Salary progression University engineer, chemical engineering

Average salary 48 400 kr
Males 48 900 kr
Females 47 800 kr

What does a university engineer in chemical engineering do? – Tasks and work environment

A university engineer in chemical engineering works on developing, optimizing, and supervising processes within the chemical industry and related fields. Tasks often include designing and improving production methods, analyzing chemical processes, and working with quality assurance and environmental issues. The role involves close collaboration with process engineers, laboratory staff, and product developers. The work environment varies between offices, laboratories, and production facilities, where safety regulations and precision are important aspects of daily work.

Salary development over time

The salary for university engineers in chemical engineering has shown a steady upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,200 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 43 600 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has risen further to 48 400 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 8.5% over the three-year period. This salary increase can partly be explained by increased demand for technical skills within chemical processes, as well as a greater focus on sustainability and environmental technology in the industry. Salaries are also influenced by economic conditions and the need for specialized workforce, making the profession still attractive for recent graduates and experienced engineers.

University engineer, chemical engineering salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 48 400 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,900 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 45,100 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 262 SEK
  • Gender differences: Men 48 900 SEK, women 43,300 SEK (women earn 98% of men's salary)
  • Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a university engineer in chemical engineering, a three-year university engineering degree with specialization in chemical engineering or related technical fields is required. The education combines theoretical knowledge in chemistry and technology with practical components, often including laboratories and project work. Additional courses and certifications in areas such as environmental technology or process control can enhance competitiveness.

  • Formal degree: University engineer degree (3 years)
  • Courses/certifications: For example, environmental technology, process control, quality assurance
  • Internship: Often mandatory or strongly recommended during studies
  • Prerequisites: Basic eligibility and specific requirements in mathematics, chemistry, and physics
  • Tips for choosing: Select specialization and internship based on interests and future job market

Many university engineers in chemical engineering work in interdisciplinary teams where collaboration across different technical fields is essential. Those who enjoy problem-solving and thinking both practically and analytically often find great job satisfaction in this role.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

For university engineers in chemical engineering, benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexitime, and opportunities for skill development are common. Some employers also offer bonus schemes, subsidized lunches, or extra vacation days, especially in the private sector. Possibility for remote work may also exist, depending on job tasks and industry.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a university engineer in chemical engineering varies depending on region and economic conditions. With a total of 564 job openings in the profession, the labor market indicates good demand, but certain specialist roles may be harder to obtain without the right experience or niche skills. Challenges in the profession include rapid technological development, requirements for continuous education, and staying updated on environmental and safety regulations. Changes in the industry, such as increased automation and sustainability demands, also require greater flexibility and adaptability.

Tips for aspiring university engineers in chemical engineering

To succeed as a university engineer in chemical engineering, it is good to combine analytical skills with an interest in problem-solving and technology. Being precise and organized helps in laboratory work and process analysis, while teamwork skills facilitate interdisciplinary projects. Actively seeking internships and participating in student projects provide valuable experience and networks. Curiosity and willingness to learn new technology are important qualities to keep up with industry developments. Communication is key when explaining technical solutions to colleagues and clients. Creativity is appreciated as new processes and improvements are often requested. Finally, it is important to take initiative and be solution-oriented in daily work.

Key facts about university engineer, chemical engineering

  • Education level: University engineer degree (3 years)
  • Work environment: Laboratory, office, and production
  • Average salary: 48 400 SEK/month
  • Demand: 564 job openings in the profession
  • Gender distribution: Women earn 98% of men's salary

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a university engineer in chemical engineering can advance to roles such as process engineer, product developer, or quality manager. There are also opportunities for specialist positions within environmental technology or production efficiency. Some choose to further their education in leadership and move into managerial or project management roles. The forecast from the Employment Service is uncertain due to limited data, but the large number of job openings indicates good future prospects, especially for those with niche skills and experience with industry-specific tools or processes.

Frequently asked questions about university engineer, chemical engineering

  • What does a university engineer in chemical engineering earn?
    - The average salary is 48 400 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, sector, and region.
  • How long is the education for a university engineer in chemical engineering?
    - The education lasts three years full-time and leads to a university engineer degree.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 98% of what men do within the profession.
  • What are the job responsibilities of a university engineer in chemical engineering?
    - Tasks include process development, quality assurance, environmental work, and optimization of chemical processes.
  • What is the job market like for university engineers in chemical engineering?
    - Currently, there are 564 job openings, indicating good demand.
  • What benefits are common in the profession?
    - Benefits include occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexitime, and skill development.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for the profession?
    - The highest salary is 45,100 SEK and the lowest is 31,900 SEK, depending on sector, education, and experience.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a University engineer, chemical engineering is 50100 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 47900 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a University engineer, chemical engineering is 29800 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Public sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 44900 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 96% 41400 kr 42600 kr
35-44 95% 49200 kr 50100 kr
45-54 116% 52900 kr 53800 kr
55-64 96% 51600 kr 52900 kr
Snitt 98% 47300 kr 48400 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 University engineer, chemical engineering has the SSYK code 3115, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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