Physicist salary

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Physicist salary

53 100 SEK

Physicists and astronomers

Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.

44 500 - 61 000 SEK / month

Women earn 93% of what men do.

Naturvetenskapligt arbete

Average salary 53 100 SEK/month Monthly gross salary
Salary range 44 500 - 61 000 SEK Latest available range Data year 2025 Latest published dataset

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Calculate take-home pay for Physicist 53 100 SEK/month prefilled Calculate gross salary for Physicist Start from net pay More salary pages Browse more roles Open jobs for Physicist 24 matching jobs in Naturvetenskapligt arbete

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Salary trend About the role What does a physicist do? – Tasks and work environment Salary development over time Physicist salary – complete overview Open jobs Related occupations About the data FAQ

Salary progression Physicist

Average salary 53 100 kr
Males 54 200 kr
Females 50 300 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 24 Vacant jobs ->

What does a physicist do? – Tasks and work environment

Physicists study the fundamental properties of matter and energy, as well as the interaction between natural laws. Job tasks vary greatly depending on specialization and workplace; from theoretical research at universities and research institutes to applied physics in industry, medical technology, or engineering consulting firms. Many physicists are involved in experimental projects, data collection, advanced analysis, and mathematical modeling. Collaboration across disciplines is common, with teamwork being central. The work environment can be laboratory-based, office-based, or fieldwork, depending on the project and employer.

Salary development over time

The salary for physicists has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 48,500 SEK per month, rising to 49300 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary continues to rise and now stands at 53 100 SEK. This represents a total increase of approximately 6.2% over three years. Factors driving salary growth include increased demand for advanced technical skills, especially in applied research and development, and a generally high level of education among professional physicists. The job market values expertise in fields such as medical physics, energy, and materials technology, contributing to salary increases in line with technological advances and societal needs for qualified science professionals.

Physicist salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 53 100 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 41,600 SEK/month (female, private sector worker, less than 3 years post-secondary education)
  • Highest salary: 58,500 SEK/month (male, municipal sector, doctoral degree)
  • Hourly wage: 310 SEK
  • Women/men: Women earn 50 300 SEK, men 54 200 SEK (women earn 93% of men's salaries)
  • Regional differences: No data available on regional salary differences for the profession

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a physicist typically involves university studies in physics, often with a focus on theoretical or experimental physics. A master's degree is a standard requirement for most positions, while doctoral studies (PhD) are often necessary for research or advanced development roles. Besides formal degrees, analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience in project work are highly valued.

  • University degree: Bachelor's (3 years) followed by master's (2 years) in physics or related field
  • Research education: Doctorate (PhD) required for research and university careers
  • Internships: Projects and internships in research or industry are recommended
  • Courses: Specialized courses in applied physics, programming, statistics, and mathematics are advantageous
  • Prerequisites: Science-oriented upper secondary education with emphasis on mathematics and physics

The physics profession attracts individuals curious about the mysteries of the universe, but also offers opportunities to work with cutting-edge technology in areas such as medicine, energy, and computer science. Interdisciplinary skills are often crucial for success in the role.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Typical benefits for physicists include flexible working hours, remote work options, professional development through courses and conferences, as well as access to advanced equipment and research resources. Pension schemes, wellness allowances, and generous vacation policies are also common, especially in academia and the public sector.

Competition and challenges

Competition for attractive positions in physics varies by specialization and sector. Academic and research positions are often highly sought after and require both high formal qualifications and research credentials. In industry, there is a greater need for applied skills and project experience, opening opportunities for physicists with broad technical backgrounds. A challenge for many is translating theoretical knowledge into practical solutions and staying current in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Limited availability of positions in certain specialized fields may require geographical mobility or competition from international candidates.

Tips for aspiring physicists

To succeed as a physicist, it is beneficial to have strong analytical skills and a genuine curiosity about how the universe works. Developing mathematical and problem-solving skills early on provides a solid foundation for higher studies. Engaging in internships or project work helps gain insight into practical applications of theory. Communication skills are important, especially when presenting research findings to both specialists and the public. Collaboration in interdisciplinary teams requires attentiveness and openness to new perspectives. Persistence and precision are crucial, as many projects have long time horizons. Finally, a passion for lifelong learning is essential, as the field of physics is constantly evolving and requires ongoing skill development.

Key facts about physicists

  • Salary range: 41,600–58,500 SEK/month
  • Education level: Master's degree, often PhD for research
  • Job market: 143 job openings in Sweden (2024)
  • Gender salary gap: Women earn 93% of men's salaries
  • Typical work environment: Universities, research institutes, industry

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, many physicists develop specialized expertise and can advance to roles such as project manager, senior researcher, or development director, especially in industry or larger research projects. Academic career paths often lead to lectureships or postdoctoral positions. However, forecasts from the Employment Service do not provide precise predictions for the future outlook of physicists, as data is limited. The profession reports 143 available jobs, indicating some demand but also competition for qualified positions. Career development opportunities are good for those who are flexible, build networks, and continuously update their skills, particularly in interdisciplinary and technologically expanding fields.

Frequently asked questions about physicists

  • What is the average salary of a physicist?
    - The average salary for a physicist is 53 100 SEK per month.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for physicists?
    - The highest salary is 58,500 SEK and the lowest 41,600 SEK per month.
  • What are the gender differences in physicist salaries?
    - Women earn 50 300 SEK, men 54 200; women earn 93% of men's salaries.
  • What education is required to become a physicist?
    - A master's degree in physics is standard, often supplemented with doctoral studies for research positions.
  • What does a physicist do in their work?
    - Physicists work with research, analysis, modeling, and application of physical principles across various industries.
  • What is the job market like for physicists?
    - There are 143 job openings within the profession, but competition for attractive positions is significant.
  • Are there regional salary differences for physicists?
    - Currently, there is no available information on regional salary differences for physicists.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-07 13:14:16

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Physicist is 61000 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Municipal sector with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 57200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Physicist is 44500 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 45200 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 99% 42300 kr 42500 kr
35-44 98% 50900 kr 51100 kr
45-54 100% 57600 kr 57800 kr
55-64 65700 kr 65800 kr
Snitt 93% 52900 kr 53100 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 Physicist has the SSYK code 2111, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 390
Net salary
31 390
Taxes
11 718
Fees
12 582

With our Swedish tax calculator, you can easily calculate your after-tax income (net salary).

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* Updated with 2026 taxes

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