Image that illustrates Botanist

Botanist

39 200 kr

Plant and animal biologists

38 100 - 43 800 kr / month

Women earn 96% of what men do.

Naturvetenskapligt arbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Botanist

Average salary 39 200 kr
Males 39 900 kr
Females 38 400 kr

What does a botanist do? – Tasks and work environment

A botanist studies plant structure, function, development, and ecology. Tasks may include inventorying plant species, researching plant biology, working with plant protection, or advising on conservation and environmental projects. Many botanists work at universities, research institutes, botanical gardens, or within environmental and consulting industries. The work environment varies between laboratories, field studies in nature, and office work, often combining several of these depending on the project.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, botanist salaries have shown a steady positive trend. In 2022, the average salary for botanists was 37500 SEK per month. The following year, it increased to 37 800 SEK, corresponding to an increase of about 0.8%. Between 2023 and 2024, the salary growth accelerated, and the average salary rose to 39 200 SEK, an increase of just over 3.7%. This development can be explained by increased demand for specialized biological expertise in environmental work, research, and conservation. The overall trend indicates that botanists continue to have stable salary growth, where higher education and experience often impact salary levels.

Botanist salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 39 200 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 38,100 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 43,800 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 236 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 38 400 SEK (96% of men's salary), men earn 39 900 SEK
  • Regional differences: Limited data, but some variation may occur depending on workplace and demand

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a botanist usually involves a university degree in biology, preferably with a focus on botany or ecology. Advanced studies at the master's or doctoral level are often required for research and university positions. Practical experience through fieldwork or internships is often an important merit.

  • Formal degree: Bachelor's (3 years) and/or master's degree (2 years) in biology
  • Research education: Doctoral degree may be required for research positions
  • Internships/trainee: Field studies and internships provide valuable experience
  • Courses: Specialized courses in floristics, ecology, or environmental conservation
  • Prerequisites: Science-oriented high school education is recommended

Many botanists combine their work with teaching, guiding, or public education at nature schools and botanical gardens. This provides an opportunity to spread knowledge about biodiversity and sustainable development to both young and old.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Botanists often have access to benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional development. In university employment, additional vacation benefits beyond statutory levels are common, and employment in the public sector can provide extra security through collective agreements and occupational pensions. Fieldwork may sometimes include per diems and travel reimbursements.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as a botanist varies depending on market needs and specialization. Since the profession often requires advanced education and sometimes research degrees, establishing oneself without relevant experience or networks can be challenging. The number of available jobs may be limited, and many positions are within academia or project-based employment, which can create uncertainty. The ability to combine scientific expertise with communication and project management is increasingly important as the role broadens.

Tips for aspiring botanists

To succeed as a botanist, it is good to combine curiosity and analytical skills with solid education in biology. Being meticulous and patient is crucial, especially for field studies and long-term research projects. It is recommended to seek internships or summer jobs in conservation early to build experience and networks. An interest in technology and digital tools can be an asset, as modern botanical research often uses GIS and databases. Being communicative and pedagogical facilitates roles involving teaching or advising. Engaging in volunteer nature organizations or participating in excursions can also provide valuable contacts and deepen understanding of the profession's breadth.

Key facts about Botanists

  • Education level: University education, often master's or doctoral level
  • Work environment: Varies between laboratory, field, and office
  • Occupational group: Plant and animal biologists
  • Number of job openings: 143 within the profession
  • Gender distribution: Minor differences, but men generally earn slightly higher salaries

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a botanist can advance to more specialized roles, such as research leader, project manager in environmental assessments, or expert in conservation planning. Further education and experience also open opportunities for university teaching or working as a consultant in environmental and urban planning. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, there is no detailed forecast for future prospects for botanists, as the profession is part of a broader occupational group with varying demand and supply. The current number of job openings in the plant and animal biologist group is 143, providing some indication of the job market size. Overall, the profession is considered to have stable opportunities, especially for those with research qualifications and broad skills.

Frequently asked questions about Botanists

  • What is the average salary of a botanist?
    - A botanist has an average monthly salary of 39 200 SEK.
  • What is required to become a botanist?
    - A university degree in biology, preferably with a master's or doctoral degree, is most common.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, men earn an average of 39 900 SEK and women 38 400 SEK, which means women earn approximately 96% of men's salaries.
  • What does the job market look like for botanists?
    - Currently, there are 143 job openings within the plant and animal biologist profession.
  • What work environments do botanists work in?
    - The work environment varies and can include laboratories, fieldwork in nature, and office settings.
  • Which education offers the best chances for high salary as a botanist?
    - Research degrees and experience from private employers can lead to the highest salaries, up to 43 800 SEK.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Botanist is 43800 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 42800 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Botanist is 38100 kr. Both men and women in this profession have the same lowest salary and work in the Privately employed workers.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 35100 kr 35400 kr
35-44 38600 kr 38900 kr
45-54 42100 kr 42300 kr
55-64 43700 kr 44000 kr
Snitt 96% 38900 kr 39200 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 Botanist has the SSYK code 2132, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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