- Salary statistics
- Forest planter
Forest planter
24 900 - 28 500 kr / month
Women earn 96% of what men do.
Naturbruk
Salary progression Forest planter
What does a forest planter do? – Tasks and work environment
A forest planter primarily works on planting forest seedlings in recently harvested areas, contributing to the regeneration of Sweden's forests. The profession involves physically demanding outdoor work, often in varied terrain and under changing weather conditions. Tasks may also include site preparation, aftercare of plantings, and sometimes basic machinery operation. Forest planters usually work in teams and often follow a seasonal schedule with peak season during spring and early summer. The work environment offers a degree of independence but requires good physical fitness and endurance.
Salary development over time
The salary for forest planters has increased significantly in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 23,500 SEK per month, rising to 26 400 SEK in 2023 and further to 27 500 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 17% over this three-year period. The salary growth can be linked to increased demand for labor in the forestry sector, inflation adjustments, and a general trend toward better working conditions in the industry. Salaries have also been influenced by seasonal variations and competition for labor, especially during periods of high planting activity. Despite the increase, the salary level remains below the national average, reflecting the seasonal nature of the work and relatively low educational requirements.
Forest planter salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 27 500 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 24,900 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 28,500 SEK/month
- Hourly wage (average): 165 SEK
- Women: 26,800 SEK/month
- Men: 27 900 SEK/month
- Women earn: 96% of men's salary
- Regional differences: Highest salaries are found in the regional sector
Education and qualifications
No formal higher education is required to work as a forest planter, but employers prefer applicants with high school education with a forestry focus or equivalent experience. Practical skills and physical endurance are central qualifications, and many employers offer internal training or introductory courses before the season starts. The profession is also suitable for those seeking seasonal work or wanting to combine work with studies. For those wishing to advance, there are opportunities for further education or specialization within forestry.
- High school education: Forestry focus, approximately 3 years
- Introductory courses: Often provided by employers
- Practical experience: Meritorious but not mandatory
- Physical endurance: Important for handling the work environment
- Further education: Possible for career advancement within forestry
A forest planter often experiences Sweden's nature up close and works in areas where few others venture. This offers the opportunity for nature-rich workdays and a unique insight into the forest's cycle. For those who appreciate freedom and independent work, the profession provides a rare chance to combine physical activity with nature experiences.
Common benefits and compensations
Forest planters are often covered by collective agreements, which include vacation pay, overtime premiums, and insurance. Many employers also provide work clothing and some equipment, as well as travel allowances to the work site. During peak season, bonuses or piecework pay may be offered for high productivity. Temporary accommodation near the work site is also common for remote locations.
Competition and challenges
The labor market for forest planters is considered balanced, meaning there are about as many job seekers as available positions. One of the main challenges is the seasonal nature of the work and the physical demands placed on workers. Competition can be high during peak seasons, especially if employers seek individuals with prior experience or specific forestry education. Flexibility, endurance, and teamwork skills are essential for success. The profession also requires quick adaptation to different terrain and weather conditions. The group also features a large proportion of temporary employment, which can lead to some uncertainty between seasons.
Tips for aspiring forest planters
To succeed as a forest planter, good physical condition and a positive attitude towards outdoor work regardless of weather are beneficial. Endurance and stress tolerance help during long days in sometimes tough terrain, while teamwork skills are valuable when working in groups. Precision is necessary to plant correctly for optimal growth, and flexibility is important as tasks and locations can vary daily. An interest in nature and the environment facilitates motivation and understanding of the work's importance. Employers also appreciate punctuality and responsibility, especially during busy seasons.
Key facts about Forest Planter
- Salary range: 24,900–28,500 SEK/month
- Average salary: 27 500 SEK/month
- Gender difference: Women earn 96% of men's salary
- Typical work form: Seasonal outdoor employment
- Number of job openings (2024): 360 within the profession
Career paths and future outlook
After gaining several years of experience, forest planters can advance to supervisory roles in planting or further their education in forest management, machinery operation, or conservation. Some choose to start their own planting business or combine the profession with other seasonal forestry work. The employment agency estimates that opportunities for harvesters and planters are moderate and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. There remains a balance between applicants and available positions, but competition may increase in certain seasons or regions. Increased mechanization in forestry could impact the number of jobs, but the need for manual planters is expected to persist in the foreseeable future.
Frequently asked questions about forest planters
- What is the average salary of a forest planter?
- The average salary is 27 500 SEK per month. - What is the highest and lowest salary for a forest planter?
- The highest salary is 28,500 SEK, and the lowest is 24,900 SEK per month. - Are there salary differences between women and men?
- Yes, women earn 96% of what men do within the profession. - What education is required to become a forest planter?
- High school education with a forestry focus is advantageous but not mandatory. - What is the job market like for forest planters?
- Opportunities are moderate, and demand is expected to remain unchanged. - What is the work environment like?
- Work is performed outdoors, often in varying and sometimes challenging terrain. - What benefits are common?
- Vacation pay, overtime premiums, work clothing, and sometimes housing at the work site.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 24500 kr | 25200 kr | |
| 25-34 | 28000 kr | 28200 kr | |
| 35-44 | 100% | 27500 kr | 27600 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 28100 kr | 28300 kr |
| 55-64 | 28300 kr | 28500 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 27200 kr | 27500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 102% | 25200 kr | 25200 kr |
| 35-44 | 25900 kr | 25900 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 25500 kr | 25500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 102% | 25200 kr | 25200 kr |
| 35-44 | 25900 kr | 25900 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 25500 kr | 25500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 24500 kr | 25200 kr | |
| 25-34 | 28000 kr | 28200 kr | |
| 35-44 | 101% | 27500 kr | 27600 kr |
| 45-54 | 28100 kr | 28300 kr | |
| 55-64 | 28300 kr | 28500 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 27200 kr | 27500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 24500 kr | 25200 kr | |
| 25-34 | 28000 kr | 28200 kr | |
| 35-44 | 101% | 27500 kr | 27600 kr |
| 45-54 | 28100 kr | 28300 kr | |
| 55-64 | 28300 kr | 28500 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 27200 kr | 27500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 28300 kr | 28600 kr | |
| 35-44 | 100% | 27300 kr | 27500 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 28500 kr | 28700 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 27700 kr | 27900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 102% | 25000 kr | 25000 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 25600 kr | 25600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 102% | 25000 kr | 25000 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 25600 kr | 25600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 28300 kr | 28600 kr | |
| 35-44 | 101% | 27300 kr | 27500 kr |
| 45-54 | 28500 kr | 28700 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 27700 kr | 27900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 28300 kr | 28600 kr | |
| 35-44 | 101% | 27300 kr | 27500 kr |
| 45-54 | 28500 kr | 28700 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 27700 kr | 27900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 100% | 27600 kr | 27700 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 27200 kr | 27500 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 26300 kr | 26800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 102% | 25500 kr | 25600 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 25500 kr | 25500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 102% | 25500 kr | 25600 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 25500 kr | 25500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 101% | 27600 kr | 27700 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 26300 kr | 26800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 101% | 27600 kr | 27700 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 26300 kr | 26800 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 planter has the SSYK code 9210, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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