How much does a Forest scientists make

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Forest scientists

43 100 kr

Specialists and advisors in forestry

27 000 - 48 300 kr / month

Women earn 97% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Forest scientists

Average salary 43 100 kr
Males 43 400 kr
Females 42 200 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 4 Vacant jobs ->

What does a forester do? – Tasks and work environment

A forester works with analyzing, managing, and developing forest resources with a focus on sustainability, ecology, and economy. Tasks include advising on forest management, inventory of forest stands, planning harvests and replanting, as well as environmental impact assessments. Foresters may also work with research, policy development, or as experts within government agencies and consulting firms. The work environment varies between fieldwork in forests and office work, often utilizing advanced digital tools for analysis and planning. The profession frequently involves travel to different forest areas and collaboration with landowners, authorities, and other stakeholders in the forestry industry.

Salary development over time

The salary for a forester has increased steadily over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,100 SEK per month, rising to 41 600 SEK in 2023 and further to 43 100 SEK in 2024. This development represents a total increase of approximately 7.5% over the period, or about 3.7% per year. The salary increase can be linked to increased demand for sustainability expertise and forestry specialists, as environmental and climate efforts have gained greater societal focus. Changes in educational requirements and specialization within the profession have also contributed to this positive trend. However, regional differences and employer structures, especially in the public sector, can influence wages.

Forester salary – comprehensive 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: Women earn on average 42 200 SEK/month, men 43 400 SEK/month (97%)
  • Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a forester, a university degree in forestry or related fields is usually required. The education, offered at universities and colleges, combines biology, ecology, economics, and technology with practical fieldwork. Many employers also value experience from internships, research, or projects within forestry and nature conservation.

  • Formal degree: Bachelor's (3 years) or master's (5 years) in forestry
  • Certifications/courses: Examples include GIS, environmental certification, project management
  • Internships/trainee programs: Common within education and appreciated by employers
  • Prerequisites: Basic eligibility + science subjects from high school
  • Tips for choosing specialization: Select focus areas based on interest, e.g., ecology, economics, or technology

Foresters often work interdisciplinary and collaborate with experts in environment, biology, and technology. This makes the profession particularly dynamic for those interested in combining nature with advanced analytical tools and societal development.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Among the most common benefits for foresters are occupational pension, wellness allowance, work clothing, options for remote work, and access to company cars or field vehicles. Flexible working hours and opportunities for skills development are also common, especially within larger organizations and the public sector.

Competition and challenges

The job market for foresters is characterized by some competition, particularly in attractive regions or research-focused roles. Limited spots in education and high requirements for specialization can make it challenging to establish oneself immediately after graduation. Additional challenges include technological innovations requiring continuous skills development and tasks that often demand good teamwork and understanding of both environment and economy. Furthermore, demand is influenced by forestry policies and structural changes within the industry.

Tips for aspiring foresters

To succeed as a forester, having a genuine interest in nature and the environment, as well as analytical skills to interpret data and make well-founded decisions, is beneficial. Being curious and engaged in developments within forestry, and early networking through internships or summer jobs, can help. Communication skills are valuable for collaborating with landowners and authorities, while flexibility aids in managing both field and office work. Staying updated on new techniques and environmental requirements is crucial, and a problem-solving attitude offers good opportunities to contribute to sustainable solutions. Finally, perseverance is important, as many forestry projects span long periods and require patience.

Key facts about Foresters

  • Salary range: 27,000–48,300 SEK/month
  • Average salary: 43 100 SEK/month
  • Education level: Bachelor's or master's in forestry
  • Work environment: Combination of fieldwork and office
  • Available jobs (2024): 360 within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a forester can advance to project manager, specialist in forest ecology, or take responsibility for larger advisory assignments. There are also opportunities to work in research, policy development, or as a manager within the public sector. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, no precise assessment of future prospects can be made due to limited data, but the availability of 360 jobs indicates ongoing demand. Developments in sustainability and technology point to continued need for forestry specialists, especially for those willing to further educate themselves or specialize in areas such as environmental certification or digital forest management.

Frequently asked questions about Foresters

  • What is the average salary of a forester?
    - A forester earns on average 43 100 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a forester?
    - Typically, a bachelor's or master's degree in forestry or related fields is required.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 42 200 SEK/month and men 43 400 SEK/month, which means women earn 97% of men's salaries.
  • What does the job market look like for foresters?
    - There are 360 available jobs in the profession, but an exact forecast is unavailable according to the Swedish Public Employment Service.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for a forester?
    - The highest salary is 48,300 SEK/month and the lowest 27,000 SEK/month.
  • What tasks are included in the profession?
    - Tasks include forestry advice, inventory, planning, environmental assessment, and sometimes research.
  • What personal qualities are suitable for the profession?
    - Analytical skills, interest in nature, teamwork ability, and endurance are important qualities for a forester.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-05 07:50:14

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Forest scientists 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 scientists 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
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
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 scientists has the SSYK code 2135, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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