Salary progression Anthropologist

Average salary 46 700 kr
Males 47 500 kr
Females 45 900 kr

What does an Anthropologist do? – Tasks and Work Environment

Anthropologists study human culture, societies, and behaviors across time and space. Their tasks often include field studies, interviews, analysis of social structures, and writing reports or scientific articles. The profession involves interpreting and understanding cultural patterns, social changes, and human relationships, sometimes with a focus on migration, minority issues, or globalization. The work environment varies greatly – from universities and research institutes to museums and international organizations, involving both office work and travel for field studies.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, an Anthropologist's salary has increased from 43,000 SEK in 2022 to 46 000 SEK in 2023 and to 46 700 SEK in 2024. This represents a salary increase of just over 7% during the period, which is slightly above the average for humanities academic professions. This development can be linked to increased demand for expertise in cultural change and social analysis, as well as a greater need for anthropological skills within authorities, organizations, and the business sector. The salary increase also reflects the high level of education and the value placed on specialized knowledge in the field, although competition for positions remains relatively high.

Anthropologist salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 46 700 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 41,100 SEK/month (men), 42,000 SEK/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 52,100 SEK/month (men), 50,700 SEK/month (women)
  • Hourly wage (average): 277 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 96% of what men do (men: 47 500 SEK, women: 45 900 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as an anthropologist, a higher education degree in anthropology or a related humanities or social sciences field is usually required. Most hold a master's degree, and many continue with doctoral studies. Internships, fieldwork, and international experience are common, as the profession often demands the ability to work independently and think analytically.

  • Formal degree: Bachelor's (3 years) + master's (2 years) in anthropology or related field
  • Field studies: Internships or extended fieldwork are often part of the education
  • Prerequisites: Basic eligibility and specific courses in social sciences/humanities
  • Further studies: Doctoral studies are common for research-oriented positions
  • Courses: Language skills and methodology courses are advantageous

Anthropologists often work interdisciplinary and collaborate with sociologists, economists, and archaeologists. This enables them to contribute unique perspectives to projects ranging from development cooperation to technology development and design.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensation

In addition to base salary, benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, and opportunities for professional development are often offered. Research anthropologists may also have access to international conferences, field trips, and sometimes special support for research projects. Flexible working hours and remote work options are common, especially within academia.

Competition and challenges

The market for anthropologists is characterized by high competition for permanent positions, especially in research and academia where the number of qualified exceeds the number of advertised positions. There is some demand within authorities and organizations, but often specialized skills or experience from interdisciplinary projects are required. The challenge lies in clarifying the profession's unique contributions, especially in competition with related educational backgrounds. The ability to adapt knowledge to new areas such as design, technology, or business development is becoming increasingly important.

Tips for aspiring Anthropologists

To succeed as an Anthropologist, having a genuine interest in people and societies, as well as curiosity and analytical skills, is beneficial. Engaging early in field studies or internships provides valuable experience and enhances your profile with employers. Good collaboration skills are important since the profession often involves interdisciplinary projects and international contacts. Being persistent and flexible is crucial, especially when applying for jobs in a competitive field. Language skills and the ability to adapt to different cultures are also important qualities. Continually developing methodological skills and exploring new application areas broadens job opportunities. Finally, nurturing your professional network is valuable, as many jobs are filled through contacts.

Key facts about Anthropologists

  • Education level: Master's degree is most common
  • Work environment: Research, offices, international settings, and fieldwork
  • Typical employment: Project employment, research positions, consulting assignments
  • Demand: Approximately 758 available jobs in the profession according to the latest data
  • Gender distribution: Small salary differences, women earn 96% of what men do

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, many anthropologists continue within research, teaching, or project management, often specializing in areas such as migration, development issues, or cultural heritage. Others move on to international organizations, authorities, or the private sector, where they are employed as analysts, investigators, or consultants. The Employment Service estimates that competition for permanent positions remains high, but opportunities exist in new application areas such as technology, design, and sustainable development. The forecast is that demand for specialists will increase as interdisciplinary competence becomes more important. (Source: Arbetsförmedlingen, occupational forecasts 2024)

Frequently asked questions about Anthropologists

  • What does an Anthropologist earn?
    - An Anthropologist has an average salary of 46 700 SEK per month.
  • How do salary differences between genders look?
    - Men earn on average 47 500 SEK and women 45 900 SEK, which means women earn 96% of what men do.
  • What education is required to become an Anthropologist?
    - Typically, a master's degree in anthropology or a related field is required.
  • Are there many job openings for Anthropologists?
    - There are approximately 758 available jobs in the profession according to the latest data.
  • What is the work environment like for an Anthropologist?
    - The work environment varies and may include offices, fieldwork, and international settings.
  • What are the biggest challenges for Anthropologists?
    - High competition for permanent positions and the need to adapt skills to new areas.
  • What career paths are available after a few years in the profession?
    - Common paths include research, teaching, project management, and consulting in various sectors.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Anthropologist is 52700 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a data missing. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 50200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Anthropologist is 41500 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 42600 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 39100 kr 39200 kr
35-44 103% 46700 kr 46800 kr
45-54 98% 48200 kr 48200 kr
55-64 91% 48700 kr 48700 kr
Snitt 96% 46600 kr 46700 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 Anthropologist has the SSYK code 2623, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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