- Salary statistics
- Forensic, physics salary
Forensic, physics salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
44 500 - 61 000 SEK / month
Women earn 93% of what men do.
Naturvetenskapligt arbete
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Salary progression Forensic, physics
What does a forensic scientist in physics do? – Tasks and work environment
A forensic scientist in physics primarily works with analyzing and interpreting physical evidence in criminal investigations. This may involve examining materials, traces, damages, or other technical details to assist police and the judiciary with scientifically based opinions. The work environment is often laboratory-based but can also include work at crime scenes or in courtrooms where the forensic scientist acts as an expert witness. Precision, analytical ability, and the ability to document and communicate results are crucial qualities in this role. Collaboration with other experts, police, and lawyers is common, and the work can sometimes be stressful with high demands for accuracy and confidentiality.
Salary development over time
The salary for a forensic scientist in physics has steadily increased over recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 48,500 SEK per month, rising to 49300 SEK in 2023. The latest measured average salary for 2024 is 53 100, representing an increase of approximately 6.2% over two years. This positive trend reflects an increased demand for forensic expertise within the justice system and a generally high level of education among practitioners. Technological advancements in forensic science have also contributed to raising the profession’s status and salary levels. Despite this positive development, variations may occur depending on employer, education level, and geographic location.
Forensic scientist in physics salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 53 100 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 41,600 SEK/month (woman, private sector, post-secondary education less than 3 years)
- Highest salary: 58,500 SEK/month (man, municipal sector, doctoral degree)
- Hourly wage: 310 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
- Gender differences: Men 54 200 SEK, women 50 300 SEK (women earn 93 % of men's salary)
- Regional differences: Information not available
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a forensic scientist in physics requires a solid education in natural sciences, often with a focus on physics or engineering. Most employers require a master’s degree or doctoral studies, preferably supplemented with courses in forensics and criminalistics. Practical laboratory experience is highly meritorious, as well as knowledge of legal processes and evidence evaluation. Some employers also offer internal trainee programs or internships to build relevant competence.
- Formal education: Master’s or doctoral degree in physics (5–7 years)
- Additional courses: Forensics, criminalistics, forensic medicine
- Internships: Laboratory internships or trainee programs
- Prerequisites: Science-based upper secondary education
- Tips for choosing: Select programs with a clear focus on forensics and criminalistics to increase competitiveness
A forensic scientist in physics needs not only to be skilled in laboratory work but also capable of presenting their results pedagogically in court. The ability to translate complex science into understandable information for judges and jurors is an important part of the profession.
Common benefits and compensations
Among the most common benefits for forensic scientists in physics are occupational pension, extra vacation days, wellness contributions, and opportunities for professional development. In some cases, flexible working hours, subsidized lunches, and access to advanced laboratory equipment are also offered. Public sector employers often have collective agreements regulating compensation and leave entitlements.
Competition and challenges
The profession of forensic scientist in physics belongs to a narrow and specialized group, making competition for positions relatively high, especially for those without doctoral studies or work experience. Challenges also include significant responsibility for evidence evaluation and the need for objectivity, as analyses often have decisive legal importance. The workload can be intense at times, and tasks require great accuracy and the ability to handle confidential information. Since the profession is part of a broader occupational group, predicting future job opportunities precisely is difficult, but specialization and further education increase prospects in the job market.
Tips for those aspiring to become forensic scientists in physics
To succeed as a forensic scientist in physics, it is good to develop analytical skills and precision early on, as the work demands accuracy at every step. Strong communication skills are also important, especially when presenting results to non-scientists. Engagement with quality and ethics is crucial, as the work often impacts legal security. Building networks within academia and the justice system early can provide insight into industry requirements. Practical laboratory experience, such as summer jobs or internships, gives a significant advantage. Being persistent and resilient under stress is valuable, as investigations can sometimes take a long time and require patience. Lastly, curiosity and a willingness to continue learning are vital to stay updated on new techniques and methods.
Key facts about forensic scientists in physics
- Average salary: 53 100 SEK/month
- Education level: Master’s or doctoral degree in physics
- Gender difference: Women earn 93 % of men’s salary
- Work environment: Laboratory-based with elements of crime scene work
- Available jobs in the profession: 143 positions
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a forensic scientist in physics can advance to specialist roles, project leader, or take responsibility for larger investigations and training efforts within the justice system. It is also possible to work with method development, quality assurance, or as an expert witness in court. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, there is no precise assessment of future job prospects due to limited data, but the profession of physicists and astronomers reports 143 available jobs. Specialization in areas such as digital forensics or advanced material analysis can further improve career opportunities. Generally, demand is considered stable thanks to societal development and technological progress, although competition may be high for the most attractive positions.
Frequently asked questions about forensic scientists in physics
- What does a forensic scientist in physics earn?
- The average salary is 53 100 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 310 SEK. The highest reported salary is 58,500 SEK. - What are the gender differences in salaries?
- Women earn an average of 50 300 SEK, which is 93% of men’s salary at 54 200 SEK. - What education is required?
- Usually a master’s degree or doctoral studies in physics, preferably supplemented with courses in forensics and criminalistics. - What are the future prospects for the profession?
- No exact forecast exists, but the profession reports 143 available jobs and demand is considered stable. - What tasks does a forensic scientist in physics perform?
- Analysis of physical evidence, laboratory work, report writing, and expert testimony in legal proceedings. - Are there regional salary differences?
- No specific information about regional differences is available for this profession. - What is the lowest salary for a forensic scientist in physics?
- The lowest reported salary is 41,600 SEK per month.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 42300 kr | 42500 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 50900 kr | 51100 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 57600 kr | 57800 kr |
| 55-64 | 65700 kr | 65800 kr | |
| Snitt | 93% | 52900 kr | 53100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 104% | 38900 kr | 38900 kr |
| 25-34 | 101% | 42500 kr | 42600 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 50300 kr | 50500 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 56500 kr | 56700 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 62200 kr | 62300 kr |
| 65-68 | 111% | 62400 kr | 62400 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 51300 kr | 51400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 104% | 38900 kr | 38900 kr |
| 25-34 | 102% | 42400 kr | 42600 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 49400 kr | 49500 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 55800 kr | 55900 kr |
| 55-64 | 93% | 61300 kr | 61300 kr |
| 65-68 | 61200 kr | 61200 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 50600 kr | 50700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 100% | 42500 kr | 42900 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 52500 kr | 52800 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 58800 kr | 59000 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 64700 kr | 65000 kr |
| 65-68 | 105% | 65300 kr | 65300 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 53100 kr | 53400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 65800 kr | 66100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 65800 kr | 66100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 42500 kr | 42600 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 51200 kr | 51400 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 57600 kr | 57800 kr |
| 55-64 | 66500 kr | 66600 kr | |
| Snitt | 93% | 54100 kr | 54200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 104% | 38200 kr | 38200 kr |
| 25-34 | 101% | 42400 kr | 42500 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 50500 kr | 50700 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 56600 kr | 56700 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 62200 kr | 62300 kr |
| 65-68 | 111% | 61400 kr | 61400 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 51800 kr | 52000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 104% | 38200 kr | 38200 kr |
| 25-34 | 102% | 42300 kr | 42400 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 49700 kr | 49800 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 55800 kr | 55900 kr |
| 55-64 | 93% | 61800 kr | 61800 kr |
| 65-68 | 60700 kr | 60700 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 51200 kr | 51300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 100% | 42600 kr | 42800 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 53700 kr | 53900 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 60000 kr | 60200 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 64300 kr | 64600 kr |
| 65-68 | 105% | 64000 kr | 64000 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 54700 kr | 55000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 42000 kr | 42400 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 50300 kr | 50500 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 57500 kr | 57700 kr |
| Snitt | 93% | 50100 kr | 50300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 104% | 39700 kr | 39700 kr |
| 25-34 | 101% | 42700 kr | 43000 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 49700 kr | 49900 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 56400 kr | 56600 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 61900 kr | 61900 kr |
| 65-68 | 111% | 68000 kr | 68000 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 49800 kr | 50100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 104% | 39700 kr | 39700 kr |
| 25-34 | 102% | 42800 kr | 43100 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 48300 kr | 48400 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 55900 kr | 55900 kr |
| 55-64 | 93% | 57200 kr | 57200 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 48400 kr | 48600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 100% | 42500 kr | 42900 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 51100 kr | 51400 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 57200 kr | 57600 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 65400 kr | 65500 kr |
| 65-68 | 105% | 67000 kr | 67000 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 51400 kr | 51800 kr |
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 Forensic, physics has the SSYK code 2111, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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