Wilderness Guide salary

Working as a Wilderness Guide: Salary and Working Conditions

Being a wilderness guide involves leading and guiding groups through nature's fascinating and sometimes challenging environments. The profession attracts adventurous individuals who love the outdoors and want to share their passion with others. Below, I explore what it means to work as a wilderness guide, including details about salary, education, and working conditions.

Wilderness Guide Salary: An Overview

What does a wilderness guide earn? The average monthly salary for this profession is 28 500 kronor. There is a slight wage gap between genders, with men earning an average of 28 900 kronor and women earning 28 300 kronor, meaning women earn approximately 98% of what men do. The salary has increased slightly from previous measurements, when it was 28 200 kronor.

For hourly wilderness guides, the average wage is 171 kronor per hour, based on 166 working hours per month. The highest known salary for a woman in the field is 33,000 kronor, belonging to a public sector employee with a high school education of up to two years. The equivalent highest salary for a man is 31,000 kronor. On the other hand, the lowest salary for a woman is 27,500 kronor in the private sector, while the lowest for a man is 28,400 kronor.

Education and Skills Requirements

To become a wilderness guide, a relevant education in outdoor life or tourism is usually required. There are both shorter courses and longer educational programs, often offered at folk high schools or vocational colleges, where one learns about nature conservation, safety, and leadership. Some employers may also provide internal training to ensure that guides have the necessary skills.

Daily Tasks

As a wilderness guide, one is responsible for planning and conducting excursions and tours in nature. This involves preparing routes, ensuring the group's safety, and imparting knowledge about nature and the environment. Communication and leadership are essential skills, as the guide must be able to handle both group dynamics and unforeseen events in the terrain.

Benefits and Working Conditions

Benefits can vary depending on the employer and sector. In some cases, guides may have access to paid further training or equipment needed for the job. The work may sometimes involve long and irregular hours depending on the season and the type of tours offered.

Future Outlook and Challenges

The profession of wilderness guide falls under the category of "Guides and Tour Leaders" according to the SSYK code. The Public Employment Service's forecasts for this occupational group, however, cannot be specified precisely for wilderness guides, making it difficult to predict exactly how demand will evolve in the future. Generally, though, the interest in ecotourism and nature experiences may indicate potential growth.

Those interested in working as a wilderness guide should consider the physical and mental demands that the profession entails. Working outdoors in nature can be both stimulating and demanding, and it is important to have a genuine passion for the outdoors and a willingness to constantly learn new things.

In conclusion, the profession of a wilderness guide offers an exciting career opportunity for those who love nature and want to share their knowledge and passion with others. The salary is at a stable level with minor gender differences, and there are opportunities for both personal and professional development within the field.