Image that illustrates Timber meter

Timber meter

31 800 kr

Forestry workers

31 500 - 38 100 kr / month

Women earn 105% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Timber meter

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

What does a timber measurer do? – Tasks and work environment

A timber measurer primarily works with measuring and assessing timber during felling, transportation, or delivery to sawmills and pulp mills. Tasks include verifying volume, quality, and grade of logs, pulpwood, and other forest raw materials. Measurements are often performed outdoors in forest environments or at industry intake points, using both manual and digital methods. Precision, understanding of forest raw materials, and good physical condition are important qualities, as the work often involves working in varying weather conditions and handling heavy equipment.

Salary development over time

Timber measurers have experienced steady salary growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 29,600 SEK per month, increasing to 30 200 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has risen further to 31 800 SEK. This development represents a total increase of approximately 7.4% over the period, which is somewhat higher than the average salary increase in many other professions. Growing demand for forest raw materials, generational change, and skills in digital measurement technology have contributed to raising salaries. At the same time, a shortage of experienced timber measurers and increased focus on quality assurance in the forestry industry have positively impacted wage formation.

Timber measurer 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
  • Gender differences: Women earn 33 400 SEK (105% of men's salary)
  • Regional differences: Salary variations may occur depending on the labor market and presence of the forestry industry

Digitalization has transformed the daily work of timber measurers – drones and advanced measurement tools are now used to increase efficiency and ensure quality, making technical curiosity an increasingly important trait in the profession.

– statsskuld.se

Education and qualifications

To work as a timber measurer, a high school education focused on forestry or natural resources is usually required. Many employers prefer applicants who have completed further training in timber measurement, either at vocational colleges or through industry-specific courses. Practical experience and good knowledge of forests and wood types are highly valued, as well as the ability to operate digital measurement systems.

  • Education type: Natural Resources program (3 years) with a forestry specialization
  • Further training: Vocational college education in timber measurement or forest technology (1–2 years)
  • Certifications: Industry-specific courses and certificates, e.g., via VMF
  • Internships: Practical placements with forestry companies or measurement associations are advantageous
  • Prerequisites: Good physical condition, technical interest, and driver’s license are often preferred

Common benefits and compensations

Timber measurers are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, work clothing, compensation for unsociable hours, and sometimes access to company cars. Additional benefits may include skills development, work tools, and insurance related to fieldwork.

Competition and challenges

The profession of timber measurer is characterized by a paradoxical labor market. Despite many vacancies and good employment opportunities, the industry struggles to recruit new personnel. High staff turnover and many retirements contribute to this, while digital skills and precision requirements are increasing. The work can be physically demanding and periodically stressful, especially during peak seasons. Regional differences also influence competition, with some parts of the country offering more opportunities due to a larger forestry industry presence.

Tips for aspiring timber measurers

To succeed as a timber measurer, attention to detail and accuracy are crucial, as measurements require responsibility and precision. An interest in technology is helpful, especially since digital tools and systems are increasingly used in the profession. Flexibility and enjoyment of outdoor work in varying weather conditions are advantageous, as the work environment is often field-based. Teamwork skills are also important, as the work is closely coordinated with forestry contractors and transporters. Finally, initiative and willingness to further educate oneself are valued, as industry demands evolve rapidly with new methods introduced regularly.

Key facts about timber measurers

  • Education level: High school or vocational college education in forestry
  • Work environment: Field and industrial settings, often outdoors
  • Demand: Large opportunities for employment nationwide
  • Number of vacancies: 360 within the forestry workforce
  • Special skills: Digital measurement technology and forestry knowledge

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, opportunities open for advancement as supervisors, instructors, or specialists in advanced measurement technology. Some choose to expand into roles within forest management or as inspectors at larger sawmills. According to the Swedish Employment Agency’s forecast, demand for timber measurers is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, with significant opportunities for nationwide employment. However, recruiting enough new personnel remains a challenge, as many leave the profession and generational change is apparent. Industry investments in digitalization and quality assurance are also expected to create new career paths for those wishing to specialize further.

Frequently asked questions about timber measurers

  • What does a timber measurer earn?
    - The average salary for a timber measurer is 31 800 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and region.
  • How does one become a timber measurer?
    - A high school education in natural resources or forestry, along with further training and practical experience in timber measurement, is recommended.
  • What are the job responsibilities of a timber measurer?
    - Measurement, classification, and inspection of timber, as well as reporting results to forestry companies and industry.
  • Are there job opportunities for timber measurers?
    - Yes, there are large opportunities, and currently 360 vacancies exist within the profession.
  • What qualities are important for a timber measurer?
    - Precision, technical interest, teamwork skills, and good physical condition are essential qualities.
  • What does the future look like for this profession?
    - Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, but recruitment difficulties persist.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Timber meter 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 Timber meter 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 Timber meter has the SSYK code 6210, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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