Forest technician

What does a forestry technician do? – Tasks and work environment

A forestry technician works with planning, leading, and controlling various activities within forestry. Tasks often include forest inventory, preparing forestry management plans, and advising landowners on forest conservation, harvesting, and replanting. They may also be responsible for machinery planning, environmental monitoring, and liaising with contractors. The work environment varies between office tasks and fieldwork in forests and terrain, requiring both analytical skills and good physical condition. Collaboration with forest managers, conservationists, and other specialists is common to ensure sustainable forest resource management.

Salary development over time

Salary development for forestry technicians has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,100 SEK per month, increasing to 41 600 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 43 100 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 7.5% over the period. This positive trend is linked to increased demand for forestry technical skills, especially in sustainability and digitalization of forestry practices. The industry is also influenced by retirements and a growing need for advice on climate- and environmentally-friendly methods, which drives up salaries for experienced specialists. Despite relatively small gender pay gaps, some differences between men and women remain within the profession.

Forestry technician salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 43 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 27,000 SEK/month (female, private sector, high school diploma)
• Highest salary: 48,300 SEK/month (male, public sector, postgraduate degree)
• Hourly wage (average): 259 SEK/hour
• Women: 42 200 SEK/month (97% of men's salary)
• Men: 43 400 SEK/month
• Regional differences: No specific data available

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a forestry technician typically involves a two-year vocational college program in forestry technology or equivalent, including both theoretical and practical components. Prerequisites often include a high school diploma, preferably with a natural resources focus, and some employers value experience from forestry work or related fields. Internships are an important part of the education and can provide valuable industry contacts. Further training through courses or certifications in GIS, environmental management, or machinery technology is advantageous.

• Vocational college degree: Forestry technician program (2 years)
• Internship: Often included in the program
• Prerequisites: High school diploma, preferably in natural resources
• Courses/certifications: GIS, environmental management, machinery technology
• Recommended: Early contact with the industry through summer jobs or internships

Common benefits and compensations

Forestry technicians are often offered company cars, wellness allowances, extra vacation days, and flexible working hours. Fieldwork may include per diems and compensation for inconvenient working hours. Personal protective equipment and work clothing are provided by the employer, and ongoing training in technology and environmental issues is common to keep skills up-to-date.

Competition and challenges

Demand for forestry technicians remains stable, but competition for the most attractive positions can be high, especially in regions with many landowners and large forestry companies. Digitalization and increased sustainability requirements mean the profession is evolving quickly, requiring continuous skill development. Limited training places can lead to shortages of qualified candidates, while industry trends are affected by economic cycles and political decisions on forest management. Fieldwork can pose challenges related to weather, terrain, and safety, demanding both physical endurance and good planning skills.

Tips for those wanting to become a forestry technician

To succeed as a forestry technician, it helps to be both analytical and practical. Developing strong problem-solving skills facilitates the execution of complex forest management tasks and the implementation of new technological tools. An interest in environmental and sustainability issues is valuable, as much of the work revolves around gentle forest management. Good teamwork skills are important since projects often involve collaboration with other specialists. Flexibility and adaptability to changing work environments, from office to field, are also crucial. Clear communication, especially with landowners and contractors, helps build trust and successful collaborations. Staying updated on new technology and digital tools is a major advantage in today’s rapidly changing forestry industry.

Key facts about forestry technicians

• Education level: Vocational college degree (2 years)
• Work environment: Alternates between fieldwork and office work
• Demand: 360 available jobs in the profession
• Gender salary gap: Women earn 97% of what men do
• Common work form: Project-based assignments

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, a forestry technician can advance to roles such as supervisor, advisor, or project manager within larger forestry companies or consulting firms. Specializations in digital forest mapping, environmental certification, or machinery planning are common. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast for specialists and advisors in forestry, there are 360 available jobs, but due to limited data, no precise outlook for forestry technicians can be provided. The job market is influenced by technological development and increased sustainability demands, indicating continued need for skilled forestry technicians in the future.

Frequently asked questions about forestry technicians

• What does a forestry technician earn?
  - The average salary is 43 100 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, education, and sector.
• How to become a forestry technician?
  - By completing a two-year vocational college education in forestry technology, often including practical training.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 97% of what men do in the profession.
• What is the work environment like?
  - The work environment varies between fieldwork in the forest and office work, often with project-based assignments.
• What career paths are available?
  - After a few years, one can advance to roles such as supervisor, advisor, or project manager.
• What are the future prospects?
  - There is good demand within the profession, but no exact forecast for forestry technicians specifically.
• What benefits are common?
  - Company car, wellness allowance, extra vacation days, and flexible working hours are common benefits.