How much does a Researcher, sociology make

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  2. Researcher, sociology
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Researcher, sociology

46 000 kr

Archaeologists and specialists in humanities etc.

41 100 - 52 100 kr / month

Women earn 97% of what men do.

Administration, ekonomi

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Researcher, sociology

Average salary 46 000 kr
Males 46 600 kr
Females 45 300 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 6 Vacant jobs ->

What does a sociologist researcher do? – Tasks and work environment

A sociologist researcher analyzes and interprets social processes, societal structures, and human behavior. Tasks include planning and conducting empirical studies, collecting and processing data, and publishing research results in scientific journals. Many sociologists collaborate on interdisciplinary projects and participate in conferences both nationally and internationally. The work environment is often academic, with employment at universities, colleges, or research institutes, but government agencies and organizations can also be employers. The work is characterized by freedom but also high demands for independence and analytical skills.

Salary development over time

The salary for sociologist researchers has shown a clear positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,000 SEK, increasing in the following year to 43 300 SEK, which is an increase of just over 0.7%. Between 2023 and 2024, the average salary increased significantly more, from 43 300 SEK to 46 000 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 6.2%. This salary growth can partly be explained by increased demand for research expertise and more projects being externally funded, which drives up salaries in certain segments. The profession still features relatively small gender pay gaps, although women earn slightly less on average than men. The salary development also reflects increased competition for qualified social science researchers.

Sociologist researcher 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: 277 SEK
  • Gender differences: Men 46 600 SEK, women 45 300 SEK (women 97% of men's salary)
  • Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a sociologist researcher, a solid academic education is usually required, often at the doctoral level. The path begins with a bachelor's degree in sociology or related fields, followed by master's or postgraduate studies and then doctoral training. Practical experience in research projects and methodological skills are crucial, and many employers also value international experience or participation in large research collaborations.

  • Bachelor's degree in sociology: 3 years
  • Master's or postgraduate degree: an additional 1–2 years
  • Doctoral training: 4 years (research education)
  • Internship or traineeship: often within education or research projects
  • Courses in quantitative and qualitative methods: recommended

Many sociologist researchers work interdisciplinary and collaborate with psychologists, political scientists, and economists. This provides opportunities to influence societal development broadly and contribute to solutions for complex social issues.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

For sociologist researchers, flexible working hours, remote work options, generous vacation, and professional development through conferences and courses are often included. Research grants and access to international networks are also common, along with pension schemes and insurance according to collective agreements.

Competition and challenges

The job market for sociologist researchers is characterized by fierce competition for research positions, especially within academia where the number of permanent jobs is limited. Many positions are project-based and depend on external funding, which can lead to employment insecurity. Challenges also include publishing research results in high-ranking journals and seeking research funding. Digitalization has changed working methods and requires new skills in data management and analysis. At the same time, there is an increasing need to communicate research to a broader public and decision-makers.

Tips for those who want to become sociologist researchers

To succeed as a sociologist researcher, it is good to combine curiosity with perseverance and analytical skills. Engaging early in research projects and networking within academia can provide valuable experience and contacts. Precision and the ability to work independently are crucial, especially during data collection and analysis. Communication skills facilitate collaboration and dissemination of research results, while flexibility makes it easier to handle changing project conditions. Staying updated on current social issues and methodological developments also provides a competitive advantage.

Key facts about sociologist researchers

  • Educational level: Doctoral or master's degree
  • Work environment: Academic institutions and research institutes
  • Work style: Project-based and independent
  • Demand: 758 job openings in the field
  • Special skills: Advanced data analysis methods and social science theory

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a sociologist researcher, many advance to roles such as project leader for larger research projects, supervisor for doctoral students, or department head. It is also common to move into research administration or work with policy development within government agencies and organizations. The employment service assesses that the demand for qualified social science researchers remains good, especially for those with international experience and broad methodological skills. The number of job openings in the field is currently 758, indicating a stable job market, although competition for permanent academic positions remains high.

Frequently asked questions about sociologist researchers

  • What does a sociologist researcher earn?
    - The average salary is 46 000 SEK per month, but it varies depending on experience and employer.
  • What education is required to become a sociologist researcher?
    - Usually, a master's or doctoral degree in sociology or related fields is necessary.
  • Are there gender pay gaps?
    - Yes, women earn on average 97% of what men do in the profession.
  • What does the job market look like for sociologist researchers?
    - Currently, there are 758 job openings, but competition for permanent positions is high.
  • What are the most common workplaces?
    - Universities, research institutes, and government agencies are typical employers.
  • How wide is the salary range?
    - The lowest salary is 41,100 SEK and the highest is 52,100 SEK per month, depending on experience and sector.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Analytical ability, independence, communication skills, and perseverance are essential qualities.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-11 00:56:10

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Researcher, sociology is 52100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a data missing. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 50700 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Researcher, sociology is 41100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 42000 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's 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
* 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 Researcher, sociology has the SSYK code 2623, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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