- Salary statistics
- Forest scientists salary
Forest scientists salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
30 600 - 49 100 SEK / month
Women earn 95% of what men do.
Naturbruk
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Salary progression Forest scientists
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 43 100 SEK in 2023 and further to 44 800 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: 44 800 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 43 100 SEK/month, men 45 400 SEK/month (95%)
- 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.
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: 44 800 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 44 800 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 43 100 SEK/month and men 45 400 SEK/month, which means women earn 95% 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.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 95% | 38100 kr | 41400 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 42600 kr | 46100 kr |
| 45-54 | 105% | 42300 kr | 45100 kr |
| 55-64 | 43700 kr | 46800 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 41700 kr | 44800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 92% | 28500 kr | 32300 kr |
| 25-34 | 103% | 33000 kr | 34400 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 38000 kr | 39700 kr |
| 45-54 | 102% | 39500 kr | 40300 kr |
| 55-64 | 103% | 42800 kr | 42900 kr |
| 65-68 | 45500 kr | 45600 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 38900 kr | 39800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 92% | 28500 kr | 32300 kr |
| 25-34 | 103% | 33000 kr | 34400 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 38000 kr | 39700 kr |
| 45-54 | 102% | 39500 kr | 40300 kr |
| 55-64 | 103% | 42800 kr | 42900 kr |
| 65-68 | 45500 kr | 45600 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 38900 kr | 39800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 95% | 38700 kr | 42200 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 43200 kr | 46900 kr |
| 45-54 | 42800 kr | 46000 kr | |
| 55-64 | 43800 kr | 47600 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 42200 kr | 45600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 95% | 38700 kr | 42200 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 43200 kr | 46900 kr |
| 45-54 | 42800 kr | 46000 kr | |
| 55-64 | 43800 kr | 47600 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 42200 kr | 45600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 95% | 38200 kr | 42200 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 42100 kr | 46200 kr |
| 45-54 | 105% | 41700 kr | 44600 kr |
| 55-64 | 44200 kr | 47600 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 41900 kr | 45400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 92% | 27600 kr | 33800 kr |
| 25-34 | 103% | 32000 kr | 33900 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 36700 kr | 39900 kr |
| 45-54 | 102% | 38800 kr | 40100 kr |
| 55-64 | 103% | 42600 kr | 42700 kr |
| 65-68 | 46200 kr | 46400 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 38800 kr | 40200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 92% | 27600 kr | 33800 kr |
| 25-34 | 103% | 32000 kr | 33900 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 36700 kr | 39900 kr |
| 45-54 | 102% | 38800 kr | 40100 kr |
| 55-64 | 103% | 42600 kr | 42700 kr |
| 65-68 | 46200 kr | 46400 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 38800 kr | 40200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 95% | 38700 kr | 42900 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 42600 kr | 46800 kr |
| 45-54 | 42100 kr | 45200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 44500 kr | 48500 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 42300 kr | 46000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 95% | 38700 kr | 42900 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 42600 kr | 46800 kr |
| 45-54 | 42100 kr | 45200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 44500 kr | 48500 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 42300 kr | 46000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 95% | 38000 kr | 40000 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 44000 kr | 46000 kr |
| 45-54 | 105% | 44700 kr | 46900 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 41100 kr | 43100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 92% | 29200 kr | 31200 kr |
| 25-34 | 103% | 34100 kr | 35000 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 39500 kr | 39600 kr |
| 45-54 | 102% | 40600 kr | 40700 kr |
| 55-64 | 103% | 43800 kr | 43800 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 38900 kr | 39200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 92% | 29200 kr | 31200 kr |
| 25-34 | 103% | 34100 kr | 35000 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 39500 kr | 39600 kr |
| 45-54 | 102% | 40600 kr | 40700 kr |
| 55-64 | 103% | 43800 kr | 43800 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 38900 kr | 39200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 95% | 38500 kr | 40700 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 45000 kr | 47400 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 41700 kr | 44000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 95% | 38500 kr | 40700 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 45000 kr | 47400 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 41700 kr | 44000 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 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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