How much does a Historian of ideas make

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  2. Historian of ideas
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Historian of ideas

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 of ideas

Average salary 46 000 kr
Males 46 600 kr
Females 45 300 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 6 Vacant jobs ->

What does an idea historian do? – Tasks and work environment

An idea historian analyzes and interprets the development of ideas, thought currents, and intellectual traditions throughout history. Tasks include research, teaching, writing scientific articles and books, as well as participating in seminars and conferences. Many work at universities, colleges, or research institutes, but some are also active in museums, the cultural sector, or as freelance writers. The work environment is often academic and characterized by independent work, but may also involve collaboration in research groups and international networks.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, Idea Historian salaries have increased from 43,000 SEK per month in 2022 to 43 300 SEK in 2023, and further to 46 000 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 7% during the period. Salary development has been stable, with a clear rise in the past year, which can be linked to increased demand for humanities expertise within academia and the cultural sector. Industry development is also influenced by the availability of research funding and society’s interest in the humanities. Despite competition for positions, salary trends have been positive, especially for experienced idea historians in the public sector.

Idea Historian 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 differences: Women earn 97% of what men do (46 600 SEK/month for men, 45 300 SEK/month for women)
  • Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as an idea historian, a university degree focusing on idea history is generally required, often at the bachelor's or master's level. The educational path combines theoretical studies with methodological training and sometimes internships within research or the cultural sector. Many idea historians also have experience in interdisciplinary subjects such as philosophy, history, or literary studies.

  • Formal degree: Bachelor's (3 years) + master's (2 years) in idea history or a related field
  • Internship: Research internship or trainee position at a university or cultural institution
  • Prerequisites: Basic university eligibility, often with specific eligibility in history and philosophy
  • Courses and certificates: Advanced courses in scientific methods, theory, and academic writing
  • Advice for choosing: Engagement in student associations and participation in research projects provide valuable credentials

Idea historians often work internationally and participate regularly in global research networks and conferences. This provides opportunities to influence societal debates at multiple levels and create new collaborations across disciplines.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Among the most common benefits for idea historians are flexible working hours, opportunities for remote work, generous vacation policies, and professional development through conferences and research trips. Within academia, research grants and supervisory roles can also be part of the compensation.

Competition and challenges

The competition for permanent positions in idea history is high, especially within the university sector where the number of permanent appointments is limited. Many start their careers as doctoral students or research assistants and then advance. Funding research projects and access to external grants are often crucial for conducting independent research. The profession requires strong communication skills to convey complex ideas, as well as high self-discipline and perseverance. Collaboration with other disciplines is becoming increasingly important to meet labor market demands.

Tips for aspiring idea historians

To succeed as an idea historian, it is beneficial to combine curiosity and analytical skills with a genuine interest in historical ideas. Developing good writing skills and experience with scientific work provides an advantage when producing research results and articles. Initiative is an important trait, especially when applying for research funding and creating your own projects. Social skills facilitate collaboration in research teams and open doors to international networks. Finally, perseverance is crucial, as the path to a permanent position is often long and requires dedication and patience.

Key facts about Idea Historians

  • Education level: Master's degree in idea history or a related field
  • Typical work environment: Universities, colleges, research institutes
  • Average salary: 46 000 SEK/month
  • Job market: 758 job openings within the profession
  • Common work forms: Research, teaching, cultural sector

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, an idea historian can advance to lecturer, research assistant, or project leader within larger research projects. Many choose to specialize in a particular research area or broaden into cultural management, museum work, or publishing. Some move into expert roles within government agencies or work as consultants in education and culture sectors. According to the Employment Service, competition for permanent positions remains high, but increasing demand for humanities expertise and interdisciplinary collaboration offer new opportunities, especially for those with international experience and strong networks.

Common questions about Idea Historians

  • What does an Idea Historian earn?
    - An Idea Historian has an average salary of 46 000 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become an Idea Historian?
    - A master's degree in idea history or a related field is usually required.
  • What is the job market like for Idea Historians?
    - There are 758 job openings within the profession, but competition for permanent positions is high.
  • Are there gender pay gaps?
    - Yes, women earn 97% of what men do within the profession.
  • What are the most common workplaces for Idea Historians?
    - Universities, colleges, and research institutes are the most common workplaces.
  • How much does an Idea Historian earn per hour?
    - The average hourly wage is 277 SEK.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for an Idea Historian?
    - The highest salary is 52,100 SEK/month, and the lowest is 41,100 SEK/month.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-11 15:00:09

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Historian of ideas 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 of ideas 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
* 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 Historian of ideas has the SSYK code 2623, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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