Image that illustrates Humanist, researcher

Humanist, 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 Humanist, researcher

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

What does a Humanist researcher do? – Tasks and work environment

A Humanist researcher investigates and analyzes human expressions, behaviors, and social structures from a historical, philosophical, linguistic, or cultural perspective. Tasks may include conducting scientific studies, writing reports and articles, participating in research projects, and presenting results at conferences. Besides academic research, teaching and supervising students, as well as collaborating with various societal actors, are common. The work environment is often university-based, but work at museums, government agencies, or within the cultural sector, where research efforts contribute to societal knowledge development, also occurs.

Salary development over time

The salary for a Humanist researcher has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,000 SEK per month, followed by a slight increase to 43 300 SEK in 2023. The most significant change occurred between 2023 and 2024, when the average salary rose to 46 000 SEK, representing an increase of about 6.2% over one year. This positive trend can partly be explained by an increased demand for qualified humanities researchers, as higher education levels and specializations are increasingly valued in the job market. Continued demand for humanities skills in both public and private sectors has also contributed to strengthening salary development within the profession.

Humanist researcher salary – comprehensive 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 differences: Men 46 600 SEK, women 45 300 SEK (women earn 97% of men's salary)
  • Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a Humanist researcher mainly involves higher academic studies in the humanities, often culminating in a master's or doctoral degree. In addition to formal degrees, experience in research work, scientific publishing, participation in academic projects, and networking are often required. Internships or trainee programs at universities and cultural institutions can be valuable merits, as can advanced language skills and analytical abilities.

  • Master's or doctoral degree in humanities (total 5–8 years)
  • Research internships or trainee positions at universities or museums
  • Courses in scientific methodology and academic writing
  • Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field
  • Meritorious: Publishing in scientific journals and active participation in conferences

Many humanities researchers combine their academic careers with engagement in cultural projects or societal debates, which provides opportunities to influence both education and societal development outside of universities.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Humanities researchers often have collective agreements that ensure secure employment conditions, occupational pensions, and generous vacation policies. Other common benefits include flexible working hours, remote work options, professional development, and access to libraries and research resources. Universities and colleges also support participation in international conferences and research exchanges.

Competition and challenges

Competition for research positions in the humanities is high, especially at universities where the number of permanent positions is limited. Many researchers work on project-based or temporary contracts, which can create job insecurity. Securing research funding is often challenging and requires skill in formulating project ideas and networking within academia. Despite these challenges, many report that the profession is stimulating and offers great freedom to explore personal interests, but it requires perseverance and a strong drive to continually deepen one's expertise.

Tips for those who want to become a Humanist researcher

To succeed as a Humanist researcher, it is good to have strong analytical skills and a genuine interest in human expressions and societal issues. Engaging early in research projects and building networks within academia increases chances of future employment. Precision and perseverance are important qualities, especially since the research process is often long-term and requires patience. Developing good communication skills facilitates both teaching and publishing research results. For the curious and open to interdisciplinary collaborations, there are great opportunities to broaden skills and find new research fields. Applying for scholarships and presenting at conferences can also provide valuable experiences and contacts. Lastly, staying updated on current societal issues and new research findings within your field is advantageous.

Key facts about Humanist researcher

  • Education level: Master's or doctoral degree in humanities
  • Work environment: Universities, museums, government agencies, and cultural sector
  • Common employment form: Temporary projects or research positions
  • Demand: 758 job openings in Sweden (2024)
  • Gender distribution: Women earn 97% of men's salary

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a Humanist researcher can advance to leading roles within research projects, become a docent, or take responsibility for supervising doctoral students. Further opportunities include working as a project manager in the cultural sector, becoming a subject expert at government agencies, or developing a career as a scientific writer and debater. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate continued stable demand for qualified researchers in the humanities, especially in areas where interdisciplinary skills and societal analysis are in demand. Digitalization and international collaboration also open new career paths and help broaden the job market for humanities researchers.

Frequently asked questions about Humanist researcher

  • What does a Humanist researcher earn?
    - The average salary is 46 000 SEK per month, but it varies depending on experience, sector, and education level.
  • What education is required to become a Humanist researcher?
    - Usually, at least a master's or doctoral degree in a humanities subject is required.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 97% of what men do in the profession.
  • What does the job market look like for a Humanist researcher?
    - There are approximately 758 job openings within the profession, but competition for permanent positions is high.
  • Which workplaces hire Humanist researchers?
    - Universities, museums, government agencies, and various cultural institutions are common employers.
  • Can a Humanist researcher work internationally?
    - Yes, international research projects and collaborations are common, especially for PhD holders.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Humanist, 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 Humanist, 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 Humanist, 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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