How much does a Atomic physicist make

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  2. Atomic physicist
Image that illustrates Atomic physicist

Atomic physicist

51 500 kr

Physicists and astronomers

41 600 - 58 500 kr / month

Women earn 97% of what men do.

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Salary progression Atomic physicist

Average salary 51 500 kr
Males 51 800 kr
Females 50 500 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 16 Vacant jobs ->

What does an atomic physicist do? – Tasks and work environment

An atomic physicist works with investigating and analyzing the structure of matter at an atomic level. Tasks often include experimental and theoretical research on the structure, interactions, and properties of atoms and molecules. Many atomic physicists participate in advanced laboratory experiments, develop new measurement methods, and contribute to innovation in areas such as materials science, medicine, or energy technology. The work environment is typically laboratory or university-based, often in collaboration with international research teams and with access to advanced technology and instrumentation.

Salary development over time

The salary for atomic physicists has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 48,500 SEK, rising the following year to 49700 SEK, which is approximately a 2.5 % increase. In 2024, the trend continued upward to 51 500 SEK, representing an additional increase of just over 3.6 % from the previous year. This positive trend is partly due to the high level of education and specialized skills in demand within the field, as well as competition for qualified research and technical personnel. Despite the relatively small size of the profession, a stable salary level and a slowly increasing trend are observed, indicating that atomic physicists continue to be highly valued in the labor market.

Atomic physicist salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 51 500 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 41,600–58,500 SEK/month
  • Educational level: PhD in physics recommended
  • Work environment: Laboratory and research environment, often international
  • Available jobs in the profession: 143

Education and qualifications

To work as an atomic physicist, a solid academic education in physics is usually required, often with a research focus. The pathway involves university studies with advanced level courses and doctoral studies in atomic or nuclear physics. Practical laboratory experience and specialization in quantum mechanics or related fields are often necessary.

  • Formal degree: Master’s or engineering degree in physics (5 years), followed by doctoral studies (4–5 years)
  • Prerequisites: High school diploma with a science-oriented focus, especially good grades in mathematics and physics
  • Internship/trainee: Research internships or laboratory work during studies are highly recommended
  • Courses/certifications: Advanced courses in quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, and mathematics
  • Tips for choosing: Early specialization and participation in research projects increase chances of doctoral positions

Many atomic physicists have the opportunity to work in international research teams and participate in projects at large research facilities such as CERN or MAX IV. Such collaborations provide access not only to advanced equipment but also valuable networks and experiences from research environments around the world.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to base salary, atomic physicists often receive collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexitime, and opportunities for professional development. In some cases, extra vacation days, research grants, and access to international conferences are included as part of the employment.

Competition and challenges

The profession of atomic physicist is characterized by fierce competition for research positions and project funding, especially within academia. The number of positions is limited, and recruitment processes can be extensive. Continuous skills development is necessary to stay updated in a rapidly evolving research field. Uncertain funding and reliance on external research grants can impact working conditions and job security. Despite this, demand for highly specialized physicists remains stable, particularly within technologically advanced industries and international research projects.

Tips for those who want to become an atomic physicist

To succeed as an atomic physicist, it’s beneficial to combine curiosity and analytical skills with a structured approach. Early focus on mathematics and physics during high school lays a strong foundation for university studies, and engagement in research projects during education enhances practical experience and problem-solving skills. Persistence is crucial since the path to a doctoral position is long and demanding, but goal-oriented individuals with good teamwork skills have great opportunities to develop. It’s also important to be communicative, as much of the work is done in international teams and results need to be clearly presented. Networking and seeking exchanges or internships at research institutions can open doors to exciting career paths.

Key facts about atomic physicists

  • Average salary: 51 500 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 41,600–58,500 SEK/month
  • Educational level: PhD in physics recommended
  • Work environment: Laboratory and research environment, often international
  • Available jobs in the profession: 143

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years in the profession, atomic physicists can advance to leading roles within research projects, become research leaders, or move into industry as specialists in areas such as materials development or energy technology. Many choose to continue in academia, aiming for associate professorships or professorships, while others transition to work in technology development, medical technology, or advanced computational physics. According to the Swedish Employment Service's forecasts, no specific outlook for atomic physicists is made due to limited data, but the 'Physicists and Astronomers' profession reported 143 available jobs in the latest survey. This suggests continued demand, especially in research and high-tech industries.

Common questions about atomic physicists

  • What is the average salary of an atomic physicist?
    - An atomic physicist has an average salary of 51 500 SEK per month.
  • What is required to become an atomic physicist?
    - A master’s or engineering degree in physics, often followed by doctoral studies (PhD).
  • Are there gender differences in the salary for atomic physicists?
    - Yes, women earn on average 50 500 SEK while men earn 51 800 SEK, which corresponds to 97 % of men's salary.
  • What is the highest salary for an atomic physicist?
    - The highest salary is 58,500 SEK per month for a male in the municipal sector with doctoral studies.
  • What does the job market look like for atomic physicists?
    - There are 143 available jobs within the 'Physicists and Astronomers' profession, but no specific forecast for atomic physicists.
  • What work environments are common for atomic physicists?
    - Common work environments include laboratories, universities, and international research facilities.
  • What is the lowest salary for an atomic physicist?
    - The lowest salary is 41,600 SEK per month for a woman employed in the private sector with post-secondary education shorter than 3 years.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-07 13:10:09

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Atomic physicist is 58500 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Municipal sector with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 56500 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Atomic physicist is 41600 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 44900 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 102% 41800 kr 42100 kr
35-44 100% 49700 kr 50000 kr
45-54 102% 55800 kr 56100 kr
55-64 61000 kr 61200 kr
Snitt 97% 51200 kr 51500 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
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 Atomic physicist has the SSYK code 2111, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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