How much does a Researcher, pharmacology make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Researcher, pharmacology
Image that illustrates Researcher, pharmacology

Researcher, pharmacology

65 600 kr

Pharmacologists and biomedical scientists

40 500 - 76 400 kr / month

Women earn 88% of what men do.

Naturvetenskapligt arbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Researcher, pharmacology

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

What does a researcher in pharmacology do? – Tasks and work environment

A researcher in pharmacology studies how medicines and other chemical substances affect biological systems, with particular focus on effects on cells, organs, and whole organisms. Tasks often include experimental laboratory work, designing research studies, data analysis, and reporting results to both academic and commercial stakeholders. Pharmacology researchers collaborate closely with other specialists such as biochemists, doctors, and toxicologists to develop new medicines and understand drug safety and efficacy. The work environment is usually laboratory-based but can also include computer work for advanced data analysis and participation in international research projects and conferences.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salary development for pharmacology researchers has shown clear variations. In 2022, the average salary was 59,400 SEK per month, followed by a temporary decrease to 56 100 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the salary rose sharply to 65 600 SEK, an increase of approximately 17% compared to the previous year. This salary development can largely be explained by increased demand for qualified pharmacological expertise within both the pharmaceutical industry and academia. The increased focus on innovation, development of new medicines, and regulatory requirements have contributed to raising salary levels, especially for researchers with specialized skills or leading roles in projects.

Researcher in pharmacology salary – complete 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 earn: 63 600 SEK/month (88% of men's salary)
  • Men earn: 72 200 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Limited data, but higher salaries tend to occur in metropolitan areas and regions with a strong pharmaceutical industry.

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a researcher in pharmacology requires a solid education in natural sciences, usually with a master's or doctoral degree in pharmacology, biomedicine, or a related field. In addition to theoretical knowledge, practical experience from laboratory environments and scientific methodology are essential. Many employers also value research merits, published articles, and participation in international projects.

  • Master's degree in pharmacology, biomedicine, or similar (5 years)
  • Doctoral degree (PhD) often required for research leadership roles (3–5 years after master's)
  • Internships or research projects during education
  • Courses in statistics, toxicology, and drug development
  • Prerequisites: Science high school diploma and university eligibility
  • International experience and scientific publications are advantageous

Researchers in pharmacology often contribute to developing new medicines that can improve or save lives. Many projects are international, and cross-border collaborations are common, providing opportunities for exciting networks and knowledge exchange.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Researchers in pharmacology are often offered competitive benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexible working hours, and remote work options. Other common compensations include conference travel, further education, and access to advanced research equipment. In some cases, bonus programs and extra vacation days are also available, especially in the private sector.

Competition and challenges

The competition for research positions in pharmacology is generally high, especially for permanent roles and research leadership positions. Challenges include the need to stay constantly updated on new research findings and technologies, as well as securing funding for research projects. The work also requires resilience, as projects often have long lead times and may involve uncertainty regarding results and future employment. The ability to collaborate internationally and present research findings clearly is crucial for success in the profession.

Tips for those who want to become a researcher in pharmacology

To succeed as a researcher in pharmacology, it is good to combine thoroughness with curiosity and analytical skills. Early internships and participation in research projects during education provide valuable experience and strengthen scientific networks. Good communication skills are important both for teamwork and for presenting results convincingly. Being persistent and flexible helps in facing setbacks or when research projects take longer than expected. Finally, continuous education and keeping up with new developments in drug development and biomedicine are beneficial.

Key facts about researchers in pharmacology

  • Education level: Master's or doctoral degree required
  • Work environment: Laboratory-based, often international collaboration
  • Average salary: 65 600 SEK/month
  • Available jobs: 143 positions in the profession
  • Gender salary gap: Women earn 88% of what men do

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a researcher in pharmacology, career development can lead to leadership roles within research groups, project management, or specialist positions within the pharmaceutical industry. It is also common to progress to university lecturer positions, advisory roles, or research coordination within authorities and organizations. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, the outlook for the future is limited due to insufficient data, but the number of available jobs suggests a relatively good demand. Specialization and international experience increase the chances of advancement and attractive positions.

Frequently asked questions about researchers in pharmacology

  • What does a researcher in pharmacology earn?
    - The average salary is 65 600 SEK/month, with variations depending on experience, gender, and employer.
  • What education is required to become a researcher in pharmacology?
    - A master's or doctoral degree in pharmacology, biomedicine, or a related subject is normally required.
  • What is the job market like for researchers in pharmacology?
    - There are 143 available jobs in the profession, but competition for permanent positions is high.
  • Are there gender differences in salary?
    - Yes, women earn 88% of what men do on average within the profession.
  • What tasks does a researcher in pharmacology perform?
    - Tasks include research, laboratory work, data analysis, reporting, and collaboration on projects.
  • What are the career paths?
    - Possible paths include research management, specialist roles, university lecturer positions, or advisory roles.
  • What personal qualities are important in the profession?
    - Analytical ability, thoroughness, perseverance, and good communication skills are central qualities.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-11 00:28:03

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Researcher, pharmacology 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 Researcher, pharmacology 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
Register an account before you can comment

To write a comment you need to create an account.

Default Avatar

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 Researcher, pharmacology has the SSYK code 2133, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

Search salary statistics for occupation
8000 kr
<-|->
90000 kr
Vacant jobs
Show more
Similar occupations
Latest posts
  • Public Opinion - Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Public Opinion

    Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35
  • National Debt - The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    National Debt

    The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00
Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

With our Swedish tax calculator, you can easily calculate your after-tax income (net salary).

Swedish Church Member

* Updated with 2025 taxes

Explore more topics