Image that illustrates Scientist, theology

Scientist, theology

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 Scientist, theology

Average salary 46 000 kr
Males 46 600 kr
Females 45 300 kr

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

A researcher in theology conducts advanced studies in religion, beliefs, and their impact on society and culture. Tasks often include conducting research projects, analyzing religious texts and traditions, publishing scholarly articles, and participating in conferences. Teaching at universities and supervising students are common activities. The work environment is mainly academic, focusing on libraries, archives, and digital databases, with work conducted both independently and in collaboration with colleagues within and outside the field.

Salary development over time

The salary for a researcher in theology has shown a steady increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,000 SEK per month, rising to 43 300 SEK in 2023 and reaching 46 000 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total increase of approximately 7% during the period, with the largest growth between 2023 and 2024. The salary development reflects an increased demand for humanities expertise and a general appreciation of academic positions. Regional variations may occur, but the national trend indicates a positive salary trend for the profession.

Researcher in theology 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: Women earn 97% of men's salary (men: 46 600 SEK, women: 45 300 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Some variation may occur based on workplace and university

Education and qualifications

To work as a researcher in theology, a solid academic education is required, usually a master's degree or PhD in theology or a related field. The educational path is long and includes both theoretical and methodological studies, often with international experience through exchanges or conferences. Knowledge of languages, especially classical and modern languages, is often advantageous for interpreting religious texts.

  • Master's degree in theology or religious studies (2 years after a bachelor's degree)
  • Doctorate (PhD) in theology or related field (4 years after master's)
  • Research school or international research exchanges
  • Knowledge of classical and modern languages
  • Courses in scientific methodology and academic writing

Researchers in theology often have the opportunity to work interdisciplinary, where collaborations with historians, philosophers, and social scientists contribute to new perspectives and research questions. This opens up exciting projects and allows for broader dissemination of research, both nationally and internationally.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Researchers in theology often enjoy benefits such as occupational pension, extra vacation days, and opportunities for professional development through conferences and research trips. Flexible working hours and the possibility of remote work are also common, especially at larger universities. Funding for research projects and access to international networks are also typical.

Competition and challenges

The competition for research positions in theology is relatively high, with many qualified applicants for a limited number of positions. Funding for research projects and the need to publish in international journals pose ongoing challenges. The demand for interdisciplinary competence is increasing, and researchers often need to combine theological expertise with knowledge of related disciplines. Uncertainty regarding long-term employment and dependence on external research funding can also affect working conditions.

Tips for those who want to become a researcher in theology

To succeed as a researcher in theology, it is good to combine analytical ability with perseverance and curiosity. Building a strong academic network during your studies can open doors to research projects and collaborations. A genuine interest in the role of religion in society and the ability to work independently are important qualities, especially for longer research projects. Developing language skills, both in classical and modern languages, provides advantages in text analysis and international collaborations. The ability to communicate research effectively, both in writing and orally, is crucial for sharing results. Finally, being flexible and open to interdisciplinary collaborations often leads to new insights and career opportunities.

Key facts about Researchers, theology

  • Education level: Doctorate in theology or religious studies
  • Work environment: Academic, often at universities or research institutes
  • Typical employment: Permanent or project-based employment
  • Demand: 758 available jobs within the profession
  • Special skills: Language skills and scientific methodology

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a researcher in theology, career development can lead to more specialized research projects, leadership roles within research groups, or university teaching. Opportunities also exist to work internationally or engage in interdisciplinary collaborations. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the future outlook is stable, with 758 available jobs in the profession over the past year. The need for qualified researchers is expected to remain, especially within academia and larger research institutes. However, development is influenced by access to research funding and university investments in the humanities.

Frequently asked questions about Researchers, theology

  • What does a researcher in theology earn?
    - The average salary is 46 000 SEK per month, with variations between 41,100 and 52,100 SEK depending on experience and sector.
  • What are the gender differences in salary for researchers in theology?
    - Women earn on average 97% of what men do in the profession.
  • What education is required to become a researcher in theology?
    - A doctorate (PhD) in theology or a related field is required in most cases.
  • Are there many job openings for researchers in theology?
    - Currently, there are 758 available jobs within the profession according to the latest statistics.
  • What is the most common work environment for researchers in theology?
    - The work is mainly conducted at universities and research institutes, often in an academic environment.
  • How has the salary development progressed over time?
    - Salaries have increased by approximately 7% over the past three years, with the largest increase between 2023 and 2024.
  • What personal qualities are important for the profession?
    - Analytical ability, perseverance, curiosity, and good communication skills are central qualities.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Scientist, theology 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 Scientist, theology 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
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 Scientist, theology has the SSYK code 2623, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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