How much does a Ecologist make

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Ecologist

49 400 kr

Specialists in environmental protection and environmental technology

38 100 - 55 800 kr / month

Women earn 97% of what men do.

Naturvetenskapligt arbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Ecologist

Average salary 49 400 kr
Males 50 400 kr
Females 48 700 kr
2 Likes 0 Comments 23 Vacant jobs ->

What does an Ecologist do? – Tasks and work environment

An Ecologist works with analyzing, evaluating, and protecting ecosystems and biological diversity. Tasks often include field studies, data collection on plants, animals, and their habitats, as well as assessing environmental impacts from human activities. Ecologists may participate in projects related to nature conservation, environmental impact assessments, and advising authorities or companies. The work takes place both outdoors in varied terrain and indoors with analysis, report writing, and presentations. The work environment is characterized by flexibility but may involve travel and working in sometimes challenging weather conditions.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the Ecologist salary has shown a clear positive trend. In 2022, the average salary was 43,000 SEK per month, increasing to 47 200 in 2023 and reaching 49 400 in 2024. This represents a salary increase of nearly 15% over three years, which is higher than the average for many other science-related professions. This development can largely be explained by increased demand for environmental expertise in both the public sector and industry, where sustainability issues have gained greater importance. Despite this, gender pay gaps remain noticeable, although they have decreased somewhat over time. The market's need for qualified ecologists and the ever-growing environmental agenda have contributed to pushing up salaries for the profession.

Ecologist salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 49 400 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 38,100 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 55,800 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 297 SEK
  • Women: 48 700 SEK/month
  • Men: 50 400 SEK/month
  • Gender pay gap: Women earn 97% of what men do

Education and qualifications

To work as an Ecologist, a university degree in natural sciences with specialization in ecology, environmental science, or biology is usually required. Programs often include both theoretical and practical components, with fieldwork and laboratory work as central parts. Depending on the area of work, advanced knowledge in statistics, GIS, or environmental law can be advantageous.

  • Bachelor's degree in biology/environmental science: 3 years
  • Master's degree (optional, often advantageous): 2 years
  • Internships or fieldwork: Common part of the education
  • Courses in GIS, statistics, and environmental law: Provide competitive advantages
  • Prerequisites: Basic eligibility and science subjects from high school

Ecologists often work in interdisciplinary teams where collaboration with other experts, such as engineers or urban planners, is crucial for the success of larger societal projects.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensation

Ecologists are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, and flexible working hours. In some cases, options for remote work, further training, and extra vacation days may also be available, especially in the public sector and larger consulting firms.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as an Ecologist can be intense, especially in popular regions or with employers that have high attractiveness. At the same time, there is a steady demand for ecological expertise within authorities, consulting industries, and research sectors. Challenges often include keeping up to date with new legislation, technical tools, and changing environmental goals. Balancing fieldwork and administration can be demanding, as well as translating scientific findings into practical advice for organizations and decision-makers. Political shifts and project funding also influence the job market for ecologists.

Tips for aspiring Ecologists

To succeed as an Ecologist, it is beneficial to combine curiosity and analytical skills with a structured work approach. Engaging early in field studies and environmental projects provides valuable experience and networks, which are useful for future job searches. Precision is critical when collecting and analyzing data, while initiative is needed to take responsibility for sub-projects or collaborations. Communication skills are important, as ecologists often present their results to both specialists and the public. Being flexible and adaptable to new work environments or research questions is also a significant asset in the profession.

Key facts about Ecologists

  • Salary range: 38,100–55,800 SEK/month
  • Educational level: Bachelor's or master's in biology/environmental science
  • Work environment: Alternates between fieldwork and office
  • Demand: Moderate, 143 job openings in Sweden
  • Gender distribution: Women earn 97% of men's salaries

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an Ecologist, career development can lead to specialist roles within nature conservation, environmental assessment, or project management. Many choose to deepen their expertise in areas such as water environments, climate impact, or environmental monitoring. Others move into consulting or research-related positions. According to the Employment Service's forecast, job opportunities are medium-sized and expected to remain stable over the next five years, with a continued balanced recruitment situation. There are approximately 143 job openings in the profession, reflecting a stable but competitive market. Specialization and further education can provide additional career opportunities and higher salaries.

Frequently asked questions about Ecologists

  • What is the average salary for an Ecologist?
    - An Ecologist has an average salary of 49 400 SEK per month.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for an Ecologist?
    - The highest salary is 55,800 SEK and the lowest is 38,100 SEK per month.
  • What is the gender pay gap within the Ecologist profession?
    - Women earn 97% of what men do in the profession.
  • What education is required to become an Ecologist?
    - A bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or environmental science is required, sometimes supplemented with a master's degree.
  • What is the job market outlook for Ecologists?
    - The job market is considered balanced, with medium opportunities according to the Employment Service.
  • What are the typical tasks of an Ecologist?
    - Tasks include field studies, environmental analyses, reporting, and advising on environmental protection.
  • Are there regional salary differences for Ecologists?
    - Salary levels can vary depending on employer and region, but general differences are not always clearly reported.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-11-13 04:22:32

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Ecologist is 55800 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 50300 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Ecologist is 38100 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Government sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 40600 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 95% 42400 kr 42800 kr
35-44 103% 48500 kr 48900 kr
45-54 105% 52100 kr 52600 kr
55-64 82% 53900 kr 54300 kr
Snitt 97% 48900 kr 49400 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 Ecologist has the SSYK code 2183, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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