How much does a Ethologist make

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  2. Ethologist
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Ethologist

39 200 kr

Plant and animal biologists

38 100 - 43 800 kr / month

Women earn 96% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Ethologist

Average salary 39 200 kr
Males 39 900 kr
Females 38 400 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 2 Vacant jobs ->

What does an ethologist do? – Tasks and work environment

An ethologist studies animal behaviors, both in natural environments and controlled settings. Their tasks revolve around observing, analyzing, and documenting how different species interact with each other and their surroundings. Many ethologists work in research, often connected to universities, research institutes, or zoos, while others provide consulting in animal husbandry, animal welfare, or education. The work environment varies greatly – fieldwork may involve long periods outdoors, sometimes in challenging weather conditions, while laboratory and office work involves more structured days with data collection and analysis.

Salary development over time

The salary development for ethologists has been stable with a slight upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,500 SEK per month, increasing to 37 800 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has risen further to 39 200 SEK, which corresponds to an increase of about 4.5% over two years. This development can be explained by increased demand for specialist skills in animal behavior, especially related to research and animal welfare, as well as general salary adjustments within natural science professions. The salary range is relatively narrow, indicating a homogeneous pay structure within the profession, although higher education and experience provide some salary progression.

Ethologist salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 39 200 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 38,100 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 43,800 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 236 SEK
  • Women: 38 400 SEK/month (96% of men's salary)
  • Men: 39 900 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: No clear regional salary differences reported

Education and qualifications

To work as an ethologist, a university degree in biology with specialization in ethology or animal behavior is usually required. The career often begins with a bachelor's degree, followed by advanced studies at the master's level and sometimes doctoral studies for scientific work. Practical experience, such as through field studies or internships in relevant areas, is highly valuable and can be crucial for employment.

  • Bachelor's degree in biology or related field (3 years)
  • Master's program in ethology/animal behavior (2 years)
  • Doctoral studies for research positions
  • Internships or field studies during education
  • Courses in statistics, animal husbandry, and ethics are recommended

Ethology is an interdisciplinary field where collaboration with veterinarians, animal trainers, and ecologists is common. It opens up opportunities for creative research projects and the potential to influence animal welfare on a broad front.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for ethologists include wellness allowances, flexible working hours, opportunities for remote work, and support for further education. At university positions, research grants, conference travel, and extended vacation are often available. In some cases, equipment for fieldwork and participation in international projects are also offered.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as an ethologist is intense, especially in the research sector where the number of positions is limited. Many ethologists must seek project-based employment or combine several part-time roles. Challenges may also include funding difficulties for research and a limited number of permanent positions. The job market is influenced by overall research budgets and societal demand for animal welfare issues. Success requires deep subject knowledge and the ability to collaborate across disciplines.

Tips for aspiring ethologists

To succeed as an ethologist, having a genuine interest in animals and nature, as well as analytical skills to interpret complex behaviors, is beneficial. Precision is crucial when collecting data and making observations, while patience is needed for long field studies and experiments. Communication skills are also an advantage, as much of the work involves collaboration with other researchers and stakeholders. Actively seeking internships and research projects during education provides valuable experience and networking opportunities. Staying updated on current research and participating in conferences are also important for career development. Finally, flexibility and willingness to work in challenging environments or irregular hours are valuable traits.

Key facts about Ethologist

  • Salary range: 38,100–43,800 SEK/month
  • Education level: At least bachelor's, often master's or doctoral
  • Typical work forms: Research, consulting, and education
  • Number of available jobs: 143
  • Gender difference: Women earn 96% of men's salary

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, an ethologist can advance to more qualified research positions, lead their own projects, or take on teaching responsibilities at the university level. Opportunities also exist within zoos, government agencies, or private consulting firms, often focusing on animal protection, animal welfare, or environmental issues. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, it is difficult to make an exact forecast for ethologists due to limited data, but the general trend for biologists and animal scientists shows stable demand. The 143 reported available jobs indicate some mobility and opportunities for those who are geographically flexible and skilled in their area.

Common questions about Ethologist

  • What is the average salary of an ethologist?
    - The average salary for an ethologist is 39 200 SEK per month.
  • Are there significant salary differences between men and women?
    - Women earn on average 96% of what men do in the profession.
  • What education is required to become an ethologist?
    - Usually, a bachelor's degree in biology, often supplemented with a master's or doctoral degree.
  • What does the job market look like for ethologists?
    - There are a total of 143 available jobs, but competition for research positions is tough.
  • What does an ethologist do daily?
    - An ethologist observes and analyzes animal behaviors, often within research, education, or animal management.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for an ethologist?
    - The highest salary is 43,800 SEK and the lowest is 38,100 SEK per month.
  • Is an internship necessary to get a job as an ethologist?
    - Internships or field studies during education are highly advantageous and improve job prospects.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-07 09:58:26

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Ethologist 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 Ethologist 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
* 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 Ethologist has the SSYK code 2132, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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