- Salary statistics
- Research assistant, college / university salary
Research assistant, college / university salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
25 000 - 47 300 SEK / month
Women earn 100% of what men do.
Pedagogiskt arbete
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Salary progression Research assistant, college / university
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 42 900 SEK in 2023 and now reaching 44 000 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: 44 000 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.
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 44 000 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.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 96% | 40200 kr | 40300 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 43900 kr | 43900 kr |
| 45-54 | 93% | 47900 kr | 47900 kr |
| 55-64 | 48300 kr | 48300 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 44000 kr | 44000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 105% | 27300 kr | 27300 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 38700 kr | 38800 kr |
| 35-44 | 103% | 42600 kr | 42700 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 46400 kr | 46400 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 48200 kr | 48200 kr |
| 65-68 | 100% | 50400 kr | 50400 kr |
| Snitt | 104% | 43200 kr | 43300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 105% | 27300 kr | 27300 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 38700 kr | 38800 kr |
| 35-44 | 103% | 42600 kr | 42700 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 46400 kr | 46400 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 48200 kr | 48200 kr |
| 65-68 | 100% | 50400 kr | 50400 kr |
| Snitt | 104% | 43200 kr | 43300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 42400 kr | 42400 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 47000 kr | 47000 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 45900 kr | 45900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 42400 kr | 42400 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 47000 kr | 47000 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 45900 kr | 45900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 96% | 41000 kr | 41100 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 43700 kr | 43800 kr |
| 45-54 | 93% | 50500 kr | 50500 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 43900 kr | 44000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 105% | 26600 kr | 26600 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 39200 kr | 39200 kr |
| 35-44 | 103% | 41800 kr | 41800 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 47600 kr | 47600 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 48500 kr | 48500 kr |
| 65-68 | 100% | 50400 kr | 50400 kr |
| Snitt | 104% | 42100 kr | 42200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 105% | 26600 kr | 26600 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 39200 kr | 39200 kr |
| 35-44 | 103% | 41800 kr | 41800 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 47600 kr | 47600 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 48500 kr | 48500 kr |
| 65-68 | 100% | 50400 kr | 50400 kr |
| Snitt | 104% | 42100 kr | 42200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 42800 kr | 42800 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 47200 kr | 47200 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 46400 kr | 46400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 42800 kr | 42800 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 47200 kr | 47200 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 46400 kr | 46400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 96% | 39400 kr | 39500 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 43900 kr | 44100 kr |
| 45-54 | 93% | 46800 kr | 46900 kr |
| 55-64 | 47600 kr | 47600 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 44000 kr | 44100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 105% | 27900 kr | 27900 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 38300 kr | 38400 kr |
| 35-44 | 103% | 43100 kr | 43200 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 46100 kr | 46100 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 48200 kr | 48200 kr |
| 65-68 | 100% | 50400 kr | 50400 kr |
| Snitt | 104% | 43700 kr | 43800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 105% | 27900 kr | 27900 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 38300 kr | 38400 kr |
| 35-44 | 103% | 43100 kr | 43200 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 46100 kr | 46100 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 48200 kr | 48200 kr |
| 65-68 | 100% | 50400 kr | 50400 kr |
| Snitt | 104% | 43700 kr | 43800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 41800 kr | 41800 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 46700 kr | 46800 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 45200 kr | 45200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 41800 kr | 41800 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 46700 kr | 46800 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 45200 kr | 45200 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 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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