Image that illustrates Forest Inspector

Forest Inspector

43 100 kr

Specialists and advisors in forestry

27 000 - 48 300 kr / month

Women earn 97% of what men do.

Naturbruk

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Forest Inspector

Average salary 43 100 kr
Males 43 400 kr
Females 42 200 kr

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

A Forest Inspector provides advice, plans, and monitors activities within forestry. The role often acts as a link between landowners and various stakeholders in the industry, such as authorities, contractors, and timber buyers. Tasks can include inventory and planning of forest management, preparing forestry plans, ensuring sustainable harvesting, and advising on certification issues. The work is largely outdoors in varying weather conditions, but also includes office work with administrative duties and reporting. Forest Inspectors often work independently and carry significant responsibility for both environmental values and economic results.

Wage development over time

The salary for Forest Inspectors has shown steady and positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,100 SEK per month, increasing to 41 600 SEK in 2023 and reaching 43 100 SEK in 2024. The total increase over three years amounts to approximately 7.5 %, which is slightly above the general wage increase in the natural resources sector. This growth can partly be explained by increased demand for qualified advisors in sustainable forestry and a higher level of education among new hires. The industry’s focus on environmental certification and technical expertise has also contributed to higher wages, especially for those with specialized knowledge or longer experience. Nonetheless, differences between employers and regions still exist.

Forest Inspector salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 43 100 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 27,000 SEK/month (female, private sector, high school education)
  • Highest salary: 48,300 SEK/month (male, public sector, postgraduate degree)
  • Hourly wage (average): 259 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Men 43 400 SEK, women 42 200 SEK (women earn 97 % of what men do)
  • Regional differences: Data varies, but wage levels can be influenced by employer and location

Education and qualifications

To work as a Forest Inspector, a university degree in forestry or a related field is usually required. Many employers also value practical experience in forestry or advisory roles. Specialized courses in forest certification, environmental law, and digital forest inventory are advantageous and can improve employment prospects. For those aiming to pursue the profession, both theoretical knowledge and the ability to communicate with various stakeholders are important.

  • Formal education: Forestry program, university (3–5 years)
  • Certifications: Examples include PEFC/FSC courses, environmental certification
  • Internship: Recommended during studies, sometimes a requirement
  • Prerequisites: Science-oriented high school education or equivalent
  • Further education: Courses in GIS, forest economics, and environmental law

Many Forest Inspectors today use advanced digital technology to analyze forest data and plan activities. The combination of fieldwork and digital tools makes the profession varied and future-oriented.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Forest Inspectors are often offered company cars or mileage allowances for work-related travel, wellness contributions, and flexible working hours. Other common benefits include skills development, extra vacation days, and sometimes bonuses linked to results or performance.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as a Forest Inspector varies by region and employer. In some parts of the country, especially where larger forestry companies and authorities operate, competition for the most attractive roles can be high. At the same time, there is a continuous need for qualified advisors in sustainable forestry. Challenges in the profession include staying updated on new legislation, environmental certifications, and technical solutions. Since tasks often involve balancing environmental requirements with economic goals, analytical skills and good communication are essential.

Tips for aspiring Forest Inspectors

To succeed as a Forest Inspector, it’s good to combine accuracy and analytical ability with a genuine interest in nature and forestry. Building a network during your studies and taking advantage of internships provides valuable contacts and experience. Developing communication skills to give clear advice to landowners and colleagues is also beneficial. A certain curiosity about technology helps when digital tools and GIS systems are used daily. Engagement and the ability to work independently are appreciated by employers, as is a willingness to continually learn about legislation and sustainability issues. Staying updated on current trends in forestry makes it easier to stand out in the competition and grow in the role.

Key facts about Forest Inspectors

  • Education level: University degree in forestry (3–5 years)
  • Work environment: Combination of fieldwork and office work
  • Demand: 360 available jobs in 2024
  • Salary range: 27,000–48,300 SEK/month
  • Special skills: Environmental certification, GIS, advisory services

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Forest Inspector, there are good opportunities to advance to more qualified roles such as forest manager, regional manager, or specialist in certification and sustainable forestry. Depending on the employer, roles within education, project management, or government agencies can also become relevant. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, there is no precise forecast for the profession due to limited data, but with 360 available jobs, demand is expected to continue. The industry’s increasing focus on sustainability and digitalization is likely to positively influence future prospects, especially for those with specialized skills.

Frequently asked questions about Forest Inspectors

  • What does a Forest Inspector earn?
    - The average salary is 43 100 SEK per month, but wages vary depending on experience, education, and region.
  • What education is required to become a Forest Inspector?
    - A university degree in forestry or a related field is usually a requirement.
  • Are there job opportunities for Forest Inspectors?
    - Yes, there are 360 available jobs according to the latest statistics.
  • What is the work environment like for a Forest Inspector?
    - The work is a mix of fieldwork in the forest and administrative tasks in an office.
  • What personal qualities are important for a Forest Inspector?
    - Analytical skills, good communication, independence, and an interest in nature and technology are valued.
  • Are there wage differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn approximately 97 % of what men do in the profession.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for a Forest Inspector?
    - The highest salary is 48,300 SEK and the lowest is 27,000 SEK per month.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Forest Inspector is 48300 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 45800 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Forest Inspector is 27000 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 33000 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 97% 37000 kr 39600 kr
35-44 98% 41200 kr 44500 kr
45-54 41300 kr 43700 kr
55-64 42800 kr 46300 kr
Snitt 97% 40300 kr 43100 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 Inspector has the SSYK code 2135, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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