How much does a Scientists, zoology make

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  2. Scientists, zoology
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Scientists, zoology

39 200 kr

Plant and animal biologists

38 100 - 43 800 kr / month

Women earn 96% of what men do.

Naturvetenskapligt arbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Scientists, zoology

Average salary 39 200 kr
Males 39 900 kr
Females 38 400 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 2 Vacant jobs ->

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

A researcher in zoology studies animals' biology, behavior, ecology, and evolution. Tasks may include field studies, laboratory experiments, data collection, sample analysis, and publishing research results in scientific journals. Many zoology researchers collaborate with universities, authorities, or research institutes and are often involved in projects that contribute to increased understanding of habitats and conservation of species. The work environment varies between office work, laboratories, and fieldwork, sometimes involving travel to remote locations for data collection or animal observation in their natural habitats.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salaries for zoology researchers have shown a steady upward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 37,500 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 37 800 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary is 39 200 SEK, representing a total salary increase of approximately 4.5% over the period. This development can be linked to increased demand for specialized expertise in scientific research fields as well as general salary adjustments within academic professions. The market for zoology researchers is relatively small, which tends to result in moderate salary increases compared to some other natural science fields.

Researcher in zoology salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 39 200 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 38,100 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 43,800 SEK/month (men), 42,800 SEK/month (women)
  • Hourly wage: 236 SEK
  • Gender pay gap: Women earn 96% of men's salary (men: 39 900 SEK, women: 38 400 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as a researcher in zoology, a higher education degree in biology or related fields is usually required, often complemented with doctoral studies (PhD). The educational path includes both theoretical studies and practical components such as laboratories and fieldwork. Many employers also value experience in scientific publication and project management.

  • Bachelor's degree in biology or zoology (3 years)
  • Master's degree in biology or related field (2 years)
  • Doctoral degree (PhD) in zoology or biology (additional 4–5 years)
  • Internships, research assistant positions, or trainee programs
  • Good knowledge of statistics and scientific methods
  • Ability to communicate research in writing and orally

Zoology researchers often have the opportunity to combine their interest in animals with travel to unique environments worldwide, from rainforests to Arctic regions. This opens up collaborations with international research groups and can offer a global workday unlike many other professions.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Researchers in zoology are often covered by collective agreements, which include benefits such as occupational pension, insurance, wellness contributions, and generous vacation policies. At universities and colleges, support for conference travel, research grants, and sabbaticals may also be available. Flexible working hours are common, especially during fieldwork.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a zoology researcher is generally high, as the number of research positions is limited relative to the number of qualified applicants. Many researchers work on temporary contracts in project-based roles, which can create uncertainty about the duration of employment and future funding. Publishing pressure is high within academia, and researchers are often expected to seek their own research funding. Additionally, fieldwork under sometimes demanding and unpredictable conditions is required. Despite these challenges, the profession offers great freedom and opportunities for international collaboration for those engaged and adaptable.

Tips for aspiring zoology researchers

To succeed as a zoology researcher, it is beneficial to combine curiosity and perseverance with strong analytical skills. Early engagement in research projects or internships helps build experience and networks. Good teamwork skills are important, as many projects are conducted in teams and often across borders. The ability to communicate scientific results, both in writing and orally, facilitates career development. Being flexible and adaptable is essential, especially during fieldwork in varying conditions. Precision in data collection and analysis is a valuable trait. Finally, staying updated on new techniques and research methods is advantageous, as the field is constantly evolving.

Key facts about zoology researchers

  • Educational level: Doctoral or master's degree in biology/zoology
  • Work environment: Varies between laboratory, field, and office
  • Typical employment: Project-based or research position at university/institute
  • Demand: Limited number of permanent positions, but 143 job openings within the profession
  • Special skills: Scientific methods, statistics, fieldwork

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as a zoology researcher, opportunities exist to advance to more independent roles, such as project leader or research group supervisor. Many also choose to specialize further, for example in fauna conservation, ecology, or environmental monitoring. Combining research with teaching at universities is also common. The future job market outlook is difficult to assess, as the Swedish Public Employment Service does not provide a specific forecast for the profession due to limited data. However, currently, there are 143 job openings within the profession of plant and animal biologists, indicating some demand but also competition for the most attractive positions.

Frequently asked questions about zoology researchers

  • What does a researcher in zoology earn?
    - The average salary for a researcher in zoology is 39 200 SEK per month.
  • What are the gender differences in salary?
    - Women earn on average 96% of men's salaries in this profession.
  • What education is required to become a researcher in zoology?
    - Typically, a master's or doctoral degree in biology, zoology, or related fields is required.
  • Are there many job openings in the field?
    - Currently, there are 143 job openings within the profession of plant and animal biologists.
  • What work environments are common?
    - Work environments vary between laboratories, offices, and fieldwork.
  • How large is the salary variation?
    - The lowest salary is 38,100 SEK and the highest is 43,800 SEK (men) and 42,800 SEK (women).
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Analytical ability, curiosity, teamwork, and flexibility are key qualities.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-11 01:06:52

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Scientists, zoology is 43800 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 42800 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Scientists, zoology is 38100 kr. Both men and women in this profession have the same lowest salary and work in the Privately employed workers.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 35100 kr 35400 kr
35-44 38600 kr 38900 kr
45-54 42100 kr 42300 kr
55-64 43700 kr 44000 kr
Snitt 96% 38900 kr 39200 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 Scientists, zoology has the SSYK code 2132, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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