- Salary statistics
- Forest manager salary
Forest manager salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
43 800 - 68 200 SEK / month
Chefer & ledare
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Salary progression Forest manager
What does a Forest Manager do? – Tasks and work environment
A forest manager is responsible for planning, developing, and managing forest resources within private companies, forest owner associations, or the public sector. Tasks include forest inventory, preparing forest management plans, advising landowners, and coordinating harvesting, planting, and forest conservation activities. A significant part of the work is outdoors in varying terrain and weather, but administrative tasks and reporting are often performed from an office. Forest managers maintain close contact with contractors, landowners, and authorities, which requires good communication skills and adaptability to different environments.
Salary development over time
Forest managers have experienced stable salary growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 54,500 SEK per month, increasing to 56 100 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has continued upward to 58 000 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 2.9% over the period. This development reflects a sustained high demand for qualified forest managers, especially in the private sector where salaries tend to be higher. Factors such as increased complexity in forest management, digitalization, and sustainability requirements have contributed to strengthening the profession's position in the job market and boosting salary levels.
Forest Manager salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 58 000 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)
- Hourly wage: 337 SEK
- Gender differences: Men earn on average 57 600 SEK/month; highest salary for women is 53,000 SEK, lowest 43,100 SEK
- Regional differences: Data not available at detailed level, but private sector employees in southern Sweden often have higher salaries
Education and qualifications
To work as a forest manager, a post-secondary education in forestry or similar is usually required, often at the bachelor’s or master’s level. Practical experience from trainee programs or internships is highly meritorious and provides essential understanding of the profession’s demands. The industry also values certifications in environmental management and sustainability, as well as good IT skills.
- Forestry higher education: 3–5 years (bachelor’s/master’s, e.g., forest engineer, forester)
- Certifications: Courses in environmental management, FSC/PEFC standards
- Internships/Trainee programs: Recommended for networking and industry knowledge
- Prerequisites: Basic knowledge in natural sciences, especially biology and geography
- Tips for choosing: Look for programs with strong industry contacts and internship opportunities
Many forest managers combine fieldwork with advanced digital technology, such as GIS systems and drones, to streamline planning and inventory. Technological development has thus created new opportunities for both environmental work and production optimization.
Common benefits and compensations
Forest managers are often offered company cars or car allowances, wellness contributions, extra vacation days, pension contributions, and sometimes bonuses linked to results or projects. Opportunities for professional development and participation in industry conferences are also common, especially within larger organizations.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as a forest manager varies depending on region and employer, but the number of available jobs remains stable. One of the biggest challenges is the increasing complexity in forest management, with demands for sustainability, certifications, and environmentally adapted methods. Digitalization and technological advancement also require new skills, while generational changes within the profession open opportunities for younger talents. Market influences include political decisions on forestry and climate issues, which require flexibility and awareness of external developments.
Tips for aspiring forest managers
To succeed as a forest manager, it’s beneficial to combine analytical skills with a genuine interest in nature and the environment. Being organized facilitates planning and reporting, while social skills are crucial when interacting with landowners and contractors. Seeking internships during education helps build networks and insight into daily industry life. Flexibility and problem-solving abilities are valuable when unexpected challenges arise in the field. An interest in technology is also advantageous, as digital tools are increasingly used in the work. Patience and perseverance are needed to manage long-term projects and changes in forestry. Finally, staying updated on new regulations and sustainability requirements is important.
Key facts about Forest Managers
- Salary range: 43,100–64,000 SEK/month
- Average salary: 58 000 SEK/month
- Education level: Post-secondary degree (3–5 years)
- Work environment: Combined field and office environment
- Available jobs: Approximately 175 current positions in Sweden
Career paths and future prospects
After 3–5 years in the profession, there are good opportunities to advance to more specialized roles, such as forest director, operations manager, or sustainability advisor. It is also common to move to larger forestry companies, consulting firms, or government agencies. The forecast from the Employment Service indicates steady demand, especially in the private sector where skills in digitalization and sustainable forestry are particularly valued. The industry is characterized by low unemployment and generational change, benefiting both recent graduates and experienced managers.
Common questions about Forest Managers
- What is the average salary of a Forest Manager?
- The average salary for a forest manager is 58 000 SEK per month. - What is the highest salary for a Forest Manager?
- The highest reported salary is 64,000 SEK per month for a man in the private sector with post-secondary education. - What are the requirements to become a Forest Manager?
- A post-secondary degree in forestry or similar is required, often complemented with practical experience. - What does the job market look like for Forest Managers?
- The job market is stable with approximately 175 available positions and good future prospects. - Are there gender pay differences?
- Yes, men earn slightly more on average than women in the profession, but differences vary depending on sector and education. - What are the typical tasks of a Forest Manager?
- Planning forest management, advising, forest inventory, and coordinating harvesting and forest conservation efforts. - What benefits are common in this profession?
- Common benefits include company cars, wellness contributions, extra vacation days, and professional development.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 54700 kr | 57700 kr | |
| 45-54 | 55800 kr | 57300 kr | |
| Snitt | 55700 kr | 58000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 49500 kr | 49800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 81% | 56300 kr | 57500 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 63700 kr | 64400 kr |
| Snitt | 92% | 56100 kr | 56900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 49500 kr | 49800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 81% | 56300 kr | 57500 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 63700 kr | 64400 kr |
| Snitt | 92% | 56100 kr | 56900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 55800 kr | 57300 kr | |
| Snitt | 55700 kr | 58000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 55800 kr | 57300 kr | |
| Snitt | 55700 kr | 58000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 55500 kr | 57600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 48900 kr | 48900 kr | |
| 45-54 | 81% | 63000 kr | 64800 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 65400 kr | 65900 kr |
| Snitt | 92% | 58400 kr | 59200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 48900 kr | 48900 kr | |
| 45-54 | 81% | 63000 kr | 64800 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 65400 kr | 65900 kr |
| Snitt | 92% | 58400 kr | 59200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 55500 kr | 57600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 55500 kr | 57600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 81% | 51500 kr | 52300 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 60900 kr | 61800 kr |
| Snitt | 92% | 53700 kr | 54500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 81% | 51500 kr | 52300 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 60900 kr | 61800 kr |
| Snitt | 92% | 53700 kr | 54500 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 has the SSYK code 1380, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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