How much does a Research assistant make

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  2. Research assistant
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Research assistant

38 900 kr

Other administrators

34 000 - 49 300 kr / month

Women earn 92% of what men do.

Administration, ekonomi

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Research assistant

Average salary 38 900 kr
Males 41 500 kr
Females 38 000 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 43 Vacant jobs ->

What does a research assistant do? – tasks and work environment

A research assistant works closely with researchers and project managers within academia, government agencies, or industry to assist in various research projects. Daily tasks may include data collection and processing, literature searches, documenting research findings, and providing practical support during experiments and field studies. The work environment varies depending on the research area but is often located in laboratories, offices, or in the field. The role requires a high degree of precision, responsibility, and the ability to work both independently and in teams.

Salary development over time

The salary for a research assistant has increased steadily in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,100 SEK per month, which increased to 37 200 in 2023 and further to 38 900 in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 7.8% over three years. This trend indicates a positive development, although the salary increase has been slightly higher than inflation during the same period. Factors driving this include increased competition for qualified personnel, higher educational requirements, and a certain shortage of specialized skills in some research fields. Despite this, the salary level remains relatively stable and follows the general trend for similar professional roles within research and administration.

Research assistant salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 38 900 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 34,000 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 49,300 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 234 SEK
  • Men's average salary: 41 500 SEK/month
  • Women's average salary: 38 000 SEK/month
  • Gender pay gap: Women earn 92% of men's salary

Education and qualifications

To work as a research assistant, a minimum of a high school diploma with a focus on natural sciences, social sciences, or technology is usually required. Many employers prefer applicants who have started or completed university studies in a relevant field. Practical experience from laboratory work, data collection, or project administration is often advantageous and may sometimes weigh more than formal education.

  • Formal education: High school diploma, often supplemented with university courses (1–3 years)
  • Internships: Laboratory or project internships are advantageous
  • Certifications: Basic courses in statistics, data management, or laboratory techniques
  • Prerequisites: Good knowledge of Swedish and English, and IT skills
  • Tip: Engage in research projects during your studies to build experience and networks

Many research assistants get the opportunity to work interdisciplinary and connect with experts from very different fields. This breadth often provides a unique insight into both academic and practical research and can open doors for further careers in industry and public sector.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

As a research assistant, benefits such as flexible working hours, wellness allowances, and opportunities for skill development through courses or conferences are often offered. Some employers may also provide subsidized lunch, extra vacation days, or pension contributions beyond the collective agreement.

Competition and challenges

The job market for research assistants is characterized by moderate competition and a balanced recruitment situation. There are 758 available jobs in the category of other officers, which includes research assistants. Over five years, demand is expected to decrease somewhat, partly due to technological development and increased automation of routine tasks. Challenges may also arise from project-based employment and uncertainty about research funding. To stand out in the job market, relevant education, good collaboration skills, and a willingness to learn new things are important.

Tips for those who want to become a research assistant

To succeed as a research assistant, it is beneficial to be analytical and meticulous, which facilitates data collection and processing. Engagement and curiosity are important qualities, especially when it comes to taking initiative and contributing to project development. Building a strong network during your studies and actively seeking internships or part-time research jobs is recommended. Developing good communication skills is an advantage, as the role often involves collaboration with different professional groups. Flexibility and the ability to quickly familiarize yourself with new tasks are highly valued. Staying updated on relevant methods and digital tools also increases employment chances. Finally, a positive attitude toward contributing to the research environment and working toward common goals is appreciated.

Key facts about research assistants

  • Education level: High school diploma to bachelor's degree
  • Typical employment type: Project-based or fixed-term employment
  • Work environment: Laboratory, office, or fieldwork
  • Demand: Moderate, but decreasing over five years
  • Special skills: Data analysis, laboratory techniques, statistics

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience as a research assistant, career development can lead to more qualified roles such as research coordinator, project manager, or specialist in areas like data analysis or laboratory operations. Many also choose to pursue further education, such as a master's or postgraduate degree, which opens opportunities for doctoral studies or expert roles in industry. According to the Employment Service's forecast for the category of other officers, the current job opportunities are moderate, but demand is expected to decline slightly over five years due to automation and efficiency improvements. Nonetheless, there remains a continued need for individuals with specialist skills and experience from research environments, especially within rapidly growing technology sectors.

Frequently asked questions about research assistants

  • What does a research assistant earn?
    - The average salary is 38 900 SEK per month. The salary varies depending on experience, education, and employer.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 92% of what men do in the profession.
  • What education is required to become a research assistant?
    - At least a high school diploma, often supplemented with university courses. Practical experience is advantageous.
  • What are the future prospects for research assistants?
    - Job opportunities are moderate today but are expected to decrease slightly over five years according to the Employment Service.
  • What tasks does a research assistant perform?
    - Data collection and analysis, literature searches, documentation of research results, and support during experiments.
  • What benefits are common?
    - Flexible working hours, wellness benefits, and opportunities for skill development are common benefits.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-11 01:37:45

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Research assistant is 49300 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 47700 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Research assistant is 34000 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 35500 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 99% 29900 kr 30500 kr
25-34 95% 35500 kr 36000 kr
35-44 94% 38600 kr 39100 kr
45-54 90% 40600 kr 41000 kr
55-64 86% 40200 kr 40600 kr
65-68 94% 38500 kr 38900 kr
Snitt 92% 38500 kr 38900 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 Research assistant has the SSYK code 3359, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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