Forest machine mechanic

What does a forest machine mechanic do? – Tasks and work environment

A forest machine mechanic works with servicing, repairing, and maintaining machines used in forestry, such as harvesters, forwarders, and other heavy vehicles. The work often involves troubleshooting on-site in the forest, but workshop tasks are also common. The work environment is varied and may involve outdoor work under tough weather conditions, sometimes in inaccessible locations. Safety, precision, and technical problem-solving skills are crucial in the role, as the machines are complex and downtime can be costly for the employer.

Salary development over time

The salary of a forest machine mechanic has seen steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,900 SEK per month. The following year, 2023, it increased to 33 200 SEK, corresponding to an approximate 4% increase. For 2024, the average salary is 34 400 SEK, a further increase of about 3.6% from the previous year. This positive trend reflects continued demand for skills in mechanics and maintenance in the forestry sector, while inflation and a shortage of specialized labor drive up salary levels. Variations occur depending on experience, employer, and region, but overall, the trend indicates a stable and competitive salary situation for the profession.

Forest machine mechanic salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 34 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,100 SEK/month (female, public sector, 3-year high school)
• Highest salary: 36,300 SEK/month (male, regional sector, high school ≤2 years)
• Hourly wage (average): 207 SEK
• Women earn: 32 500 SEK/month (94% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 34 500 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Salary variation occurs depending on employer and local conditions

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a forest machine mechanic usually involves completing a high school education in the vehicle and transport program with specialization in machinery and trucks. Post-secondary courses in hydraulics, electronics, and computer-controlled systems are advantageous. Internships with companies in the industry are common and improve employment prospects. Further education at vocational colleges and specialized technical courses can also increase competitiveness.

• High school education: Vehicle and transport program, specialization in machinery/trucks (3 years)
• Certifications: Courses in hydraulics, electronics, and work environment
• Internships: Workplace learning (APL) during training
• Further education: Vocational college or specialized technical courses
• Prerequisites: Approved grades in basic subjects, interest in technology and vehicles

Common benefits and compensations

Forest machine mechanics often have access to company cars or service vehicles, especially when called out to forest sites. Other common benefits include wellness allowances, work clothing, tools reimbursement, and sometimes performance-based bonuses or availability allowances. Additional compensation may be provided for on-call work or unsociable hours.

Competitions and challenges

The profession of forest machine mechanic is characterized by a paradoxical labor market where there are both recruitment difficulties and relatively high unemployment within the motor vehicle mechanic group. Despite this, job prospects are considered good nationwide, with a large number of available positions. Challenges include technological development, requiring continuous skills updating, and the physically demanding nature of the work, often performed under varying environmental conditions. Competition may be higher in regions with more qualified mechanics than available jobs, while some areas face shortages of skilled workers.

Tips for aspiring forest machine mechanics

To succeed as a forest machine mechanic, it is beneficial to have a strong technical interest and good problem-solving skills, as work often requires quickly identifying and fixing faults on-site. Precision is crucial to ensure that machines operate safely and efficiently after servicing. Flexibility and adaptability are helpful as workdays vary between workshop and field, sometimes in difficult weather conditions. Good physical condition is an advantage since the work can be physically demanding and performed outdoors. Showing initiative and willingness to learn new technologies and systems improves employment and development opportunities. Teamwork skills are appreciated as some tasks require collaboration with colleagues and machine operators. Finally, responsibility is important, as safety and quality are always prioritized when maintaining heavy forestry machinery.

Key facts about forest machine mechanics

• Salary range: 30,100–36,300 SEK/month
• Average salary: 34 400 SEK/month
• Education level: High school (3 years), additional courses
• Work environment: Varied, both field and workshop work
• Demand: Excellent job prospects, 481 available positions within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, there are opportunities to advance to more specialized roles, such as technicians responsible for advanced troubleshooting or workshop supervisors. Further education can lead to roles as trainers in machinery technology, technical advisors for manufacturers, or entrepreneurs in service and maintenance. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the outlook remains stable, with continued high demand for skilled workers in installation, operation, and maintenance. In five years, demand is expected to remain unchanged, but recruitment challenges will persist, especially in regions with a shortage of qualified labor.

Frequently asked questions about forest machine mechanics

• What is the average salary of a forest machine mechanic?
  - The average salary is 34 400 SEK per month.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn an average of 32 500 SEK while men earn 34 500 SEK, which means women earn 94% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a forest machine mechanic?
  - Typically, a high school education in the vehicle and transport program, preferably with internships and supplementary technical courses.
• What does the job market look like for forest machine mechanics?
  - Opportunities are good with many available jobs, but recruitment difficulties occur in some regions.
• What are the tasks of a forest machine mechanic?
  - Servicing, repairing, and maintaining forest machines as well as troubleshooting both in workshops and outdoors.
• What benefits are most common?
  - Company cars, wellness allowances, work clothing, and tools reimbursement are common benefits.
• How has the salary developed over time?
  - Salaries have increased by approximately 8% over the past three years, from 31,900 SEK to 34 400 SEK per month.