- Salary statistics
- Researcher, political science salary
Researcher, political science 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, political science
What does a researcher in political science do? – Tasks and work environment
A researcher in political science analyzes and investigates political systems, institutions, and processes at local, national, or international levels. Tasks often include planning and conducting scientific studies, collecting and processing data, and publishing research results in scientific journals or reports. Many political science researchers also teach at universities and participate in societal debates or provide advice to authorities and organizations. The work environment is characterized by high independence, a fast-paced intellectual rhythm, and extensive computer work, often in office or university settings.
Salary development over time
The salary for political science researchers has shown stable and positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,000 SEK per month, increasing to 46 000 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary reached 46 700 SEK per month, corresponding to an increase of about 7% over three years. This growth can partly be explained by increased competition for research funding, higher educational requirements, and a more qualified job market. The demand for researchers in social sciences, especially political science, has grown in line with societal issues and political analysis gaining greater importance in public debate and decision-making. The salary increase has been slightly higher than inflation and reflects the profession’s increased complexity and responsibility.
Political science researcher salary – complete 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 differences: Women earn 96% of what men do (47 500 SEK for men, 45 900 SEK for women)
- Regional differences: Data unavailable
Education and qualifications
The path to a career as a political science researcher involves a lengthy academic education, usually with a master's degree followed by doctoral studies and a PhD. In addition to formal degrees, experience in scientific work, strong analytical skills, and familiarity with scientific publishing are often required. Internships in research projects and international exchanges can be advantageous and increase employment opportunities.
- Master's degree in political science: 5 years (bachelor + master)
- PhD: 4–5 years after master's
- Research internship or assistant position: Recommended during or after studies
- Strong ability in scientific analysis and academic writing: Basic requirements
- International experience and networks: Meritorious
Many political science researchers are engaged not only in academic contexts but also contribute to societal debates, investigations, and political advising. This role often offers opportunities to influence important societal issues directly and bridge research and practice.
Common benefits and compensations
Researchers in political science are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowances, generous vacation conditions, and opportunities for research travel and international collaborations. Universities also provide professional development, flexible working hours, and access to research infrastructure. Additional allowances may be provided for participation in projects or assignments outside regular duties.
Competition and challenges
The competition for permanent positions as a political science researcher is high, especially within academia where the number of PhDs often exceeds available lecturer and professorship positions. Many start with temporary or project-based employment, which requires active pursuit of research funding. Challenges also include high demands for scientific publishing, international visibility, and the ability to communicate complex issues to different audiences. Success requires persistence and the ability to collaborate across disciplines.
Tips for aspiring political science researchers
To succeed as a political science researcher, it is important to combine curiosity with analytical ability and perseverance. Developing a habit of reading and writing scientific texts early, and participating in research projects during studies, is beneficial. Building international networks and applying for scholarships or exchanges can open doors to new research environments. Self-discipline greatly facilitates working on long-term projects and independent research, while communication skills help present results both within and outside academia. Flexibility and collaboration with researchers from other disciplines strengthen chances of success.
Key facts about Political Science Researchers
- Education level: Doctorate recommended
- Work environment: Universities, research institutes, and authorities
- Work form: Independent and project-based
- Demand: 758 available jobs in the profession
- Special skills: Advanced methodological knowledge and political analysis
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a political science researcher, opportunities open to advance to lecturer, associate professor, or research leader within universities and colleges. Other career paths include policy work within authorities, international organizations, or think tanks. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate continued good demand within social sciences, but competition for academic positions remains high. For those combining academic expertise with experience from the public sector or international contexts, the job market is broader, especially in policy development and analysis.
Common questions about Political Science Researchers
- What does a political science researcher earn?
- A researcher in political science has an average salary of 46 700 SEK per month. The highest salary is 52 100 SEK and the lowest 41 100 SEK. - How to become a political science researcher?
- The path involves a master's degree and doctoral studies in political science, often followed by postdoctoral positions. - Are there gender differences in salary?
- Yes, women earn approximately 96% of what men do within the profession. - What are the most common workplaces?
- Universities, colleges, research institutes, and government agencies are the main employers. - What is the job market like?
- There are 758 available jobs within the profession, but competition for permanent positions is high. - Is a doctorate necessary to become a researcher?
- A doctoral degree is usually a requirement for independent research and permanent employment as a researcher.
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, political science has the SSYK code 2623, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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