- Salary statistics
- Researcher, jurisprudence
Researcher, jurisprudence
41 100 - 52 100 kr / month
Women earn 97% of what men do.
Administration, ekonomi
Salary progression Researcher, jurisprudence
What does a researcher in legal science do? – Tasks and work environment
A researcher in legal science dedicates themselves to analyzing and interpreting laws, legal principles, and judicial systems. The work often involves conducting in-depth studies on legal issues, publishing academic articles, and participating in conferences. Many researchers collaborate closely with universities, authorities, or international organizations to develop new knowledge and contribute to societal debates. The work environment is generally academic and characterized by independent work, but can also include supervising students and participating in research projects with colleagues.
Salary development over time
The salary for researchers in legal science has shown a steady upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,000 SEK per month, increasing to 43 300 SEK in 2023 and further to 46 000 SEK in 2024. This represents a total salary increase of about 7% over the period, with the largest raise between 2023 and 2024. The development can be explained by increased demand for legal expertise and a greater focus on research related to legal security and societal changes. A high level of education and specialization also contribute to maintaining a high salary level compared to other academic professions.
Researcher in legal science salary – complete 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 (average): 277 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 97% of what men do
- Regional differences: Salary levels may vary between different regions and universities
Education and qualifications
To work as a researcher in legal science, a long academic education is required, often a law degree followed by advanced postgraduate studies. Specialization within legal science and experience in scientific work are important to be competitive in the job market. Many researchers also have practical experience or work within the legal sector.
- Formal degree: Law degree (4.5 years) followed by postgraduate studies (4 years)
- Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies and specific legal qualifications
- Internship/trainee: Recommended during or after studies
- Certifications/courses: Specialized courses in legal science, ethics, and methodology
- Tips for choosing: Select specialization based on interest areas, e.g., criminal law, civil law, or international law
It is common for researchers in legal science to engage in international collaborations and participate in exchanges with universities worldwide. Such experiences can open doors to new perspectives and research opportunities, often contributing to a broader understanding of legal issues in a global context.
Common benefits and compensations
Researchers in legal science are often offered generous vacation benefits, flexible working hours, and opportunities for remote work. Many employers also provide access to research resources, conference participation, and further training. Occupational pension schemes and wellness allowances are common, especially within the public sector and at Swedish universities.
Competition and challenges
The competition for research positions in legal science is high, especially at established universities and research institutes. Many PhDs seek the same positions, which requires strong academic merits and published research. Funding for research projects can also be challenging, as well as balancing research with teaching and administration. The ability to collaborate internationally and handle ethical issues are important factors for success in the profession.
Tips for those aspiring to become researchers in legal science
To succeed as a researcher in legal science, it is good to be analytical and have a genuine interest in the role of law in society. Being precise and methodical helps with collecting and analyzing legal data, while strong communication skills facilitate teaching and publishing research. Building networks within academia early on and participating in international collaborations provide valuable contacts and insights. Persistence is crucial, as the research process is often long and demanding, but openness to new perspectives and research areas is also beneficial. Finally, the ability to work independently and take responsibility for projects is an important trait for those aiming for a career as a researcher in legal science.
Key facts about researchers in legal science
- Education level: Law degree and postgraduate studies
- Typical work setting: Academic research at universities
- Demand: 758 job openings within the field according to current statistics
- Special skills: Legal analysis, scientific methodology
- Work environment: Independent work with international elements
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a researcher in legal science, career development may lead to more advanced research positions, lectureships, or professorships. Other possible paths include working as a legal expert within government agencies, international organizations, or private research institutes. Forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicate that demand remains stable, especially for those with specialization in new legal areas and experience in international projects. The opportunity to combine research with teaching or legal consultancy creates a broad job market and good future prospects for qualified candidates.
Frequently asked questions about researchers in legal science
- What does a researcher in legal science earn?
- The average salary is 46 000 SEK per month, with variation between 41,100 and 52,100 SEK depending on experience and employer. - How has the salary development for researchers in legal science looked over time?
- Salaries have increased from 43,000 SEK in 2022 to 46 000 SEK in 2024, which corresponds to an increase of about 7% over three years. - What education is required to become a researcher in legal science?
- A law degree (4.5 years) and postgraduate studies (about 4 years) are required, often with specialization within legal science. - Are there gender differences in salary within the profession?
- Yes, women earn on average 97% of what men do within the profession. - What benefits are common for researchers in legal science?
- Benefits often include generous vacation, flexible working hours, research resources, and further training. - How does the job market look for researchers in legal science?
- There are approximately 758 job openings, and demand is stable according to the Swedish Public Employment Service.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 38500 kr | 38600 kr | |
| 35-44 | 101% | 45600 kr | 45800 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 47200 kr | 47300 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 47300 kr | 47300 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 45900 kr | 46000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 103% | 40200 kr | 40300 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 46000 kr | 46300 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 47600 kr | 47700 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 49500 kr | 49500 kr |
| 65-68 | 96% | 48400 kr | 48400 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 46600 kr | 46700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 103% | 40200 kr | 40300 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 46000 kr | 46300 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 47600 kr | 47700 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 49500 kr | 49500 kr |
| 65-68 | 96% | 48400 kr | 48400 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 46600 kr | 46700 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 | 101% | 45400 kr | 45700 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 46900 kr | 47000 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 49200 kr | 49200 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 46500 kr | 46600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 103% | 39400 kr | 39500 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 46000 kr | 46400 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 48100 kr | 48100 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 51400 kr | 51500 kr |
| 65-68 | 96% | 49300 kr | 49300 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 47100 kr | 47300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 103% | 39400 kr | 39500 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 46000 kr | 46400 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 48100 kr | 48100 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 51400 kr | 51500 kr |
| 65-68 | 96% | 49300 kr | 49300 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 47100 kr | 47300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 45800 kr | 45800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 45800 kr | 45800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 101% | 45900 kr | 46000 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 47500 kr | 47600 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 44700 kr | 44700 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 45200 kr | 45300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 103% | 40800 kr | 40800 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 46100 kr | 46200 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 47300 kr | 47400 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 47500 kr | 47500 kr |
| 65-68 | 96% | 47200 kr | 47200 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 46100 kr | 46200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 103% | 40800 kr | 40800 kr |
| 35-44 | 100% | 46100 kr | 46200 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 47300 kr | 47400 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 47500 kr | 47500 kr |
| 65-68 | 96% | 47200 kr | 47200 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 46100 kr | 46200 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, jurisprudence has the SSYK code 2623, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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