Game warden

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 Game warden

Average salary 43 100 kr
Males 43 400 kr
Females 42 200 kr

What does a wildlife caretaker do? – Tasks and work environment

A wildlife caretaker works with maintaining and managing wildlife populations in forests, land, and sometimes nearby water areas. Tasks include inventory and monitoring of animal populations, habitat management, feeding, and collaboration with landowners, hunters, and authorities. They may also be responsible for preventing crop and forest damage caused by wildlife, as well as educating the public about animals and nature. The work environment is often outdoors and can involve long days in varying weather, sometimes with solitary work and physically demanding tasks.

Salary development over time

The salary for wildlife caretakers has shown steady and positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,100 SEK per month, increasing the following year to 41 600. In 2024, the average salary has continued to rise to 43 100, which is approximately a 7.5% increase over three years. This trend reflects an increased demand for specialists in natural resource management and forestry, as well as a growing focus on sustainable wildlife management. Salary increases are also driven by higher education levels among professionals and increased competition for qualified personnel in conservation.

Wildlife caretaker salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 43 100 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 27,000 SEK/month (female, private sector, high school diploma, 3 years)
  • Highest salary: 48,300 SEK/month (male, public sector, postgraduate degree)
  • Hourly wage (average): 259 SEK
  • Men: 43 400 SEK/month
  • Women: 42 200 SEK/month (97% of men's salary)
  • Regional differences: Larger salary ranges in northern and western Sweden, where demand for wildlife caretakers is higher

Education and qualifications

To work as a wildlife caretaker, a background in natural resource management, forestry, or biology is usually required, often at high school or post-secondary level. Many employers also value practical experience in animal handling, conservation, and fieldwork. Specialized courses and certifications in hunting, wildlife management, and ecology can be advantageous.

  • High school diploma: Natural resource management program, specialization in forestry or animals (3 years)
  • Post-secondary studies: YH training in wildlife and nature conservation, 1–2 years
  • University education: Biology or forest science, 3–5 years
  • Certifications: Hunter's license, courses in wildlife biology or ecology
  • Practical training: Field internships or trainee positions in conservation projects

The work of a wildlife caretaker often involves close contact with wild animals and various stakeholders such as landowners, hunters, and authorities. Communication skills are therefore just as important as practical knowledge of nature to succeed in the profession.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Wildlife caretakers often have access to benefits such as wellness allowances, work clothing and equipment suitable for fieldwork, and opportunities for further training in animal handling or environmental law. In some cases, access to company vehicles, flextime, or compensation for unsocial hours may also be available, especially during seasonal variations.

Competition and challenges

The competition for wildlife caretaker positions varies depending on the region and employer. The number of available positions is limited, making relevant education and practical experience crucial. Tasks can be seasonal and physically demanding, and high demands are placed on independence and the ability to make quick decisions in the field. Since the job often requires working in remote areas, flexibility and preparedness to work under varying conditions are essential for success.

Tips for those wanting to become a wildlife caretaker

To succeed as a wildlife caretaker, it helps to combine a strong sense of nature with practical skills and good teamwork. Curiosity and a continuous desire to learn about ecology and animal species are valuable, especially since the profession requires ongoing updating of knowledge. Precision is important for inventory and reporting, while endurance and flexibility make it easier to work long days outdoors in changing weather. Building networks with landowners and other stakeholders can open doors to new opportunities. Gaining practical experience early through internships or summer jobs in natural resource management provides valuable insights and references. Finally, being communicative is an advantage, as much of the work involves collaboration with other professionals.

Key facts about Wildlife Caretakers

  • Average salary: 43 100 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 27,000–48,300 SEK/month
  • Educational level: High school or post-secondary education in natural resource management, biology, or forestry
  • Work environment: Field-based, often outdoors and physically active
  • Available jobs: 360 positions in the field of specialists and advisors in forestry

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a wildlife caretaker can advance to more specialized roles such as wildlife manager, project leader in conservation, or advisor to authorities and landowners. With additional education, opportunities also exist in research or teaching within ecology and natural resource management. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, it is difficult to make an exact assessment of future prospects for wildlife caretakers, but within the group of specialists and advisors in forestry, there is steady demand, with 360 reported available jobs. However, the profession is influenced by political decisions, environmental legislation, and developments within the Swedish forestry and agriculture sectors.

Frequently asked questions about Wildlife Caretakers

  • What is the average salary of a wildlife caretaker?
    - The average salary is 43 100 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a wildlife caretaker?
    - Usually at least a high school diploma in natural resource management or post-secondary studies in biology or forestry.
  • Are there salary differences between women and men?
    - Yes, women earn on average 97% of what men do in the profession.
  • What does the job market look like for wildlife caretakers?
    - There are about 360 available jobs, but competition can be fierce depending on the region.
  • What are the duties of a wildlife caretaker?
    - Tasks include wildlife inventory, habitat management, feeding, and collaboration with landowners and authorities.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for a wildlife caretaker?
    - The highest salary is 48,300 SEK and the lowest is 27,000 SEK per month.
  • What personal qualities suit the profession?
    - Curiosity, endurance, precision, and good communication skills are vital for success as a wildlife caretaker.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Game warden 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 Game warden 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
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 Game warden has the SSYK code 2135, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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