How much does a Ethnologist make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Ethnologist
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Ethnologist

46 000 kr

Archaeologists and specialists in humanities etc.

41 100 - 52 100 kr / month

Women earn 97% of what men do.

Administration, ekonomi

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Ethnologist

Average salary 46 000 kr
Males 46 600 kr
Females 45 300 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 6 Vacant jobs ->

What does an Ethnologist do? – Tasks and Work Environment

An Ethnologist studies and analyzes people's culture, traditions, and social patterns in both historical and contemporary contexts. Common tasks include fieldwork, interviews, archive studies, and documenting cultural expressions. Research and analysis of social phenomena, such as migration, identity, and everyday life, are central. Ethnologists work at universities, museums, research institutes, government agencies, cultural heritage organizations, and sometimes within consulting firms. The work environment is often diverse and can include both office work and travel for field studies, depending on the project focus.

Salary development over time

Salaries for Ethnologists have shown a clear upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,000 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 43 300 SEK in 2023. The latest year, 2024, the average salary is 46 000 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 6.2% from 2022 to 2024. This positive development can be partly explained by increased demand for cultural expertise in the public sector and project-based employment. At the same time, specialized knowledge and high education levels have contributed to strengthening the profession's salary position. The salary increase also reflects a general trend within academic professions, especially in the humanities where more project funding and research grants have become available.

Ethnologist salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 46 000 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: 277 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 97% of what men do (men 46 600 SEK, women 45 300 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Salary levels may vary between urban and rural areas, but detailed statistics are lacking

Education and qualifications

To work as an Ethnologist, a university degree in ethnology or related subjects is usually required, often at the bachelor's or master's level. Many choose to deepen their studies through doctoral programs or specialized courses. Practical experience from fieldwork or cultural projects is often advantageous, as well as the ability to work with qualitative methods and analysis.

  • Bachelor's degree: 3 years in ethnology or cultural studies
  • Master's degree: 2 years (optional but common for specialization)
  • Internships: Field studies or project work during studies are recommended
  • Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies
  • Courses: Specialization in digital humanities, museology, or migration can increase employability

Ethnologists can work interdisciplinary and collaborate with sociologists, archaeologists, and historians. This opens up exciting projects ranging from urban planning to digital cultural heritage management.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Ethnologists within the public sector and universities are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, generous vacation policies, wellness allowances, and opportunities for professional development. In project-based employment, flexible working hours and remote work options are also common. For longer field assignments, travel reimbursements and per diems may be included.

Competition and challenges

Competition for permanent positions within ethnology is often high, especially within academia and larger museums. Many ethnologists therefore work project-based or combine research with teaching and consulting assignments. A challenge is to make the value of ethnological expertise visible outside traditional employment fields. Funding for research projects can vary, affecting job security. At the same time, the profession's breadth offers opportunities in urban planning, cultural heritage, and communication, opening alternative career paths.

Tips for those who want to become an Ethnologist

To succeed as an Ethnologist, it is good to have a genuine interest in people's everyday lives and cultural expressions. Being curious and analytical facilitates the investigation and interpretation of complex social issues. Good communication skills are important, both during interviews and when presenting research results to different audiences. Flexibility is needed, as work methods can vary between independent studies and collaboration in larger projects. Being persistent and organized helps during long field studies or when applying for research funding. Building networks and taking opportunities for internships or part-time work in the cultural sector are also valuable, as they provide important contacts for the future.

Key facts about Ethnologists

  • Education level: Bachelor's or master's degree in ethnology
  • Work environment: Varied between office, field, and archive
  • Work form: Commonly project employment and assignments
  • Demand: 758 available jobs according to latest data
  • Gender distribution: Fair, but with some salary difference in favor of men

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, an Ethnologist can advance to roles such as project manager, research coordinator, or curator within the cultural heritage sector. Many continue to doctoral studies or take on responsibility for larger research projects and exhibitions. The employment agency's statistics show that there are 758 available jobs within the profession, indicating stable demand, especially in the public sector and larger cultural institutions. Digitization of cultural heritage and increasing interest in diversity issues create new job fields. The outlook remains good, but competition for attractive positions can be significant, especially in metropolitan areas.

Frequently asked questions about Ethnologists

  • What is the average salary of an Ethnologist?
    - An Ethnologist has an average salary of 46 000 SEK per month.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn approximately 97% of what men do within the profession.
  • What is the job market like for Ethnologists?
    - Currently, there are 758 available jobs according to recent statistics.
  • What education is required to become an Ethnologist?
    - A bachelor's degree in ethnology or similar subjects is typically required.
  • Where do Ethnologists work?
    - They work at universities, museums, government agencies, research institutes, and within the cultural sector.
  • How has the salary developed?
    - The salary has increased from 43,000 SEK (2022) to 46 000 SEK (2024).
  • What personal qualities are important for an Ethnologist?
    - Curiosity, analytical skills, and good communication are central qualities.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 12:57:30

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Ethnologist is 52100 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 50700 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Ethnologist is 41100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 42000 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 38500 kr 38600 kr
35-44 101% 45600 kr 45800 kr
45-54 101% 47200 kr 47300 kr
55-64 91% 47300 kr 47300 kr
Snitt 97% 45900 kr 46000 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 Ethnologist has the SSYK code 2623, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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