- Salary statistics
- Foresters
Foresters
31 500 - 38 100 kr / month
Women earn 105% of what men do.
Naturbruk
Salary progression Foresters
What does a forest worker do? – Tasks and work environment
A forest worker is responsible for managing, caring for, and utilizing forests with the goal of ensuring sustainable production of timber and other forest products. Tasks include planting, clearing, thinning, harvesting, as well as maintaining forest roads and machinery. The role also involves complying with environmental laws and ensuring that forestry is conducted responsibly. The work is often outdoors in varying weather conditions, requiring physical endurance and good problem-solving skills.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, Forest Worker salary has 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 an increase of about 7.4% during the period, with the largest rise noted between 2023 and 2024. The salary development can largely be explained by the continued high demand for labor in forestry, as well as increased requirements for education and specialization. Inflation and generally improved conditions within the sector have also contributed to raising the salary level for forest workers. Despite variations between regions and employers, the trend is generally positive for the profession.
Forest worker salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 31 800 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 31,500 SEK/month (male), 32,400 SEK/month (female)
- Highest salary: 38,100 SEK/month (male), 34,900 SEK/month (female)
- Hourly wage: 191 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 105% of men's salary (33 400 SEK vs. 31 700 SEK)
- Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on geographic area and employer
Education and qualifications
To work as a forest worker, a high school education in natural resources with a focus on forestry is usually required. Many pursue further training through specialized courses or certifications to handle machinery and advanced tasks. Practical experience is highly valued, and employers prefer applicants who have completed internships or trainee programs. Entry into the profession often requires both theoretical knowledge and good physical ability.
- High school education: Natural Resources Program – Forest (3 years)
- Certifications: Chainsaw license, clearing saw license
- Internships: Extended practical periods during education
- Further training: Courses in machinery, environment, and safety
- Prerequisites: Interest in nature and good physical health
Forest workers often work in small teams and have great freedom to plan their work in the field. This means the profession suits individuals who appreciate independence and enjoy working outdoors all year round.
Common benefits and compensations
Forest workers are often offered benefits such as per diems for work far from home, wellness allowances, and opportunities for further training at the employer’s expense. Work clothing and protective equipment are normally included, and some employers also offer bonuses linked to production goals and pension contributions according to collective agreements.
Competition and challenges
The profession as a forest worker is characterized by good employment opportunities, but challenges include physically demanding work, seasonal variations, and the need to constantly update skills related to machinery and environmental legislation. The recruitment situation is marked by a large supply of available positions, but many workers leave the profession, creating a paradox between supply and demand. Employers seek candidates with both practical experience and updated education, and competition for the most attractive jobs can be high in certain regions. Additionally, the profession requires adaptability to technological innovations and changing environmental requirements.
Tips for those who want to become a forest worker
To succeed as a forest worker, it’s good to have a genuine interest in nature and forestry, as well as being resilient and capable of working physically under tough conditions. Being meticulous helps when handling machinery and tools safely, while teamwork skills are essential since work often takes place in groups. It’s recommended to seek internships early to gain insight into daily work and build valuable contacts in the industry. Flexibility is also an asset, as tasks and work environment change with the seasons. Continuously further training, such as obtaining a chainsaw license, increases safety and employability. Patience is also helpful for longer projects and situations where weather or technology limit daily work.
Key facts about Forest Workers
- Salary range: 31,500–38,100 SEK/month
- Educational path: Natural Resources Program – Forest (high school)
- Hourly wage: 191 SEK
- Work environment: Outdoors, often physically demanding and independent
- Demand: Great opportunities for employment, 360 job openings nationwide
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, there are opportunities to advance to supervisory roles, machinery operators, or specialize in conservation and environmental work. Some choose to further their education to become forest managers or to start their own forestry businesses. The Swedish Public Employment Service forecasts that job opportunities for forest workers are large and that demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Although many leave the profession, there is a continuous need for new workers, making the future outlook stable for those pursuing a career in forestry.
Frequently asked questions about Forest Workers
- What is the average salary of a Forest Worker?
- A forest worker has an average monthly salary of 31 800 SEK. - Are there gender differences in salary?
- Yes, women earn on average 33 400 SEK while men earn 31 700 SEK per month. - What education is required to become a forest worker?
- The most common educational path is the Natural Resources Program with a focus on forestry. - What is the job market like for forest workers?
- There are great opportunities for employment, with approximately 360 job openings nationwide. - What is the highest and lowest salary for a forest worker?
- The highest salary is 38,100 SEK and the lowest 31,500 SEK per month, depending on gender, education, and employment type. - What does the work practically involve?
- The work includes planting, clearing, harvesting, and machinery and road maintenance in a forest environment.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | 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 |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 86% | 32300 kr | 32800 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 34300 kr | 34700 kr |
| 45-54 | 35800 kr | 36500 kr | |
| 55-64 | 35800 kr | 37000 kr | |
| 65-68 | 33700 kr | 34800 kr | |
| Snitt | 90% | 34900 kr | 35700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 86% | 32300 kr | 32800 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 34300 kr | 34700 kr |
| 45-54 | 35800 kr | 36500 kr | |
| 55-64 | 35300 kr | 36600 kr | |
| 65-68 | 33700 kr | 34800 kr | |
| Snitt | 90% | 34700 kr | 35500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 30000 kr | 31000 kr | |
| 35-44 | 31800 kr | 32400 kr | |
| 45-54 | 31200 kr | 32100 kr | |
| 55-64 | 31700 kr | 32700 kr | |
| Snitt | 106% | 30800 kr | 31600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 30000 kr | 31000 kr | |
| 35-44 | 31800 kr | 32400 kr | |
| 45-54 | 31200 kr | 32100 kr | |
| 55-64 | 31700 kr | 32700 kr | |
| Snitt | 106% | 30800 kr | 31600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 30100 kr | 30900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 31900 kr | 32400 kr | |
| 45-54 | 31400 kr | 32200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 32000 kr | 32900 kr | |
| Snitt | 105% | 30900 kr | 31700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 86% | 33300 kr | 34100 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 34700 kr | 35300 kr |
| 45-54 | 35800 kr | 36500 kr | |
| 55-64 | 35800 kr | 37100 kr | |
| 65-68 | 33700 kr | 34800 kr | |
| Snitt | 90% | 35100 kr | 36100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 86% | 33300 kr | 34100 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 34700 kr | 35300 kr |
| 45-54 | 35800 kr | 36500 kr | |
| 55-64 | 35300 kr | 36600 kr | |
| 65-68 | 33700 kr | 34800 kr | |
| Snitt | 90% | 34900 kr | 35900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 30000 kr | 30900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 31900 kr | 32400 kr | |
| 45-54 | 31200 kr | 31900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 31700 kr | 32600 kr | |
| Snitt | 106% | 30800 kr | 31500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 30000 kr | 30900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 31900 kr | 32400 kr | |
| 45-54 | 31200 kr | 31900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 31700 kr | 32600 kr | |
| Snitt | 106% | 30800 kr | 31500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 105% | 30700 kr | 33400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 86% | 29200 kr | 29200 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 33600 kr | 33700 kr |
| Snitt | 90% | 32400 kr | 32400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 86% | 29200 kr | 29200 kr |
| 35-44 | 96% | 33600 kr | 33700 kr |
| Snitt | 90% | 32400 kr | 32400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 106% | 30600 kr | 33400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 106% | 30600 kr | 33400 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 Foresters has the SSYK code 6210, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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