Image that illustrates Historian, researcher

Historian, researcher

46 000 kr

Archaeologists and specialists in humanities etc.

41 100 - 52 100 kr / month

Women earn 97% of what men do.

Administration, ekonomi

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Historian, researcher

Average salary 46 000 kr
Males 46 600 kr
Females 45 300 kr

What does a historian, researcher do? – Tasks and work environment

A historian, researcher works with analyzing, interpreting, and communicating knowledge about historical events and contexts. Tasks often include source criticism, archive studies, research, teaching, and publishing scientific articles and books. Historians are active at universities, colleges, museums, and archives, but are also found in public administration and the cultural sector. The work environment is characterized by a high degree of freedom and independence, but also demands precision and long-term effort. Many historians work project-based and can combine research with teaching or outreach activities.

Salary development over time

Historians, researchers have experienced a clear salary increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,000 SEK per month, rising to 43 300 in 2023. The latest report for 2024 shows an average salary of 46 000, which is approximately a 7% increase over the three-year period. This development can be linked to increased demand for research expertise and greater investments in humanities research, especially within the public sector. Salary differences between genders have persisted, although they are relatively small compared to other industries. Overall, the profession has benefited from a greater focus on knowledge society and the need for qualified historical analysis in both academia and societal institutions.

Historians, researchers salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 46 000 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 41,100 SEK/month (men), 42,000 SEK/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 52,100 SEK/month (men), 50,700 SEK/month (women)
  • Hourly wage: 277 SEK
  • Gender pay gap: Women earn 97% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and qualifications

To become a historian, researcher, a long academic education in history or related humanities subjects is generally required. The pathway is through university, where both undergraduate and postgraduate studies are central. Many historians also have supplementary education in archive science or pedagogy, depending on the workplace. Internships, supervised research, and international experience can strengthen scientific competence.

  • Academic degree: Bachelor's (3 years) and master's degree (2 years) in history or related field
  • Research training: Doctorate (4 years) required for research positions
  • Internships/supervised research: Common in education
  • Additional courses: Archive science, museology, or pedagogy
  • Prerequisites: Strong subject knowledge and analytical skills

An unexpected career path for historians is working in the private sector, where companies seek expertise in source criticism, analysis, and environmental scanning. Historians often contribute to sustainability efforts, strategic communication, and corporate culture development.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Historians, researchers are often offered occupational pension, generous vacation policies, and opportunities for professional development within academic networks. Flexible working hours and remote work are common, especially within universities. Access to research resources and international collaborations are also typical benefits for the profession.

Challenges and competition

Competition for research positions in history is intense, especially in major cities and at established universities. The number of permanent positions is growing slowly, leading many to work on a project basis or with temporary employment. Funding for research projects is a challenge, as is the need to publish research internationally. Historians often need to combine research with teaching, administration, or public outreach to build a stable career.

Tips for those who want to become a historian, researcher

To succeed as a historian, researcher, it is beneficial to develop strong analytical skills and critical thinking, which are crucial for source evaluation and interpretation. Patience and methodical work are important, as the research process is often long and complex. Being communicative and pedagogical makes it easier to present research findings to a broader audience or in teaching. Networking, collaboration, and openness to interdisciplinary work can open new opportunities in academia and industry. Finally, curiosity and a desire to continually update your knowledge are key traits for career development.

Key facts about Historians, researchers

  • Education level: At least a master's degree, often a doctorate
  • Work environment: Universities, museums, archives, and public sector
  • Work form: Project- and research-based, often combined with teaching
  • Demand: 758 job openings in the profession according to current statistics

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a historian, researcher, it is common to advance to project leader, research coordinator, or senior lecturer within higher education. Opportunities also exist to specialize in areas such as cultural heritage management, policy analysis, or communication. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service forecasts, future prospects are stable, with ongoing demand for historical expertise in both public and private sectors. The number of job openings in the profession is currently 758, indicating a relatively healthy job market compared to many other humanities careers.

Frequently asked questions about Historians, researchers

  • What is the average salary of a historian, researcher?
    - The average salary is 46 000 SEK per month.
  • Are there salary differences between women and men?
    - Yes, women earn 97% of men's salaries within the profession.
  • What education is required to become a historian, researcher?
    - At least a master's degree, often a doctoral degree in history or related fields.
  • What is the job market like for historians, researchers?
    - Currently, there are 758 job openings according to the latest statistics.
  • What tasks does a historian, researcher perform?
    - Research, source criticism, teaching, and publishing scientific work.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for a historian, researcher?
    - The highest salary is 52,100 SEK/month (men), 50,700 SEK/month (women); the lowest is 41,100 SEK/month (men), 42,000 SEK/month (women).
  • What personal qualities are important in the profession?
    - Analytical ability, accuracy, perseverance, and good communication skills.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Historian, researcher is 52100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a data missing. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 50700 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Historian, researcher is 41100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 42000 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 38500 kr 38600 kr
35-44 101% 45600 kr 45800 kr
45-54 101% 47200 kr 47300 kr
55-64 91% 47300 kr 47300 kr
Snitt 97% 45900 kr 46000 kr
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 Historian, researcher has the SSYK code 2623, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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