How much does a Pharmacologist, researcher make

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Pharmacologist, researcher

65 600 kr

Pharmacologists and biomedical scientists

40 500 - 76 400 kr / month

Women earn 88% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Pharmacologist, researcher

Average salary 65 600 kr
Males 72 200 kr
Females 63 600 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 12 Vacant jobs ->

What does a pharmacologist, researcher do? – Tasks and work environment

A pharmacologist, researcher analyzes how medicines and other chemical substances affect biological systems. Tasks include planning and conducting laboratory experiments, data collection, result interpretation, and report writing. The work is often done in collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry, universities, and authorities. The work environment is usually laboratory-based but can also include clinical studies or teaching. Precision, analytical skills, and a strong interest in medical science are essential qualities for the role.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary of a pharmacologist, researcher has changed significantly. In 2022, the average salary was 59,400 SEK per month, increasing the following year to 56 100 SEK. Despite this temporary decline, the salary rose sharply to 65 600 SEK in 2024, which is an increase of approximately 17% from the previous year. This positive trend reflects a growing demand for advanced skills in pharmaceutical research and biomedicine, as well as an increased need for specialist knowledge as new medicines are developed. Salary changes may also depend on competition for qualified researchers, especially in the private sector, and a higher proportion of researchers with specialist training.

Pharmacologist, researcher salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 65 600 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 40,500 SEK/month (female, private sector employee)
  • Highest salary: 76,400 SEK/month (male, private sector employee)
  • Hourly wage: 395 SEK
  • Women: 63 600 SEK/month (88% of men's salary)
  • Men: 72 200 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: No specific statistics available

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a pharmacologist, researcher usually involves a master's or doctoral degree in pharmacology, biomedicine, or related fields. The education combines theoretical studies with extensive laboratory experience, and international experience or specialized courses are often required. Internships or research work during studies are highly meritorious.

  • Master's or doctoral degree: 5–8 years in pharmacology, biomedicine, or similar
  • Research internship: Laboratory work or projects during studies
  • Specialized courses: Statistics, toxicology, drug development
  • International experience: Meritorious for research positions
  • Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree in a natural science subject

An unexpected entry point into pharmacological research can be via biotechnology, chemistry, or even computer science, as interdisciplinary teams are often sought to solve complex questions related to drug development. Those open to cross-disciplinary collaboration often have great opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking projects.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Pharmacologists and researchers are often offered benefits such as flexible working hours, wellness allowances, and opportunities for skill development. The private sector may also offer performance-based bonuses, extra vacation days, and access to international conferences. Pension contributions and health insurance are common in both public and private employment.

Competition and challenges

The competition for research positions in pharmacology is intense, especially at leading universities and within the pharmaceutical industry. Challenges include high demands for scientific output, securing research funding, and staying updated in a rapidly evolving field. Critical thinking, perseverance, and teamwork are required. The limited number of permanent positions and many project-based roles can affect job security. Many researchers also work internationally to broaden their opportunities.

Tips for aspiring pharmacologists, researchers

To succeed as a pharmacologist, researcher, it is good to combine analytical skills with curiosity and a desire to solve complex problems. Engaging early in research projects and building networks provides valuable contacts and practical experience. Precision and perseverance are crucial, especially during long experiments or when results are delayed. An open attitude to new methods and collaborations can open unexpected career paths, particularly in interdisciplinary projects. Continually developing your skills through courses and international exchanges enhances competitiveness. Good communication skills facilitate publication of research results and collaboration with colleagues. Finally, patience and a realistic view of career development are important, as success in research often takes time and long-term effort.

Key facts about a pharmacologist, researcher

  • Education level: Master's or doctoral degree (5–8 years)
  • Work environment: Laboratories, universities, or pharmaceutical industry
  • Typical employment: Full-time, often project-based
  • Demand: 143 available jobs in the profession (May 2024)
  • Gender salary gap: Women earn 88% of what men do

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, many pharmacologists and researchers work as project leaders, senior researchers, or experts in drug development. Others transition into regulatory roles, clinical trials, or management positions within research and development. The Employment Service does not make a separate forecast for pharmacologists, but the profession has 143 available jobs, indicating a healthy job market. Limited data means outlooks vary, but demand for specialist skills in pharmaceutical research is expected to remain stable, especially in the private sector and international projects.

Frequently asked questions about pharmacologists, researchers

  • What is the average salary of a pharmacologist, researcher?
    - The average salary is 65 600 SEK per month.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn 88% of what men do in the profession.
  • What education is required to become a pharmacologist, researcher?
    - Usually, a master's or doctoral degree in pharmacology, biomedicine, or related fields is required.
  • What are the future prospects for pharmacologists and researchers?
    - There are 143 available jobs in the profession, but no separate forecast from the Employment Service due to limited data.
  • What tasks does a pharmacologist, researcher perform?
    - Mainly research, laboratory experiments, data interpretation, and report writing.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Analytical skills, perseverance, accuracy, and good teamwork skills are central qualities.
  • Are there regional salary differences?
    - No specific statistics on regional differences are available.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-14 08:51:54

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Pharmacologist, researcher is 76400 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a unspecified education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 67600 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Pharmacologist, researcher is 40500 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 42800 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 45600 kr 46200 kr
35-44 64100 kr 65700 kr
45-54 72600 kr 75200 kr
55-64 72500 kr 75800 kr
Snitt 88% 63700 kr 65600 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 Pharmacologist, researcher has the SSYK code 2133, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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