- Salary statistics
- Researcher, philosophy salary
Researcher, philosophy 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 Researcher, philosophy
What does a researcher in philosophy do? – Tasks and work environment
A researcher in philosophy engages in exploring fundamental questions about knowledge, ethics, existence, and language. The work often involves advanced text analysis, developing new theories, and critically examining established ideas. Typical tasks include writing and publishing scientific articles, presenting research results at conferences, and supervising students in philosophical subjects. The work environment is usually university-based with access to libraries and research resources, but independent work and collaborations in research projects both nationally and internationally are also common.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, the salary for researchers in philosophy has shown a clear upward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 43,000 SEK per month, which increased to 46 000 SEK in 2023 and further to 46 700 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 7% during the period. The salary increase has been driven mainly by increased demand for highly qualified skills within the humanities and a general salary raise within academia. The trend indicates that the profession is becoming increasingly competitive compared to other research fields, although salary levels are still influenced by factors such as sector, experience, and regional differences.
Researcher in philosophy salary – comprehensive 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
- Gender pay gap: Women earn 96% of what men do (47 500 SEK/month for men, 45 900 SEK/month for women)
- Regional differences: Data unavailable
Education and qualifications
To work as a researcher in philosophy, a long academic path is required, with a doctoral degree being a central requirement. The path begins with a bachelor's degree in philosophy or related humanities subjects, followed by a master's program and then doctoral studies. During education, emphasis is placed on independent scientific work, methodology, and critical thinking.
- Bachelor's degree in philosophy or related subject: 3 years
- Master's degree in philosophy: 2 years
- Doctoral studies: 4 years (research training, often with teaching assignments)
- Research courses and conferences: Ongoing throughout career
- Strong analytical skills and scientific methodology: Fundamental requirements
Philosophical researchers often have great freedom to shape their research and choose their focus, which allows for creativity and innovation. This makes the profession particularly attractive for individuals who enjoy independent work and intellectual challenges. Many researchers also engage in interdisciplinary collaborations, which broadens both knowledge and networks.
Common benefits and compensations
Researchers in philosophy are often offered benefits such as flexible working hours, opportunities for remote work, and generous vacation allowances. Other common compensations include research grants, access to international conferences, supervision roles, and sometimes additional funds for further training. Pension schemes and insurance are also frequently included in university employment packages.
Competition and challenges
The competition for permanent positions as a researcher in philosophy is high, especially since the number of doctoral students often exceeds the available lecturer and research positions. Many start their careers with temporary or project-based employment, which can lead to job insecurity. Funding for research projects is another challenge, as grants are highly competitive. Additionally, resilience and the ability to work independently are required, particularly during long periods of writing and research without immediate results.
Tips for aspiring researchers in philosophy
To succeed as a researcher in philosophy, it is advisable to develop strong analytical skills and practice critical thinking early on. Building a broad network through conference participation and collaboration with other researchers is crucial, as networking is key for future opportunities. Curiosity and perseverance are important qualities, as the research process is often lengthy and requires patience. Being communicative facilitates teaching and publishing research results. Flexibility and openness to interdisciplinary collaborations can increase chances of funding and broaden career opportunities. Good ability to work independently and organize one's work is also essential for thriving and succeeding in the profession.
Key facts about Researcher in philosophy
- Education level: Doctoral degree (at least 9 years)
- Typical employment: University-employed researcher
- Work environment: Academic, often flexible hours
- Demand: 758 available jobs within the profession
- Gender distribution: Women earn 96% of men's salaries
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a researcher in philosophy, opportunities open up for more independent research projects, supervision roles, and lecturer positions. Many advance to become associate professors or full professors, while others choose roles in educational management or research administration. Employment forecasts indicate that demand for qualified researchers in the humanities remains relatively stable, although competition for permanent positions persists. Opportunities also exist in other sectors, such as public administration, the cultural sector, and private industry, especially for those with experience in interdisciplinary collaborations and research leadership.
Frequently asked questions about Researcher in philosophy
- What is the salary of a researcher in philosophy?
- The average salary is 46 700 SEK per month, with variation between 41,100 and 52,100 SEK depending on experience and sector. - What education is required to become a researcher in philosophy?
- A doctoral degree in philosophy is required, which involves at least nine years of studies after high school. - Are there gender differences in salary?
- Yes, women earn on average 96% of what men do within the profession. - What does the job market look like?
- There are 758 available jobs within the profession according to current statistics. - What are the duties of a researcher in philosophy?
- Duties include research, teaching, supervision, and publishing scientific articles. - What is the highest and lowest salary?
- The highest salary is 52,100 SEK/month for men and 50,700 SEK/month for women; the lowest salary is 41,100 SEK/month for men and 42,000 SEK/month for women. - What personal qualities are important in the profession?
- Analytical ability, perseverance, independence, and good communication skills are central qualities.
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 Researcher, philosophy has the SSYK code 2623, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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