- Salary statistics
- Research assistant salary
Research assistant salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
35 800 - 50 500 SEK / month
Women earn 92% of what men do.
Administration, ekonomi
Related tools
Salary progression Research assistant
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 38 900 in 2023 and further to 40 000 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: 40 000 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 34,000 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 49,300 SEK/month
- Hourly wage (average): 234 SEK
- Men's average salary: 42 500 SEK/month
- Women's average salary: 39 000 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.
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 40 000 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.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 102% | 30700 kr | 31900 kr |
| 25-34 | 94% | 36500 kr | 37000 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 39400 kr | 39900 kr |
| 45-54 | 90% | 41700 kr | 42100 kr |
| 55-64 | 86% | 41000 kr | 41400 kr |
| 65-68 | 102% | 39700 kr | 40000 kr |
| Snitt | 92% | 39500 kr | 40000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 30400 kr | 31900 kr |
| 25-34 | 96% | 35300 kr | 35800 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 37500 kr | 37900 kr |
| 45-54 | 94% | 39000 kr | 39200 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 38600 kr | 38800 kr |
| 65-68 | 102% | 38500 kr | 38800 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 37500 kr | 37800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 30400 kr | 31900 kr |
| 25-34 | 96% | 35300 kr | 35800 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 37500 kr | 37900 kr |
| 45-54 | 94% | 39000 kr | 39200 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 38600 kr | 38800 kr |
| 65-68 | 102% | 38500 kr | 38800 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 37500 kr | 37800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 93% | 40300 kr | 41000 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 44300 kr | 45200 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 47900 kr | 48800 kr |
| 55-64 | 88% | 46500 kr | 47400 kr |
| Snitt | 93% | 44800 kr | 45600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 93% | 40300 kr | 41000 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 44300 kr | 45200 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 47900 kr | 48800 kr |
| 55-64 | 88% | 46500 kr | 47400 kr |
| Snitt | 93% | 44800 kr | 45600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 102% | 29700 kr | 31400 kr |
| 25-34 | 94% | 37900 kr | 38700 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 40700 kr | 41300 kr |
| 45-54 | 90% | 44600 kr | 45400 kr |
| 55-64 | 86% | 45500 kr | 46200 kr |
| 65-68 | 102% | 38700 kr | 39400 kr |
| Snitt | 92% | 41800 kr | 42500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 29700 kr | 31800 kr |
| 25-34 | 96% | 36000 kr | 36800 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 38300 kr | 38800 kr |
| 45-54 | 94% | 40600 kr | 41100 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 41400 kr | 41600 kr |
| 65-68 | 102% | 37500 kr | 38300 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 38600 kr | 39200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 29700 kr | 31800 kr |
| 25-34 | 96% | 36000 kr | 36800 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 38300 kr | 38800 kr |
| 45-54 | 94% | 40600 kr | 41100 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 41400 kr | 41600 kr |
| 65-68 | 102% | 37500 kr | 38300 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 38600 kr | 39200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 93% | 41900 kr | 42700 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 44700 kr | 45700 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 50000 kr | 51100 kr |
| 55-64 | 88% | 49600 kr | 50800 kr |
| Snitt | 93% | 46600 kr | 47600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 93% | 41900 kr | 42700 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 44700 kr | 45700 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 50000 kr | 51100 kr |
| 55-64 | 88% | 49600 kr | 50800 kr |
| Snitt | 93% | 46600 kr | 47600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 102% | 31000 kr | 32100 kr |
| 25-34 | 94% | 35900 kr | 36300 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 38900 kr | 39300 kr |
| 45-54 | 90% | 40500 kr | 40800 kr |
| 55-64 | 86% | 39400 kr | 39700 kr |
| 65-68 | 102% | 40200 kr | 40300 kr |
| Snitt | 92% | 38700 kr | 39000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 30700 kr | 31900 kr |
| 25-34 | 96% | 35000 kr | 35400 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 37300 kr | 37500 kr |
| 45-54 | 94% | 38500 kr | 38600 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 38000 kr | 38200 kr |
| 65-68 | 102% | 38900 kr | 38900 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 37100 kr | 37400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 100% | 30700 kr | 31900 kr |
| 25-34 | 96% | 35000 kr | 35400 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 37300 kr | 37500 kr |
| 45-54 | 94% | 38500 kr | 38600 kr |
| 55-64 | 92% | 38000 kr | 38200 kr |
| 65-68 | 102% | 38900 kr | 38900 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 37100 kr | 37400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 93% | 39300 kr | 39900 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 44100 kr | 44900 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 46500 kr | 47200 kr |
| 55-64 | 88% | 44100 kr | 44900 kr |
| Snitt | 93% | 43600 kr | 44300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 93% | 39300 kr | 39900 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 44100 kr | 44900 kr |
| 45-54 | 92% | 46500 kr | 47200 kr |
| 55-64 | 88% | 44100 kr | 44900 kr |
| Snitt | 93% | 43600 kr | 44300 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 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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