How much does a Researchers, medicines make

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Researchers, medicines

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 Researchers, medicines

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 pharmaceuticals do? – Tasks and work environment

A researcher in pharmaceuticals works on developing, analyzing, and improving medicines and medical products. Tasks often include laboratory work, planning and conducting experiments, data collection, and evaluating results. Documentation for regulatory purposes and collaboration with experts in pharmacology, toxicology, and clinical trials are also common. The work environment is usually laboratory-based with high demands for accuracy, safety, and documentation, but researchers may also participate in international collaborations and present their findings at conferences.

Salary development over time

The profession of a researcher in pharmaceuticals has experienced clear salary growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 59,400 SEK per month, rising to 56 100 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has increased significantly to 65 600 SEK per month, representing a salary increase of about 17 % from the previous year. This positive trend can partly be explained by increased demand for qualified researchers in the rapidly growing pharmaceutical industry, as well as a focus on advanced research and innovation. Competition for well-educated personnel in biomedical research has also contributed to rising salary levels. The trend indicates that the profession continues to be highly valued by employers, especially in the private sector.

Researcher in pharmaceuticals salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 65 600 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 40,500 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 76,400 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 395 SEK
  • Women earn: 88 % of men's salary (63 600 SEK/month for women, 72 200 SEK/month for men)
  • Regional differences: No data available

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a researcher in pharmaceuticals typically involves a long university education in science, often with specialization in pharmacology, chemistry, biomedicine, or similar fields. After a bachelor's degree, doctoral studies are usually required, often including international experience and specialized courses. Practical laboratory experience and involvement in research projects are crucial for success in the role.

  • Master's or bachelor's degree in pharmacology, chemistry, or biomedicine (5 years)
  • Doctorate (PhD) in a relevant field (additional 4–5 years)
  • Internships or trainee programs in the pharmaceutical industry or academia
  • Prerequisites: Science foundation courses, mathematics, biology, and chemistry
  • Further education: Courses in statistics, regulatory processes, and project management

Researchers in pharmaceuticals often work in interdisciplinary teams where communication and collaboration with experts from various fields are essential. Many projects also involve international cooperation, providing great opportunities for networking and exchanges abroad.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Researchers in pharmaceuticals are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness contributions, extra vacation days, and opportunities for skills development. Some employers also provide bonus schemes, flexible working hours, and access to modern laboratories and equipment. The extent of benefits varies depending on the employer and employment type.

Competition and challenges

The profession of a researcher in pharmaceuticals is attractive, but competition for the most qualified positions is high. Requirements for formal education and experience are extensive, and the job market is influenced by economic fluctuations and research funding. Challenges include long project cycles, high responsibility for results, and the need to continuously update knowledge in rapidly evolving research fields. Success requires perseverance, precision, and teamwork skills. Despite these challenges, there are good opportunities for those with the right skills and commitment.

Tips for aspiring researchers in pharmaceuticals

To succeed as a researcher in pharmaceuticals, being curious, analytical, and solution-oriented is beneficial. Building a strong foundation in science during high school increases the chances of further studies. It is also wise to seek summer jobs or internships in laboratory environments to gain practical experience and network in the industry. Being meticulous and methodical helps with experiments and documentation, while an interest in collaboration fosters development in teams and international projects. Flexibility and patience are important qualities, as research results often require long-term dedication. Keeping up with the latest research and taking relevant courses provides an advantage when applying for jobs.

Key facts about researchers in pharmaceuticals

  • Educational level: Usually a PhD
  • Work environment: Laboratory-based, often international
  • Typical employment: Full-time, project-based
  • Demand: 143 available jobs in Sweden (2024)
  • Special skills: Advanced laboratory techniques and regulatory knowledge

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a researcher in pharmaceuticals can advance to leadership roles such as project manager, senior researcher, or specialist in areas like clinical trials or regulatory affairs. It is also common to transition into the pharmaceutical industry, biotech companies, or government agencies. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, there is no detailed assessment for this specific role, but the industry is characterized by high demand for qualified personnel, as indicated by the 143 available positions in the field. Digitalization, new treatment methods, and increased globalization are expected to continue driving the need for skilled researchers in the future.

Common questions about researchers in pharmaceuticals

  • What is the salary of a researcher in pharmaceuticals?
    - The average salary is 65 600 SEK/month, but it varies between 40,500 SEK and 76,400 SEK depending on experience, gender, and employer.
  • Are there significant salary differences between genders?
    - Yes, women earn on average 88 % of men's salaries within the profession.
  • What education is required to become a researcher in pharmaceuticals?
    - Usually a master's degree followed by a doctorate in pharmacology, chemistry, biomedicine, or similar fields.
  • What is the job market like?
    - There are 143 available jobs in the profession, but competition for qualified positions is high.
  • What tasks does a researcher in pharmaceuticals perform?
    - Main tasks include drug development, laboratory work, analysis, and documentation.
  • What benefits are offered in this profession?
    - Common benefits include occupational pension, wellness contributions, flexible working hours, and skills development.
  • Are there regional salary differences?
    - No data available about regional differences for this profession.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-11 03:11:23

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Researchers, medicines 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 Researchers, medicines 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
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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, medicines has the SSYK code 2133, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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