Image that illustrates Assistant Professor, college / university

Assistant Professor, college / university

41 600 kr

Other university and college teachers

34 500 - 48 800 kr / month

Women earn 98% of what men do.

Pedagogiskt arbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Assistant Professor, college / university

Average salary 41 600 kr
Males 41 900 kr
Females 41 300 kr

What does an adjunct do at a university or college? – Tasks and Work Environment

An adjunct at a university or college primarily handles teaching and supervision of students at undergraduate and advanced levels within their subject area. Tasks also include course development, examination, and sometimes administrative work related to education. Many also participate in development projects and collaborate with industry or other educational institutions. The environment is academic and often characterized by interdisciplinary teamwork, offering significant freedom to influence the structure and content of the work. The position usually involves a combination of scheduled work and independent preparation, requiring pedagogical skill and organizational ability.

Salary development over time

The salary for adjuncts at universities and colleges has increased steadily in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 39,500 SEK per month, rising to 40 200 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 41 600 SEK, representing an increase of over 5 percent over three years. This positive trend is linked to a greater focus on educational quality and competition for qualified staff within academia. Demand for adjuncts has also been strengthened by retirements and a growing number of students, affecting salary levels. Gender differences are relatively small, but a slight salary gap favoring men still exists. Overall, the profession has experienced stable and somewhat above-average salary growth compared to other academic positions.

Adjunct, university/college salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 41 600 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 34,500 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 48,800 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 250 SEK
  • Gender gap: Women earn 98% of what men do (women: 41 300 SEK, men: 41 900 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Salary levels may vary, with higher salaries in metropolitan areas and larger institutions.

Education and qualifications

To work as an adjunct at a university or college, a relevant academic degree is generally required, often at least a master's level, along with documented pedagogical skills. Teaching experience and subject specialization are usually prerequisites, and some institutions also require practical professional experience in the field. Completing additional university pedagogical courses can strengthen competitiveness.

  • Academic degree: At least a master's degree (1 year after a bachelor's) in a relevant subject
  • Pedagogical training: Often a requirement to complete a course of 7.5–15 credits
  • Practical teaching experience: Meritorious, sometimes required
  • Professional experience: Valuable in certain fields
  • Skills: Good communication skills, ability to work independently

Working as an adjunct often involves a varied daily routine where teaching and meetings with students are combined with course development and subject deepening. Many appreciate the opportunity to influence both the content of education and pedagogical methods, making the profession attractive for those who want to contribute to the development of academia.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Adjuncts at universities and colleges are often covered by collective agreements that provide benefits such as occupational pension, holiday pay, and wellness contributions. Opportunities for professional development, research funds, and sometimes additional leave for further education are also common. Special allowances may be paid for inconvenient working hours or extra teaching efforts.

Competition and challenges

The competition for adjunct positions varies depending on the subject area and institution. In some popular fields, competition for permanent positions is fierce, while in others there is a shortage of qualified applicants. A common obstacle is the requirement for both academic degrees and pedagogical experience, which can limit the pool of eligible candidates. Although the job market is relatively stable, recruitment is influenced by economic conditions at universities and changes in student enrollment. Challenges also include balancing research and teaching, especially for those aiming for an academic career.

Tips for those who want to become an adjunct at a university or college

To succeed as an adjunct, it is beneficial to have strong pedagogical skills and a genuine interest in developing student knowledge. Being organized is important, as the work often involves planning both teaching and administrative tasks. Curiosity and willingness to learn new things facilitate updating course content and methods. Communication skills are crucial, not only in interactions with students but also in collaboration with colleagues and other stakeholders. Engagement, patience, and flexibility make it easier to manage workload and adapt to rapid changes in academic environments.

Key facts about Adjunct, university/college

  • Education level: At least a master's degree in a relevant subject
  • Work environment: Academic, independent, and collaborative
  • Typical employment: Full-time, permanent position
  • Demand: 434 available jobs in Sweden (2024)
  • Special skills: Pedagogical ability and subject expertise

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an adjunct, there are often opportunities to advance to a senior lecturer or take on more qualified teaching assignments, such as course responsibility or program development. For those pursuing a research-oriented career, further education to a doctoral degree opens doors to research positions and academic merits. The Swedish Public Employment Service assesses that demand for university teachers remains stable, with good opportunities for employment in various fields, especially where retirements are expected. Regionally, competition may vary, but overall, the profession is seen as long-term secure with multiple career options both within and outside academia.

Common questions about Adjunct, university/college

  • What does an adjunct earn at a university or college?
    - An adjunct has an average salary of 41 600 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience and workplace.
  • What education is required to become an adjunct?
    - At least a master's degree in a relevant subject area and often pedagogical training are required.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn approximately 98% of men's salaries in the profession.
  • What is the job market like for adjuncts?
    - There were 434 available jobs in 2024, indicating strong demand.
  • What are the duties of an adjunct?
    - Teaching, supervising students, course development, and administrative tasks.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for an adjunct?
    - The highest salary is 48,800 SEK and the lowest is 34,500 SEK, depending on education, experience, and employment type.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Assistant Professor, college / university is 48800 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 44800 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Assistant Professor, college / university is 34500 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 38400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 28800 kr 28900 kr
25-34 97% 36200 kr 36300 kr
35-44 98% 41500 kr 41700 kr
45-54 95% 45200 kr 45200 kr
55-64 97% 46700 kr 46700 kr
65-68 94% 45700 kr 45800 kr
Snitt 98% 41500 kr 41600 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
Register an account before you can comment

To write a comment you need to create an account.


Default Avatar

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 Assistant Professor, college / university has the SSYK code 2319, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

Search salary statistics for occupation
8000 kr
<-|->
90000 kr
Vacant jobs
Similar occupations
Latest posts
  • Public Opinion - Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest
    Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35
  • National Debt - The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden
    Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00
Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

With our Swedish tax calculator, you can easily calculate your after-tax income (net salary).

Swedish Church Member

* Updated with 2025 taxes