Researcher, cultural geography

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

A researcher in cultural geography analyzes the interaction between people, societies, and their surrounding environments. Tasks may include collecting and processing geographical data, field studies, interviews, mapping, and statistical analysis of social, economic, and environmental factors. The work usually takes place at universities and research institutes, but also within public authorities and organizations. The work is often project-based and can range from basic research to commissioned research and policy development, with collaboration with other experts being common.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salaries for researchers in cultural geography have shown a steady upward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 43,000 SEK per month, which increased slightly to 43 300 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has risen more markedly to 46 000 SEK. This represents a total salary increase of approximately 7% over the three-year period, with the largest increase between 2023 and 2024. This development can be linked to increased demand for specialist skills in urban planning, sustainable development, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Salaries are also influenced by education level, experience, and sector affiliation, with researchers at universities and larger agencies often earning slightly higher salaries than those in smaller organizations.

Researcher in cultural geography salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 46 000 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 differences: Women earn 97% of what men do (46 600 SEK/month for men, 45 300 SEK/month for women)
• Regional differences: No available data

Education and qualifications

The path to a career as a researcher in cultural geography begins with an academic degree in geography, social sciences, or related fields. To work as a researcher, a doctoral degree in cultural geography or equivalent is often required. Internships, research projects, and international exchanges are common components during the education, helping to strengthen competence and broaden scientific networks.

• Formal degree: Master's degree (2 years) followed by a doctorate (4 years) in cultural geography or related field
• Internships and research projects: Common during both undergraduate and doctoral studies
• Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree in geography, social sciences, or equivalent
• Merits: Knowledge of GIS, statistics, and project management
• Tips for choosing: Focus on environmental, urban planning, or social geography for broader career options

Common benefits and compensations

For researchers in cultural geography, employment typically includes collective agreements with occupational pension schemes, extra vacation days, and wellness contributions. Opportunities for professional development through conferences and international collaborations are also common benefits, as well as flexible working hours and remote work to some extent.

Competition and challenges

Competition for research positions in cultural geography is relatively high, especially at universities and larger research institutes. Funding research projects can be challenging, requiring skills in writing grant applications and justifying the societal value of the research. High demands are also placed on scientific publishing and international visibility. Temporary project-based employment is common, which can make long-term job security difficult to achieve. Despite this, the profession attracts many due to the opportunity to influence societal development and contribute to important future issues.

Tips for those who want to become a researcher in cultural geography

To succeed as a researcher in cultural geography, it is helpful to combine analytical skills with a genuine interest in societal issues. Curiosity and perseverance aid in long-term research projects and data collection. Precision is crucial when handling large datasets and conducting scientific analysis, while communication skills facilitate presenting results and collaborating with various actors. Developing skills in GIS and statistics early on is also valuable, as these competencies are often in demand. Finally, building a strong network within academia and actively seeking international collaborations can broaden perspectives and enhance career opportunities.

Key facts about researchers in cultural geography

• Education level: Doctorate in cultural geography or related field
• Work environment: Universities, research institutes, public authorities
• Common work form: Project-based and interdisciplinary work
• Demand: 758 available jobs in 2024
• Special skills: GIS, statistics, and social analysis

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a researcher in cultural geography, there are good opportunities to advance to more senior roles such as project manager, lecturer, or research leader at universities. Other career options include working as an expert in urban planning, environmental analysis, or consultancy. Forecasts from the Employment Service show that demand for researchers and specialists in the humanities and social sciences remains stable, especially for those with advanced skills in GIS and sustainable development. The number of available jobs (758) indicates a relatively healthy job market for recent graduates and experienced researchers. Digitalization and increased requirements for social analysis are expected to strengthen the need for cultural geography expertise in the future.

Common questions about researchers in cultural geography

• What does a researcher in cultural geography earn?
  - The average salary for a researcher in cultural geography is 46 000 SEK per month.
• What are the gender differences in salary?
  - Men earn an average of 46 600 SEK and women 45 300 SEK per month, which means women earn 97% of men's salary.
• How does one become a researcher in cultural geography?
  - It usually requires a master's degree followed by a doctorate in cultural geography or a related field, along with experience in research projects.
• What are the most common workplaces?
  - Universities, research institutes, and public authorities are the most common employers.
• What are the key skills?
  - Skills in GIS, statistics, social analysis, and project management are especially valued.
• What are the future prospects?
  - The outlook is stable with 758 available jobs in the profession and increasing demand for specialists in social analysis and sustainability.
• Are there significant regional salary differences?
  - There is no available data on regional salary differences for researchers in cultural geography.