How much does a Forest contractor make

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  2. Forest contractor
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Forest contractor

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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Salary progression Forest contractor

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

What does a Forest Contractor do? – Tasks and work environment

A Forest Contractor is responsible for planning, leading, and executing forestry tasks such as harvesting, planting, clearing, and site preparation. The work often involves both administrative duties and practical execution, with the use of advanced forestry machinery being central. The role also includes contact with landowners, authorities, and other contractors, which requires good communication skills and business acumen. The work environment is outdoors in varying terrain and weather conditions, with safety and environmental considerations always prioritized.

Salary development over time

Salaries for Forest Contractors have steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,400 SEK per month, rising to 31 500 SEK in 2023 and further to 32 900 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 8.2% over three years. The development is mainly driven by increased demand for experienced machinery operators and entrepreneurs in the forestry sector, as well as a growing focus on sustainable forestry and technical skills. Differences in education level and experience also influence salary development, along with ongoing generational shifts within the industry.

Forest Contractor salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 32 900 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 30,600 SEK/month (woman)
  • Highest salary: 35,400 SEK/month (man, private employee, high school education)
  • Hourly wage: 198 SEK/hour
  • Women earn: 30,600 SEK/month (92% of men's salary)
  • Men earn: 33 100 SEK/month

Education and qualifications

To work as a Forest Contractor, a high school education with a focus on forestry is usually required, often complemented by specialized courses in forestry machinery operation and entrepreneurship. Practical experience is highly valued, and many start as machinery operators or forestry workers before establishing their own business. Formal requirements may vary depending on tasks and clients, but a combination of technical and business skills is a clear advantage.

  • High school education: Natural resource program, forestry specialization (3 years)
  • Vocational certificates: Forestry machinery operator license and/or chainsaw certification
  • Additional courses: Entrepreneurship, work environment, and environmental legislation
  • Internship: Extended practical training or traineeship with an established Forest Contractor
  • Prerequisites: Basic technical understanding and driver's license for heavy vehicles

Many Forest Contractors run their own business, combining supervisory responsibilities with practical machinery work. The role offers great freedom but also requires strong business sense and the ability to manage both clients and authorities.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Forest Contractors often have access to benefits such as work clothing, wellness allowances, insurance, and sometimes extra pay for inconvenient working hours. Self-employed individuals can influence their terms and have the opportunity to invest in machinery and tools as part of their business.

Competition and challenges

The industry is characterized by a paradoxical situation where there is high demand for skilled Forest Contractors, yet many leave the profession, leading to recruitment difficulties. Competition for larger contracts and recurring assignments can be tough, especially for startups. The ability to invest in modern equipment and adapt to digital work methods is crucial to meet customer demands and increase profitability. Seasonal variations and weather conditions also mean that workload can fluctuate significantly throughout the year.

Tips for aspiring Forest Contractors

To succeed as a Forest Contractor, it is beneficial to be proactive and highly motivated to develop both yourself and your business. Precision is essential when planning assignments and handling machinery, while flexibility is needed to adapt to rapid changes in weather and customer needs. Being service-oriented and communicative facilitates relationships with clients and partners, while resilience and the ability to work independently help handle long working days and workload variations. A technical interest and willingness to learn new machines and digital tools are also advantageous. Finally, it is important to dare to take responsibility and make independent decisions, especially if starting your own business in the industry.

Key facts about Forest Contractors

  • Education level: High school education (natural resource/forestry) recommended
  • Work environment: Outdoors, varying terrain and weather
  • Work form: Many are self-employed or work in small teams
  • Demand: Great opportunities for work nationwide
  • Special skills: Machinery operator certificates and entrepreneurship

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a Forest Contractor can develop into running a larger company with multiple employees or specialize in areas such as advanced machinery operation, environmental certification, or project management. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast for agricultural and forestry machinery operators, job opportunities are expected to be plentiful nationwide, with stable demand also over the next five years. However, industry development is influenced by generational change and technological advancements, which can open new career opportunities for those willing to further their education and take on new roles within forestry.

Frequently asked questions about Forest Contractors

  • What does a Forest Contractor earn?
    - A Forest Contractor has an average salary of 32 900 SEK per month. Men earn on average 33 100 SEK and women 30,600 SEK.
  • What education is required to become a Forest Contractor?
    - Most commonly, a high school education with a focus on forestry, as well as vocational certificates for forestry machinery and chainsaw operation.
  • What is the job market like for Forest Contractors?
    - Opportunities for employment are plentiful, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
  • Are there gender differences in salaries?
    - Yes, women earn approximately 92% of what men do in the profession.
  • What career opportunities are available in the long term?
    - With experience, a Forest Contractor can expand their business, specialize, or take on leadership roles within larger companies.
  • How does the season affect workload?
    - Workload varies throughout the year, with the most assignments during the snow-free season and quieter periods in winter.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for a Forest Contractor?
    - The highest salary is 35,400 SEK per month and the lowest 30,600 SEK per month.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-11 22:15:09

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

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