like for Skogsbefäl?
    - Opportunities are plentiful according to the Employment Service, with about 360 job openings in the profession.
  • What does the work environment involve?
    - The work is mainly outdoors, often in varying and sometimes demanding terrain and weather conditions.
  • How does experience affect salary?
    - Greater experience, further education, and specific responsibilities can bring salaries close to or exceeding 35,000 SEK per month.
  • What career opportunities are available after a few years?
    - After some experience, one can progress to regional manager, project supervisor, or specialist roles.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Forest officer is 38100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 34900 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Forest officer is 31500 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 32400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 30100 kr 31100 kr
35-44 31900 kr 32500 kr
45-54 31500 kr 32300 kr
55-64 31900 kr 32900 kr
Snitt 105% 30900 kr 31800 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 Forest officer has the SSYK code 6210, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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