- Salary statistics
- Forest manager, small business
Forest manager, small business
43 100 - 64 000 kr / month
Chefer & ledare
Salary progression Forest manager, small business
What does a forest manager do in small companies? – Tasks and work environment
A forest manager in small companies is responsible for leading, planning, and developing forest management within the organization. Tasks include overall responsibility for forest care, financial planning, personnel management, and contact with landowners and authorities. Strategic work regarding sustainable forestry, optimization of harvesting, and implementation of environmental requirements and certifications are often included. The work environment varies between office work, field visits in forest environments, and meetings with partners, requiring flexibility and the ability to switch between practical and administrative tasks.
Salary development over time
The salary of a forest manager in small companies has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 54,500 SEK per month, increasing to 55 000 SEK in 2023 and reaching 56 100 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total increase of approximately 2.9% during the period. The salary development reflects a continued high demand for qualified leaders in forest management, especially in small companies where responsibilities are broad and the workload often highly varied. Factors such as education level and regional labor market conditions influence salary levels. Increased awareness of sustainability and environmental issues has also contributed to roles with strategic responsibilities being valued higher.
Forest manager in small companies salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 56 100 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 43,100 SEK/month (female, public sector, secondary education)
- Highest salary: 64,000 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
- Hourly wage: 337 SEK
- Gender differences: Men 55 500 SEK, women 53,000 SEK (highest recorded salary)
- Regional differences: Data missing
Education and qualifications
To work as a forest manager in a small company, a post-secondary education in forestry, natural resources, or agriculture is usually required. Combined experience in leadership and practical forestry is often crucial for success in the role. Many employers also seek knowledge of economics and environmental certifications.
- Formal education: Forest management degree or forestry university education (3–5 years)
- Certifications: FSC/PEFC or equivalent environmental certification
- Practical experience: Work experience in forest management or leadership
- Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies and science subjects
- Tips: Courses in economics and project management can be advantageous
Many forest managers in small companies work closely with both staff and landowners, providing a unique opportunity to influence forest management and the local community directly. The role often requires great flexibility and the ability to make quick decisions in the field, making the workday varied and dynamic.
Common benefits and compensations
Forest managers in small companies are often offered company cars, wellness allowances, and opportunities for skills development as common benefits. Other common compensations include performance bonuses, pension contributions beyond statutory levels, and extra vacation days depending on collective agreements. In some cases, housing or per diems for longer trips are included in employment conditions.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as a forest manager in small companies is moderate, but employers often seek individuals with broad competence and documented experience. One of the biggest challenges is to combine strategic leadership with practical tasks, especially in smaller organizations where resources may be limited. The role requires quick adaptation to changes in legislation and market conditions. Technological advances and increased sustainability requirements place further demands on continuous skills development. Forest managers must also handle complex relationships with authorities, staff, and external stakeholders.
Tips for those who want to become a forest manager in small companies
To succeed as a forest manager in small companies, it is beneficial to combine analytical thinking with social skills and practical action. Developing expertise in both forestry science and economics provides a solid foundation, while leadership experience is highly valuable. Curiosity about new technology and environmental certifications can open doors to more advanced tasks. Clear communication and building good relationships with staff and external partners are crucial, as is flexibility and the ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions. Initiative and a structured work approach help manage the broad responsibilities of the role. Finally, a commitment to sustainable development and an interest in nature are important drivers for long-term success.
Key facts about forest managers in small companies
- Educational level: Post-secondary education 3–5 years, often forestry-oriented
- Work environment: Varies between office and field
- Typical employment: Permanent, full-time
- Demand: 175 job openings in the profession (2024)
- Special skills: Environmental certification, economics, leadership
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a forest manager in small companies, there are opportunities to advance to larger organizations, become regional managers, or take on strategic roles within sustainability work. Many also move on to advisory positions within authorities or industry organizations. The labor market forecast indicates continued stable demand for forest managers, especially as sustainable forest management and environmental certifications become increasingly important. Specializing in digitalization, certification processes, or project management increases chances for development and higher salaries in the profession.
Common questions about forest managers in small companies
- What does a forest manager earn in small companies?
- The average salary is 56 100 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience and education. - What education is required to become a forest manager?
- Post-secondary education in forestry, agriculture, or natural resources, often 3–5 years. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, men have an average salary of 55 500 SEK, while the highest recorded salary for women is 53,000 SEK. - What are the job responsibilities of a forest manager?
- Management of forest administration, personnel responsibility, financial planning, and contact with landowners and authorities. - What are the future prospects?
- Demand is stable with 175 job openings according to current statistics. - What benefits are common?
- Company car, wellness allowance, skills development, and bonuses are common benefits. - What is the highest and lowest salary for the profession?
- The highest salary is 64,000 SEK, and the lowest is 43,100 SEK depending on gender, sector, and education.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 54000 kr | 57400 kr | |
| 45-54 | 51900 kr | 53200 kr | |
| Snitt | 53500 kr | 56100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 48800 kr | 49200 kr | |
| 45-54 | 77% | 55200 kr | 55700 kr |
| 55-64 | 58300 kr | 59300 kr | |
| Snitt | 85% | 54100 kr | 54800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 48800 kr | 49200 kr | |
| 45-54 | 77% | 55200 kr | 55700 kr |
| 55-64 | 58300 kr | 59300 kr | |
| Snitt | 85% | 54100 kr | 54800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 54200 kr | 57600 kr | |
| 45-54 | 51700 kr | 53100 kr | |
| Snitt | 53500 kr | 56200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 54200 kr | 57600 kr | |
| 45-54 | 51700 kr | 53100 kr | |
| Snitt | 53500 kr | 56200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 53000 kr | 55500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 50600 kr | 50900 kr | |
| 45-54 | 77% | 66500 kr | 66800 kr |
| 55-64 | 59100 kr | 60500 kr | |
| Snitt | 85% | 58300 kr | 59000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 50600 kr | 50900 kr | |
| 45-54 | 77% | 66500 kr | 66800 kr |
| 55-64 | 59100 kr | 60500 kr | |
| Snitt | 85% | 58300 kr | 59000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 52900 kr | 55400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 52900 kr | 55400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 77% | 50700 kr | 51200 kr |
| Snitt | 85% | 49700 kr | 50300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 77% | 50700 kr | 51200 kr |
| Snitt | 85% | 49700 kr | 50300 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 Forest manager, small business has the SSYK code 1380, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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