Image that illustrates Tree fellers

Tree fellers

31 800 kr

Forestry workers

31 500 - 38 100 kr / month

Women earn 105% of what men do.

Naturbruk

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Tree fellers

Average salary 31 800 kr
Males 31 700 kr
Females 33 400 kr

What does a tree feller do? – Tasks and work environment

A tree feller is responsible for felling, pruning, and handling trees in various environments, from dense forests to residential plots and urban areas. The work includes planning the felling, securing the area, using chainsaws, climbing trees, and sometimes working with specialized equipment for sectional felling or removing hazardous trees. The work environment is often challenging and requires good physical condition, as work is performed outdoors in varying weather, sometimes at great heights and on uneven terrain. Safety routines are crucial, and collaboration with other professionals such as arborists and ground workers is common.

Salary development over time

The salary for tree fellers has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 29,600 SEK per month and rose to 30 200 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has increased further to 31 800 SEK, representing a total increase of over 7% over three years. This salary trend reflects increased demand for skilled forestry work and tree felling, as well as a growing focus on safety and specialized expertise. The market is also influenced by many leaving the profession, creating recruitment challenges and pushing up wages. Despite positive trends, the salary range remains relatively narrow, but women in the profession have had slightly higher earnings than men during this period.

Tree feller salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 31 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,500 SEK/month (men), 32,400 SEK/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 38,100 SEK/month (men), 34,900 SEK/month (women)
  • Hourly wage: 191 SEK/hour (average, hourly workers)
  • Gender gap: Women earn 105% of what men do (33 400 SEK/month vs 31 700 SEK/month)
  • Regional differences: Salary levels vary depending on employer and region, but the average is close to the national average.

Education and qualifications

To work as a tree feller, a secondary school education in forestry is usually required, along with additional courses in chainsaw handling and safety. Practical experience is highly valued, and certification for chainsaw operation is essentially mandatory. Specialization in advanced tree felling or work at heights may require further training.

  • Secondary education: Forestry program, 3 years
  • Chainsaw certification: Levels A+B (basic and advanced tree felling)
  • Internship: Often included during training
  • Further training: Courses in sectional felling, climbing, and safety
  • Prerequisites: Good physical health, height tolerance, and safety awareness

Many tree fellers work seasonally and combine the profession with other forestry tasks throughout the year. This provides a varied workday and opportunities to develop broad skills in natural resource management.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Tree fellers often have access to benefits such as work clothing, protective gear, and wellness allowances. Other common compensations include per diems when working away from home, as well as access to safety and further training courses. In some cases, bonuses are offered for particularly risky or advanced assignments.

Competition and challenges

The competition within the profession is relatively low nationally, as there is high demand for competent tree fellers and forestry workers. At the same time, many leave the profession, creating recruitment difficulties and opening opportunities for new entrants. Challenges mainly involve staying updated on safety requirements and new technology, as well as managing the physically demanding work environment. Weather conditions and seasonal variations affect workload, and it is important to handle both solitary work and teamwork. The profession also requires constant vigilance to prevent accidents.

Tips for those wanting to become a tree feller

To succeed as a tree feller, it is good to combine thoroughness with a strong safety mindset, as work often takes place under risky conditions. Good physical endurance is important since the work is demanding and outdoors year-round. Flexibility is also crucial, especially when tasks vary between different types of tree felling and forestry work. It pays to be proactive and eager to learn new skills, for example through further training in sectional felling or climbing. Social skills are an advantage, as collaboration with colleagues and clients is a natural part of the job. Finally, a positive attitude towards problem-solving and an interest in nature and technology can pave the way into the profession and make workdays more rewarding.

Key facts about Tree Fellers

  • Average salary: 31 800 SEK/month
  • Education level: Secondary education with certification
  • Work environment: Outdoors, often physically demanding and risky
  • Demand: Great job opportunities, 360 available positions nationwide
  • Gender gap: Women earn 105% of men's wages

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a tree feller, there are opportunities to take on more advanced assignments, such as supervisor, instructor, or specialized climber within advanced tree felling. It is also common to broaden into other roles within forestry, such as machine operator or arborist. According to the Employment Service, the outlook for forestry workers remains good, with ample opportunities for employment and unchanged demand over the next five years. The profession is influenced by many leaving the industry, which likely sustains recruitment needs long-term. Specialization and further education can provide additional career opportunities and higher wages.

Frequently asked questions about Tree Fellers

  • What does a Tree Feller earn?
    - The average salary is 31 800 SEK per month, ranging from 31,500 to 38,100 SEK depending on experience and employer.
  • How does one become a tree feller?
    - The usual route is secondary school education in forestry plus chainsaw certification and practical training.
  • Are there job opportunities for tree fellers?
    - Yes, demand is high and there are 360 available positions nationwide.
  • What are the workplace risks?
    - Fall risks, heavy lifting, and working with chainsaws are the main hazards, making safety routines essential.
  • What benefits are common in the profession?
    - Benefits include work clothing, wellness allowances, further training, and per diems for remote work.
  • What is needed for higher pay?
    - Experience, further education, and specialization in advanced tree felling or work management can lead to higher wages.
  • Is there a significant salary difference between men and women?
    - Women earn on average 5% more than men in the profession.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Tree fellers is 38100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 34900 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Tree fellers is 31500 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 32400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 30100 kr 31100 kr
35-44 31900 kr 32500 kr
45-54 31500 kr 32300 kr
55-64 31900 kr 32900 kr
Snitt 105% 30900 kr 31800 kr
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 Tree fellers has the SSYK code 6210, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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