- Salary statistics
- Researchers, ethnology salary
Researchers, ethnology salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
41 500 - 52 700 SEK / month
Women earn 96% of what men do.
Administration, ekonomi
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Salary progression Researchers, ethnology
What does a researcher in ethnology do? – Tasks and work environment
Researchers in ethnology study and analyze people's culture, traditions, social patterns, and everyday life. Tasks include collecting and interpreting qualitative data through interviews, archive studies, and fieldwork. Results are often presented in reports, scientific articles, or lectures. The work environment varies between universities, research institutes, and museums, where both independent work and collaboration with colleagues are common. Flexible working hours and periods of intensive project work characterize the profession.
Salary development over time
Salaries for researchers in ethnology have shown a steady increase in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,000 SEK, which increased slightly to 46 000 SEK in 2023. In 2024, an average salary of 46 700 SEK is reported, representing an increase of about 7% over two years. This positive trend is partly explained by increased demand for qualified researchers and a general appreciation of humanities subjects within the research sector. Larger research grants and more projects have also contributed to raising salaries, especially in the public sector and academic institutions.
Researcher, ethnology salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 46 700 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 41,100 SEK/month (men), 42,000 SEK/month (women)
- Highest salary: 52,100 SEK/month (men), 50,700 SEK/month (women)
- Hourly wage: 277 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Women earn 96% of what men do (women: 45 900 SEK, men: 47 500 SEK)
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
To work as a researcher in ethnology, a long academic education focused on the humanities is required, often a master's or doctoral degree. The studies focus on cultural sciences, social analysis, and qualitative methods. Practical experience from research projects and strong analytical skills are important for success in the profession. Many employers also value international experience and publications in scientific journals.
- Formal degree: Master's or doctoral degree in ethnology (5–8 years)
- Internship/trainee: Participation in research projects during studies is recommended
- Courses: Qualitative methods, cultural theory, social analysis
- Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university and college studies
- Tips for choosing: Seek opportunities for exchanges or internships abroad for international experience
Ethnological research can lead to assignments far outside academia, such as within cultural heritage, public investigations, or museum education. Many ethnologists also work with societal analysis in the business sector or cultural sector.
Common benefits and compensations
Researchers in ethnology are often offered generous vacation policies, opportunities for research trips and conference participation, as well as flexible working hours. Occupational pension, wellness allowances, and professional development are common benefits in both the public and private sectors.
Competition and challenges
Competition for research positions in ethnology is generally high, as the number of recent graduates often exceeds the number of available jobs. Temporary project employment is common, and the path to a permanent position can be long. Funding is a constant challenge, especially for younger researchers without established networks. Publishing in international journals and participating in research collaborations are often crucial for career development. At the same time, the profession demands resilience and the ability to adapt to changing research landscapes.
Tips for those who want to become researchers in ethnology
To succeed as a researcher in ethnology, it is good to be curious and analytical, as the profession requires the ability to ask the right questions and interpret complex contexts. Building a strong network during studies can increase chances for research assignments and collaborations. Thoroughness and patience are essential qualities, especially during long-term field studies and data analysis. It is also wise to be flexible and open to different subject areas, as breadth increases employability. Actively seeking opportunities for international exchanges or internships provides valuable perspectives and strengthens your CV. Good communication skills make it easier to present research results and make an impact outside academia. Finally, it is important to have a passion for cultural sciences and a desire to contribute to societal development through knowledge.
Key facts about researchers in ethnology
- Education level: Master's or doctoral degree required
- Work environment: Universities, research institutes, museums
- Work form: Independent work combined with project teams
- Demand: 758 job openings within the profession according to latest data
- Special skills: Qualitative methods, cultural and social analysis
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, researchers in ethnology can advance to project manager, research coordinator, or lecturer at a university. Some specialize in cultural heritage management, museum education, or societal analysis for the public sector. According to the Employment Service, the outlook is relatively stable thanks to a broad job market, although competition for permanent positions remains high. Opportunities for international collaborations and research funding can further strengthen career prospects.
Frequently asked questions about researchers in ethnology
- What does a researcher in ethnology earn?
- The average salary is 46 700 SEK per month, with a range between 41,100 and 52,100 SEK depending on experience, sector, and gender. - What education is required to become a researcher in ethnology?
- A master's or doctoral degree in ethnology or related fields is required for most research positions. - Are there salary differences between women and men?
- Yes, women earn on average 96% of what men do in the profession. - What does the job market look like for ethnologists?
- There are approximately 758 job openings within the profession, but competition for permanent positions is high. - What workplaces can a researcher in ethnology work at?
- Common workplaces include universities, research institutes, museums, and cultural heritage organizations. - How has the salary development looked over time?
- Salaries have increased by about 7% over the past two years, from 43,000 to 46 700 SEK. - What personal qualities are important in this profession?
- Curiosity, thoroughness, and good teamwork skills are particularly valuable qualities for researchers in ethnology.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 39100 kr | 39200 kr | |
| 35-44 | 103% | 46700 kr | 46800 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 48200 kr | 48200 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 48700 kr | 48700 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 46600 kr | 46700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 103% | 40200 kr | 40400 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 47700 kr | 47800 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 50200 kr | 50200 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 50800 kr | 50800 kr |
| 65-68 | 93% | 53000 kr | 53000 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 48100 kr | 48200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 103% | 40200 kr | 40400 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 47700 kr | 47800 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 50200 kr | 50200 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 50800 kr | 50800 kr |
| 65-68 | 93% | 53000 kr | 53000 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 48100 kr | 48200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 44800 kr | 44800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 44800 kr | 44800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 103% | 46000 kr | 46100 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 48700 kr | 48700 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 50900 kr | 50900 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 47500 kr | 47500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 103% | 39500 kr | 39600 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 47500 kr | 47600 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 50300 kr | 50400 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 51900 kr | 52000 kr |
| 65-68 | 93% | 54400 kr | 54400 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 48500 kr | 48500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 103% | 39500 kr | 39600 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 47500 kr | 47600 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 50300 kr | 50400 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 51900 kr | 52000 kr |
| 65-68 | 93% | 54400 kr | 54400 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 48500 kr | 48500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 46400 kr | 46400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 46400 kr | 46400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 103% | 47200 kr | 47300 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 47600 kr | 47700 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 46400 kr | 46400 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 45800 kr | 45900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 103% | 40700 kr | 40900 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 47800 kr | 47900 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 50000 kr | 50000 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 49800 kr | 49800 kr |
| 65-68 | 93% | 50600 kr | 50600 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 47900 kr | 47900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 103% | 40700 kr | 40900 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 47800 kr | 47900 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 50000 kr | 50000 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 49800 kr | 49800 kr |
| 65-68 | 93% | 50600 kr | 50600 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 47900 kr | 47900 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 Researchers, ethnology has the SSYK code 2623, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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