- Salary statistics
- Analytical chemist salary
Analytical chemist salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
39 100 - 62 900 SEK / month
Women earn 95% of what men do.
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Salary progression Analytical chemist
What does an analytical chemist do? – Tasks and work environment
An analytical chemist works with examining, identifying, and quantifying chemical substances in various materials. Tasks often include sampling, preparation, and analysis of samples in a laboratory setting, where advanced equipment such as chromatography, spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry are used. Analytical chemists are active in industries such as pharmaceuticals, environmental technology, food control, and research. The work environment emphasizes precision and high standards for documentation, quality assurance, and safety, especially when handling chemicals and laboratory equipment.
Salary development over time
The salary development for analytical chemists has been steadily positive over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 48,000 SEK, which increased to 53 200 SEK in 2023 and further to 55 000 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of nearly 11% during the period. Drivers behind this growth include increased demand for qualified laboratory skills, especially in pharmaceuticals and environmental sectors, as well as rising educational and specialization requirements. The salary increase also reflects higher competition for skilled chemists, favoring those with doctoral or specialized training.
Analytical chemist salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 55 000 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 39,600 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, high school education)
- Highest salary: 60,400 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, doctoral degree)
- Highest salary for women: 58,900 SEK/month
- Lowest salary for women: 40,300 SEK/month
- Hourly wage: 320 SEK (based on 166 hours/month)
- Gender differences: Women earn 95% of what men do (men: 56 300 SEK, women: 53 600 SEK)
- Regional differences: Some variation may occur between metropolitan areas and other parts of the country, but detailed statistics are lacking.
Education and qualifications
To work as an analytical chemist, a university degree in chemistry or related natural sciences is usually required. Many employers also value practical laboratory experience and familiarity with advanced analytical equipment. Specialization through master's or doctoral studies can be advantageous, especially for research and development roles.
- Formal degree: Bachelor's (3 years) or master's (5 years) in chemistry or similar
- Doctoral studies: PhD can be advantageous for advanced roles
- Internships: Laboratory internships and summer jobs provide valuable experience
- Courses: Advanced courses in analytical chemistry, instrumental analysis, and statistics
- Prerequisites: Good understanding of mathematics, physics, and data processing
- Tips for choosing: Select programs with strong laboratory components and internship opportunities
Analytical chemists often have the opportunity to work on interdisciplinary projects, collaborating with biologists, engineers, and data scientists. This opens exciting career paths and the chance to contribute to solutions for complex societal challenges, such as developing new medicines or conducting environmental analyses.
Common benefits and compensations
Analytical chemists are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, extra vacation, and opportunities for skills development. Other common compensations include occupational pensions, subsidized lunches, and sometimes bonuses or profit-sharing systems, especially in the private sector. Access to modern laboratory equipment and participation in international conferences may also be included in employment terms.
Competition and challenges
The profession of analytical chemist involves some competition, particularly for positions in research-intensive companies and government agencies. Challenges include high demands for accuracy, ongoing education aligned with technological advancements, and the ability to handle complex analysis methods. As demand for specialized chemical expertise increases, higher standards for documentation, quality assurance, and teamwork are required. Limited availability of certain specialist roles can make competition for attractive positions intense, but the number of job openings in the field is currently relatively high.
Tips for aspiring analytical chemists
To succeed as an analytical chemist, it is beneficial to combine analytical skills with accuracy and a curious attitude towards problem-solving. Developing a good understanding of advanced laboratory equipment and methods increases employability, as does staying updated on new techniques through continuing education. Collaboration skills are important, as many projects are interdisciplinary, and good communication facilitates reporting and presenting results. Flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to new tasks are also advantageous, especially in industries where work content changes rapidly. Finally, working systematically and following safety procedures are crucial for success in laboratory environments. An interest in details and a desire for continuous development characterize successful analytical chemists.
Key facts about analytical chemists
- Education level: Bachelor's degree or higher in chemistry
- Work environment: Laboratory work with advanced equipment
- Typical employment: Full-time, often daytime but sometimes shifts
- Demand: 143 job openings within the profession (May 2024)
- Special skills: Instrumental analysis and quality control
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, analytical chemists can advance to roles such as laboratory manager, project leader, or specialist in areas like quality control, regulatory affairs, or method development. Some choose to pursue further doctoral studies or work on international projects. The forecast for future prospects is difficult to assess due to limited data, but the general demand for chemists remains stable according to the latest data from the Swedish Employment Service. Currently, there are 143 job openings in the industry, indicating good opportunities for those with the right skills and education. Specialization and ongoing training increase chances for advancement and higher salaries.
Frequently asked questions about analytical chemists
- What does an analytical chemist earn?
- An analytical chemist has an average salary of 55 000 SEK per month. The salary varies depending on education level, experience, and sector. - How do you become an analytical chemist?
- A bachelor's or master's degree in chemistry is required, often supplemented with laboratory practice and sometimes doctoral studies for more advanced positions. - What are the job responsibilities of an analytical chemist?
- Duties include sampling, analysis, reporting, and quality control of chemical substances, often using advanced laboratory equipment. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn on average 95% of men's salaries within the profession. Men have an average salary of 56 300 SEK and women 53 600 SEK. - What are the future prospects for analytical chemists?
- Demand for analytical chemists is considered stable, but an exact forecast is lacking due to limited data. There are currently 143 job openings for chemists in Sweden. - What benefits are common for analytical chemists?
- Common benefits include wellness allowances, flexible hours, extra vacation, skills development, and occupational pension. - Which education provides the best opportunities for higher salary?
- A doctoral degree in chemistry can lead to the highest salaries and more advanced job roles.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 44100 kr | 44300 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 52900 kr | 53200 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 58900 kr | 59100 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 62600 kr | 63000 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 54700 kr | 55000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 35200 kr | 35200 kr | |
| 25-34 | 98% | 40700 kr | 40900 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 45800 kr | 45900 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 49900 kr | 50000 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 53200 kr | 53200 kr |
| 65-68 | 84% | 56500 kr | 56500 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 47600 kr | 47700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 40500 kr | 40700 kr |
| 35-44 | 103% | 44600 kr | 44800 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 49200 kr | 49200 kr |
| 55-64 | 87% | 52800 kr | 52800 kr |
| 65-68 | 56500 kr | 56500 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 46200 kr | 46300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 95% | 41200 kr | 41300 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 47800 kr | 47900 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 50900 kr | 51100 kr |
| 55-64 | 107% | 53800 kr | 53800 kr |
| 65-68 | 87% | 56500 kr | 56500 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 49500 kr | 49600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 45000 kr | 45200 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 54900 kr | 55300 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 61800 kr | 62100 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 65400 kr | 65700 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 56800 kr | 57100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 45000 kr | 45200 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 54900 kr | 55300 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 61800 kr | 62100 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 65400 kr | 65700 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 56800 kr | 57100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 44400 kr | 44600 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 53000 kr | 53300 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 60500 kr | 60700 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 63500 kr | 63800 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 56000 kr | 56300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 41200 kr | 41300 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 45200 kr | 45400 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 50300 kr | 50400 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 54300 kr | 54300 kr |
| 65-68 | 84% | 61000 kr | 61000 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 47900 kr | 48000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 40800 kr | 40900 kr |
| 35-44 | 103% | 44100 kr | 44300 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 49800 kr | 49900 kr |
| 55-64 | 87% | 56700 kr | 56700 kr |
| 65-68 | 63200 kr | 63200 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 46600 kr | 46700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 95% | 42600 kr | 42800 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 48700 kr | 48800 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 51200 kr | 51200 kr |
| 55-64 | 107% | 52200 kr | 52200 kr |
| 65-68 | 87% | 60300 kr | 60300 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 50500 kr | 50500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 45400 kr | 45500 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 55300 kr | 55600 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 63000 kr | 63300 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 65500 kr | 65900 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 58200 kr | 58500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 45400 kr | 45500 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 55300 kr | 55600 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 63000 kr | 63300 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 65500 kr | 65900 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 58200 kr | 58500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 43800 kr | 44000 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 52700 kr | 53100 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 57400 kr | 57500 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 61500 kr | 61800 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 53400 kr | 53600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 40300 kr | 40500 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 46300 kr | 46400 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 49700 kr | 49800 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 52000 kr | 52200 kr |
| 65-68 | 84% | 51200 kr | 51200 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 47300 kr | 47400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 40300 kr | 40400 kr |
| 35-44 | 103% | 45400 kr | 45500 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 48600 kr | 48600 kr |
| 55-64 | 87% | 49200 kr | 49400 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 45800 kr | 45900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 95% | 40500 kr | 40600 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 47300 kr | 47400 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 50800 kr | 51000 kr |
| 55-64 | 107% | 55500 kr | 55600 kr |
| 65-68 | 87% | 52300 kr | 52300 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 49000 kr | 49100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 44700 kr | 44900 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 54500 kr | 55000 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 60600 kr | 60800 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 65100 kr | 65400 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 55400 kr | 55700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 44700 kr | 44900 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 54500 kr | 55000 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 60600 kr | 60800 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 65100 kr | 65400 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 55400 kr | 55700 kr |
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 Analytical chemist has the SSYK code 2113, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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Researcher in Mass Spectrometry and Data Science – Kemikum, Stockholm University
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Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 00:17 -
Analytical Chemist with Focus on Chromatography and Method Development
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Tue, 23 Jun 2026 - 21:56
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