- Salary statistics
- Researcher, horticulture salary
Researcher, horticulture salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
36 200 - 48 300 SEK / month
Women earn 91% of what men do.
Naturbruk
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Salary progression Researcher, horticulture
What does a researcher in horticultural science do? – Tasks and work environment
Researchers in horticultural science develop knowledge about cultivation, plant breeding, and sustainable solutions for garden production. Tasks often include planning and conducting experiments, data collection, analysis, and publishing research findings. Many researchers collaborate with universities, research institutes, or companies within the food and horticulture industries. The work environment varies between laboratories, greenhouses, field studies, and office work, where advanced technology and modern analysis methods are common. The work is often project-based and can involve both independent work and collaboration in interdisciplinary teams.
Salary development over time
The salary for researchers in horticultural science has shown a clear increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,300 SEK, rising to 45 700 SEK in 2023 and further to 44 900 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total increase of approximately 13.4% over the period. The fastest salary increase was observed between 2022 and 2023, which may be explained by increased demand for research expertise in sustainability and food production. The salary development has since stabilized, reflecting a maturing of the profession and possibly a more balanced supply of qualified labor. Market demands for specialization and technical skills continue to keep salaries competitive.
Researcher in horticultural science salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 44 900 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 34,400 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 49,300 SEK/month
- Hourly wage: 275 SEK
- Gender differences: Men: 47 600 SEK, Women: 43 400 SEK (women earn 91% of what men do)
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
To work as a researcher in horticultural science, a university degree in biology, agronomy, or horticultural science is usually required. Many researchers hold a master's or doctoral degree, often combined with practical experience in laboratory and fieldwork. Specialized courses and certifications in plant biology, statistics, or biotechnology are advantageous, as is international experience and publication of scientific articles.
- Formal degree: Master's or doctoral degree in horticultural science, biology, or agronomy (5–8 years)
- Internship/trainee: Internship within research projects or at research institutes
- Certifications: Courses in statistics, plant biology, or laboratory techniques
- Prerequisites: Science-oriented upper secondary education recommended
- Tips for choosing: Engagement in research-related student projects during studies
Researchers in horticultural science contribute not only to new knowledge about plants and cultivation systems but also to the development of sustainable societies and climate-adapted crops. The profession offers opportunities to work internationally and network with researchers worldwide. Creativity and curiosity are important drivers in everyday work.
Common benefits and compensations
Researchers in horticultural science are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness contributions, and generous vacation policies. Many employers also provide opportunities for skills development, participation in international conferences, and flexible working hours to facilitate work-life balance.
Competition and challenges
Competition for positions as researchers in horticultural science can be high, especially for permanent positions at universities and research institutes. Since the profession often requires advanced education and documented research output, continuous skill development is important. Limited research funding and project-based financing can create job security uncertainties. At the same time, the profession demands the ability to handle complex projects and collaborate across disciplines, which requires both independence and teamwork. For those wishing to work in the private sector, opportunities exist in consulting, product development, and advisory services, but specialized knowledge and experience are crucial for success.
Tips for aspiring researchers in horticultural science
To succeed as a researcher in horticultural science, it is good to have a curious mindset and a genuine interest in scientific questions. Being analytical helps in planning and interpreting research data, while perseverance is key to completing projects despite setbacks. Active participation in research networks and conferences opens doors to new collaborations and ideas. The ability to communicate clearly, both in writing and orally, is valuable for publishing and presenting results. Creativity helps in finding innovative solutions to complex problems, and teamwork skills are essential when working in interdisciplinary teams. Finally, early internships and participation in student projects are recommended to gain experience and build contacts in the field.
Key facts about Researchers in horticultural science
- Education level: Master's or doctoral degree recommended
- Work environment: Laboratories, greenhouses, field studies, and offices
- Typical employment: Project-based or permanent positions at universities/research institutes
- Demand: 360 available jobs within the profession (2024)
- Specialized knowledge: Plant biology, statistics, sustainability
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a researcher in horticultural science, it is common to advance to project manager for larger research projects or to take on roles as research assistants supervising doctoral students. Those interested in academia may pursue university teaching, while others choose roles as advisors or consultants in the private sector. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service forecasts, no specific assessment is made for this profession due to limited data, but the overall outlook for specialists and advisors in agriculture is relatively stable. With 360 available jobs within the profession, there are good opportunities for employment, especially for those combining research skills with expertise in sustainability and innovation.
Common questions about Researchers in horticultural science
- What does a researcher in horticultural science earn?
- The average salary is 44 900 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience and employer. - What education is required to become a researcher in horticultural science?
- A master's or doctoral degree in horticultural science, biology, or agronomy is recommended. - Are there salary differences between women and men?
- Yes, women earn on average 43 400 SEK while men earn 47 600 SEK, which means women earn 91% of men's salaries in the profession. - What work environments are common for researchers in horticultural science?
- Laboratories, greenhouses, field studies, and office environments are common workplaces. - What are the future prospects for the profession?
- The forecast is stable with 360 available jobs within the profession, but no specific assessment exists due to limited data. - What is the highest and lowest salary for the profession?
- The highest salary is 49,300 SEK and the lowest is 34,400 SEK. - What personal qualities are important for the profession?
- Curiosity, analytical ability, perseverance, and teamwork are important qualities for success.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 39300 kr | 40400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 42600 kr | 44000 kr | |
| 45-54 | 47000 kr | 48000 kr | |
| 55-64 | 45300 kr | 46000 kr | |
| Snitt | 91% | 43900 kr | 44900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 37500 kr | 37700 kr |
| 35-44 | 103% | 41300 kr | 41600 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 44600 kr | 44700 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 44800 kr | 44900 kr |
| 65-68 | 42300 kr | 42300 kr | |
| Snitt | 99% | 42600 kr | 42800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 37500 kr | 37700 kr |
| 35-44 | 103% | 41300 kr | 41600 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 44600 kr | 44700 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 44800 kr | 44900 kr |
| 65-68 | 42300 kr | 42300 kr | |
| Snitt | 99% | 42600 kr | 42800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 39500 kr | 40800 kr | |
| 35-44 | 43000 kr | 44700 kr | |
| 45-54 | 47800 kr | 49100 kr | |
| Snitt | 90% | 44100 kr | 45400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 39500 kr | 40800 kr | |
| 35-44 | 43000 kr | 44700 kr | |
| 45-54 | 47800 kr | 49100 kr | |
| Snitt | 90% | 44100 kr | 45400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 91% | 45700 kr | 47600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 38700 kr | 38700 kr |
| 35-44 | 103% | 40300 kr | 40700 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 44100 kr | 44300 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 44800 kr | 44800 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 42900 kr | 43100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 38700 kr | 38700 kr |
| 35-44 | 103% | 40300 kr | 40700 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 44100 kr | 44300 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 44800 kr | 44800 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 42900 kr | 43100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 90% | 46100 kr | 48300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 90% | 46100 kr | 48300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 41800 kr | 42400 kr | |
| 45-54 | 47300 kr | 48200 kr | |
| Snitt | 91% | 42900 kr | 43400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 37300 kr | 37600 kr |
| 35-44 | 103% | 41600 kr | 41900 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 44800 kr | 44900 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 44700 kr | 45000 kr |
| 65-68 | 41400 kr | 41500 kr | |
| Snitt | 99% | 42600 kr | 42800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 37300 kr | 37600 kr |
| 35-44 | 103% | 41600 kr | 41900 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 44800 kr | 44900 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 44700 kr | 45000 kr |
| 65-68 | 41400 kr | 41500 kr | |
| Snitt | 99% | 42600 kr | 42800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 90% | 42900 kr | 43600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 90% | 42900 kr | 43600 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, horticulture has the SSYK code 2134, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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