- Salary statistics
- Geneticist, researcher salary
Geneticist, researcher salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
42 500 - 50 400 SEK / month
Women earn 100% of what men do.
Naturvetenskapligt arbete
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Salary progression Geneticist, researcher
What does a geneticist in research do? – Tasks and work environment
A geneticist in research works on investigating the structure, function, and changes of the genome in various organisms. Tasks often include designing experiments, collecting and analyzing genetic data, and interpreting results to understand biological processes and disease mechanisms. The research is primarily conducted in laboratory environments, using advanced equipment and biotechnological methods. The work may also involve teaching, supervising students, and collaborating with other researchers in medicine, biology, and related fields. The environment is characterized by high demands for precision, problem-solving skills, and continuous updates on new scientific discoveries.
Salary development over time
The salary development for research geneticists has been steadily positive over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 44,700 kronor, which increased to 49 100 kronor in 2023 and further to 48 100 kronor in 2024. This represents an increase of approximately 9.8% during the period. The salary increase can partly be explained by a rising demand for specialist competence in genetics and biotechnology, as well as increased research funding and projects. Higher educational requirements and competition for research positions also contribute to pushing up salary levels. Gender pay gaps persist, with men earning on average more than women.
Geneticist, researcher salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 48 100 kr/month
- Lowest salary: 41,600 kr/month (female, public sector, education ≥ 3 years)
- Highest salary: 52,100 kr/month (male, various sectors, unspecified education level)
- Hourly wage (average): 295 kr
- Gender pay gap: Men 52,100 kr, women 48 000 kr (women earn 100% of men)
- Regional differences: No specific data available
Education and qualifications
To work as a research geneticist, a long and specialized education in biology, molecular biology, or medicine is generally required. The pathway typically involves university studies leading to a master's or doctoral degree, often complemented with internships or research training. Practical experience from laboratory work and current knowledge in bioinformatics and statistics are especially advantageous.
- Formal degree: Master’s or doctoral degree (5–8 years)
- Certifications/courses: Advanced courses in genetics, bioinformatics, and statistics
- Internship/training: Research internships and laboratory work during studies
- Prerequisites: Science-oriented upper secondary education, preferably supplemented with mathematics and chemistry
- Tips for choosing: Apply for research projects and internships early to build experience
Many research geneticists have opportunities to work internationally, both within academic collaborations and in global pharmaceutical companies. International projects and conferences are common and can expand networks and skills.
Common benefits and compensation
Benefits for research geneticists often include flexible working hours, remote work options, occupational pension, and wellness allowances. Access to further education, conferences, and research resources is common, as well as support for participating in international projects and collaborations. In some cases, extra vacation days and insurance coverage are offered through the employer.
Competition and challenges
The competition for research positions in genetics is relatively high, especially in academic environments where permanent positions are limited. Many start their careers with short-term project jobs or postdoctoral positions. Funding is a recurring challenge, as research projects often depend on external grants. Additionally, continuous skills development is required to keep pace with rapid scientific advances and technological innovations. The work can be demanding and stressful, particularly when results and publications are expected within tight deadlines.
Tips for those who want to become research geneticists
To succeed as a research geneticist, it’s good to combine curiosity and analytical skills with perseverance and teamwork. A strong interest in biology and scientific methodology is essential for development in the profession, while the ability to work independently and take initiative facilitates problem-solving in projects. Precision is important in all laboratory work and data analysis, and good communication skills contribute to effective collaboration in interdisciplinary teams. Applying for research projects and exchanges early in your studies provides valuable experience and important contacts.
Key facts about Geneticist, researcher
- Educational level: Master’s or doctoral degree required
- Work environment: Laboratories, universities, and research institutes
- Typical work form: Project-based and often international collaboration
- Demand: 143 job openings within the profession (May 2024)
- Gender pay gap: Women earn 100% of men’s salaries
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession as a research geneticist, opportunities may open to advance to senior researcher, project leader, or research group head. Others choose to specialize further in areas such as medical genetics, bioinformatics, or drug development. Opportunities also exist to work within industry, biotech companies, or government agencies. According to the Employment Service, no specific forecast is made for geneticists, but within the cell and molecular biology group, 143 job openings were recorded in spring 2024. This indicates some demand, although competition for research positions can be high. International career paths are common, especially for those with specialized skills and experience in interdisciplinary collaborations.
Frequently asked questions about Geneticists, researchers
- What does a Geneticist, researcher earn?
- The average salary is 48 100 kronor per month, but this varies depending on experience, gender, and sector. - How does one become a geneticist in research?
- A master’s or doctoral degree in biology, molecular biology, or medicine is required, often combined with research practice. - Are there gender differences in salary?
- Yes, women earn on average 100% of what men do within the profession. - What are the most common work environments for geneticists?
- Most work at universities, research institutes, or in the biotech industry, often in laboratory settings. - What are the future prospects?
- The outlook is uncertain, but there is some demand with 143 job openings in spring 2024. - What is required to succeed in the profession?
- Deep subject knowledge, analytical skills, accuracy, and laboratory experience are essential. - Is there potential for an international career?
- Yes, many geneticists work on international projects and collaborations, both in academia and industry.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 42000 kr | 42200 kr | |
| 35-44 | 101% | 47000 kr | 47400 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 51400 kr | 51800 kr |
| 55-64 | 55000 kr | 55700 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 47700 kr | 48100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 40800 kr | 41000 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 43800 kr | 43900 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 47600 kr | 47700 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 50000 kr | 50100 kr |
| 65-68 | 121% | 52100 kr | 52100 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 45500 kr | 45700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 40800 kr | 41000 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 43800 kr | 43900 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 47600 kr | 47700 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 50000 kr | 50100 kr |
| 65-68 | 121% | 52100 kr | 52100 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 45500 kr | 45700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 49800 kr | 50500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 49800 kr | 50500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 101% | 46900 kr | 47000 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 52000 kr | 52700 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 47900 kr | 48100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 41600 kr | 41600 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 43900 kr | 44100 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 47900 kr | 48000 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 50900 kr | 50900 kr |
| 65-68 | 121% | 49500 kr | 49500 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 46000 kr | 46100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 41600 kr | 41600 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 43900 kr | 44100 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 47900 kr | 48000 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 50900 kr | 50900 kr |
| 65-68 | 121% | 49500 kr | 49500 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 46000 kr | 46100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 41700 kr | 41900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 101% | 47100 kr | 47600 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 51100 kr | 51300 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 47500 kr | 48000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 40100 kr | 40400 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 43600 kr | 43800 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 47300 kr | 47400 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 49000 kr | 49000 kr |
| 65-68 | 121% | 59900 kr | 59900 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 45100 kr | 45300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 40100 kr | 40400 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 43600 kr | 43800 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 47300 kr | 47400 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 49000 kr | 49000 kr |
| 65-68 | 121% | 59900 kr | 59900 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 45100 kr | 45300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 49600 kr | 50400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 49600 kr | 50400 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 Geneticist, researcher has the SSYK code 2131, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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