What are the gender differences in salary?

Women earn on average 98% of what men do in the profession.

What education is required?

Post-secondary education in chemistry or engineering, often at least two to three years.

How is the job market for instrumentation engineers?

There are 564 job openings in the profession, but no exact forecast for this specific role.

What is the highest and lowest salary?

The highest salary is 45,100 SEK and the lowest 31,900 SEK per month.

What benefits are common?

Wellness allowance, flexible working hours, professional development, and occupational pension are common benefits.

Is there opportunities for further education?

Yes, many employers offer courses and certifications in instrumentation technology and laboratory standards.

Instrument engineer, chemical lab. salary

Q: What does an instrumentation engineer in a chemical laboratory earn?

The average salary is 43,600 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and sector.

48 400 SEK

Engineers and technicians in chemistry and chemical engineering

Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.

29 800 - 50 100 SEK / month

Women earn 98% of what men do.

Tekniskt arbete

Average salary 48 400 SEK/month Monthly gross salary

Salary range 29 800 - 50 100 SEK Latest available range Data year 2025 Latest published dataset

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Salary trend About the role What does an instrumentation engineer in a chemical laboratory do? – Tasks and work environment Salary development over time Instrumentation engineer in a chemical laboratory salary – comprehensive overview Open jobs Related occupations About the data FAQ

Salary progression Instrument engineer, chemical lab.

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What does an instrumentation engineer in a chemical laboratory do? – Tasks and work environment

An instrumentation engineer in a chemical laboratory is responsible for monitoring, maintaining, and developing advanced measurement equipment and analysis instruments used in chemical laboratories. Tasks include calibration, troubleshooting, and repairing instruments, as well as ensuring that equipment meets quality and safety standards. The instrumentation engineer often collaborates with researchers, laboratory staff, and technicians to optimize analysis methods and implement new technical solutions. The work environment is characterized by high demands for accuracy and safety, often in laboratories handling chemicals and sensitive samples daily.

Salary development over time

The salary for instrumentation engineers specializing in chemical labs has developed steadily in recent 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 three years. This positive trend can be linked to increased demand for technical expertise in laboratory environments, and technological advancements requiring higher specialization. The market demand for qualified engineers in chemistry and chemical engineering has also contributed to strengthening salary growth, especially for privately employed professionals with specialized education.

Instrumentation engineer in a chemical laboratory salary – comprehensive overview

Average salary: 48 400 SEK/month
Lowest salary: 31,900 SEK/month (female, public sector, post-secondary education of 3 years or more)
Highest salary: 45,100 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education shorter than 3 years)
Hourly wage (average): 262 SEK
Gender difference: Women earn 98% of what men do (men: 48 900 SEK, women: 43,300 SEK)
Regional differences: Specific data are lacking, but variations occur depending on labor market and sector affiliation

Education and qualifications

To work as an instrumentation engineer focusing on chemical laboratories, a post-secondary education in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related technical discipline is generally required. Many employers also seek practical laboratory experience and familiarity with instrument handling. Certifications and specialized courses in instrumentation technology can be advantageous, as well as good knowledge of quality assurance and laboratory standards.

Formal education: Post-secondary education in chemistry/chemical engineering (2–3 years or more)
Certifications: Courses in instrument handling, quality assurance, and laboratory techniques
Practical experience: Internships or trainee programs in laboratory settings are recommended
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of chemistry, engineering, and mathematics
Tips: Self-study and online courses to stay updated with new instrument technology

Instrumentation engineers in chemical labs often work in interdisciplinary teams where communication and collaboration skills are crucial. Curiosity and solution-oriented thinking enable contributions to the development of new analysis methods and innovations within laboratory operations. The role typically involves both practical work and participation in development projects.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Instrumentation engineers in chemical laboratories are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, professional development, and sometimes bonuses for specific projects. Occupational pensions and insurance coverage are almost always included, and some employers provide staff discounts or subsidized lunches. Opportunities for further education and certifications in instrumentation technology are also common.

Competition and challenges

The profession is characterized by relatively low competition, but there are challenges in the form of rapidly evolving technical solutions and ongoing requirements for skills development. Since the profession belongs to a broader occupational group, it is difficult to provide an exact forecast of the job market, but the number of available positions is relatively high. High specialization and experience are in demand, especially in larger laboratories and private research environments. The ability to quickly familiarize oneself with new systems and instruments is critical to remain competitive. The shortage of qualified candidates, however, often leads employers to offer attractive conditions for the right expertise.

Tips for those aspiring to become an instrumentation engineer in a chemical laboratory

To succeed as an instrumentation engineer in a chemical laboratory, it is beneficial to combine technical interest with the ability to work systematically. Precision is essential, as small errors can have significant consequences in measurements and analyses, so developing an eye for detail is important. Being solution-oriented helps when unexpected problems arise with instruments, and analytical thinking facilitates troubleshooting and improvement work. Good communication skills are also valuable, as the work often involves teamwork and explaining technical results to people with different backgrounds. Finally, curiosity and a willingness to learn new things are advantageous, as technology continuously evolves and new methods and instruments are regularly introduced.

Key facts about instrumentation engineers in chemical laboratories

Education level: Post-secondary education (2–3 years or more) in chemistry or engineering
Work environment: Laboratory-based with high demands on safety and accuracy
Work form: Usually full-time, in both private and public sectors
Demand: 564 job openings in spring 2024
Gender distribution: Small salary differences, women earn 98% of men's salaries

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an instrumentation engineer in a chemical laboratory, opportunities open for roles such as laboratory manager, specialist in instrument development, or project leader for technical development projects. Some choose to further their education in quality assurance or work as technical sales representatives for laboratory equipment. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that there is insufficient data for an exact assessment of the job market for this profession, but the broader occupational group reports a large number of vacancies and good opportunities for advancement. Specializations in areas such as biotechnology, environmental analysis, or advanced instrumentation can further enhance career prospects.

Frequently asked questions about instrumentation engineers in chemical laboratories

What does an instrumentation engineer in a chemical laboratory earn?
- The average salary is 48 400 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience and sector.
What are the gender differences in salary?
- Women earn on average 98% of what men do in the profession.
What education is required?
- Post-secondary education in chemistry or engineering, often at least two to three years.
How is the job market for instrumentation engineers?
- There are 564 job openings in the profession, but no exact forecast for this specific role.
What is the highest and lowest salary?
- The highest salary is 45,100 SEK and the lowest 31,900 SEK per month.
What benefits are common?
- Wellness allowance, flexible working hours, professional development, and occupational pension are common benefits.
Are there opportunities for further education?
- Yes, many employers offer courses and certifications in instrumentation technology and laboratory standards.

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-11 18:28:53

Occupation

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

Age	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34	30200 kr	31900 kr
35-44	30500 kr	30500 kr
Snitt	30600 kr	31500 kr

Age	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34	30200 kr	31900 kr
35-44	30500 kr	30500 kr
Snitt	30600 kr	31500 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34	96%	41500 kr	42600 kr
35-44	95%	49200 kr	50200 kr
45-54	116%	52900 kr	53800 kr
55-64	96%	51600 kr	52900 kr
Snitt	98%	47300 kr	48400 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34	96%	41500 kr	42600 kr
35-44	95%	49200 kr	50200 kr
45-54	116%	52900 kr	53800 kr
55-64	96%	51600 kr	52900 kr
Snitt	98%	47300 kr	48400 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34	96%	41300 kr	43500 kr
35-44	95%	49900 kr	51300 kr
45-54	116%	48800 kr	50000 kr
55-64	96%	52200 kr	53800 kr
Snitt	98%	47200 kr	48900 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34	96%	41300 kr	43600 kr
35-44	95%	49900 kr	51300 kr
45-54	116%	48800 kr	50000 kr
55-64	96%	52200 kr	53800 kr
Snitt	98%	47300 kr	48900 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34	96%	41300 kr	43600 kr
35-44	95%	49900 kr	51300 kr
45-54	116%	48800 kr	50000 kr
55-64	96%	52200 kr	53800 kr
Snitt	98%	47300 kr	48900 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34	96%	41500 kr	41900 kr
35-44	95%	48300 kr	48700 kr
45-54	116%	57600 kr	58100 kr
55-64	96%	50600 kr	51400 kr
Snitt	98%	47300 kr	47800 kr

Age	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34	29200 kr	29400 kr
35-44	30500 kr	30500 kr
Snitt	30300 kr	30400 kr

Age	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34	29200 kr	29400 kr
35-44	30500 kr	30500 kr
Snitt	30300 kr	30400 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34	96%	41600 kr	42000 kr
35-44	95%	48400 kr	48800 kr
45-54	116%	57600 kr	58100 kr
55-64	96%	50600 kr	51500 kr
Snitt	98%	47400 kr	47900 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34	96%	41600 kr	42000 kr
35-44	95%	48400 kr	48800 kr
45-54	116%	57600 kr	58100 kr
55-64	96%	50600 kr	51500 kr
Snitt	98%	47400 kr	47900 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 Instrument engineer, chemical lab. has the SSYK code 3115, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.