How much does a Research assistant, college / university make

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Research assistant, college / university

42 900 kr

Research assistants etc.

24 300 - 47 700 kr / month

Women earn 100% of what men do.

Pedagogiskt arbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Research assistant, college / university

Average salary 42 900 kr
Males 42 900 kr
Females 42 900 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 27 Vacant jobs ->

What does a research assistant do at college and university? – Tasks and work environment

A research assistant at college and university works closely with researchers and professors to contribute to the development of scientific projects and educational efforts. Tasks often include planning and executing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, literature reviews, and writing scientific reports and articles. The position also involves supervising students and participating in seminars, conferences, and workshops. The work environment is academic and characterized by high demands for accuracy, independence, and problem-solving skills, often within lab or office settings where collaboration with various research groups and institutions is central.

Salary development over time

The salary for a research assistant at college and university has shown a steady positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,400 SEK per month, increasing to 41 400 SEK in 2023 and now reaching 42 900 SEK in 2024. This development corresponds to a total increase of approximately 6.2 % over three years. The salary increase can partly be explained by an increased focus on research quality and competition for qualified personnel within academia. Since research assistants often have an advanced educational background and specialized skills, this helps keep salary levels stable and slowly increasing. Gender pay differences are nonexistent in this profession, making it unique compared to many other academic roles.

Research assistant, college/university salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 42 900 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 24,300 SEK/month (female, private sector, upper secondary education, up to 2 years)
  • Highest salary: 47,700 SEK/month (male, private sector, doctoral education)
  • Hourly wage (average): 258 SEK
  • Gender differences: None – women and men earn the same
  • Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a research assistant at college or university, a higher education degree at advanced level is usually required, often a master's or magister's degree, in a relevant field. Many employers prefer that the candidate has started or completed doctoral studies and has experience of research projects. Practical experience from laboratory work, scientific publishing, or participation in international projects is meritorious and can provide an advantage during hiring.

  • Academic degree: Master's or magister's degree (4–5 years)
  • Research training: Started or completed doctoral studies is meritorious
  • Practical experience: Research projects or laboratory work
  • Courses/certifications: Scientific methodology, statistics, subject-specific courses
  • Prerequisites: Good knowledge of English and scientific writing

Many research assistants have the opportunity to participate in international collaborations and conferences, opening doors to global networks and future research projects. This international aspect makes the profession particularly attractive for those who want to develop and work with research on a global level.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Research assistants at college and university are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexible working hours, and sometimes the possibility of remote work. Other common compensations can include subsidized lunch, paid vacation, and access to professional development through courses and conferences.

Competition and challenges

Working as a research assistant at college and university involves a competitive job market, especially in popular subject areas with many applicants. Positions are often temporary and require flexibility to seek new projects or roles when employment ends. Challenges may also include balancing high scientific demands with limited research funding and time pressure. For those who want to stay within academia, it is important to continuously publish research, build networks, and develop their subject expertise. Despite these challenges, the profession offers a dynamic and stimulating work environment for those who enjoy independent and analytical work.

Tips for aspiring research assistants at college and university

To succeed as a research assistant at college and university, it is good to combine analytical skills with strong drive and curiosity. Being meticulous and systematic facilitates handling large data sets and complex research questions, while good teamwork skills make it easier to work in interdisciplinary project groups. Active participation in seminars and conferences helps build a valuable network, which can open doors to new research opportunities. Independence is also crucial, as many tasks require driving projects forward on your own. Finally, perseverance is an important trait, since the research process is often long and may involve setbacks that require patience and problem-solving skills.

Key facts about research assistant at college/university

  • Education level: Master's degree or higher
  • Gender pay gap: None – equal pay
  • Work form: Usually temporary employment
  • Number of job openings: 434 (according to latest matching)
  • Work environment: Academic environment with high demands for independence

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a research assistant at college and university, opportunities open to advance to roles such as postdoctoral researcher, researcher, or university lecturer. For those with ambitions to remain in academia, it is common to continue to a doctoral position or seek research funding for their own projects. According to the Employment Service, the outlook is good, especially in technology, natural sciences, and medicine, where demand for qualified research staff remains high. There are also opportunities to move into research-intensive roles in the private sector or government agencies, where experience from academic research is highly valued.

Frequently asked questions about research assistant at college/university

  • What does a research assistant at college/university earn?
    - The average salary is 42 900 SEK per month.
  • How do salary differences between women and men look?
    - There are no salary differences; both women and men earn the same.
  • What education is required to become a research assistant?
    - At least a master's degree, often with started or completed doctoral studies.
  • What is the job market like?
    - There are 434 job openings in the profession according to the latest data.
  • What are the most common tasks?
    - Planning and conducting research, analyzing data, writing scientific reports, and supervising students.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary?
    - The highest salary is 47,700 SEK per month, and the lowest is 24,300 SEK per month.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Analytical ability, accuracy, teamwork skills, and perseverance.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-14 17:36:52

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Research assistant, college / university is 47700 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Private sector with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 47400 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Research assistant, college / university is 24300 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 36500 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 97% 39300 kr 39400 kr
35-44 100% 42700 kr 42900 kr
45-54 97% 45900 kr 45900 kr
55-64 46600 kr 46600 kr
Snitt 100% 42800 kr 42900 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 Research assistant, college / university has the SSYK code 2313, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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