- Salary statistics
- Chemist, general salary
Chemist, general salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
39 100 - 62 900 SEK / month
Women earn 95% of what men do.
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Salary progression Chemist, general
What does a chemist, general – job tasks and working environment
A chemist in general chemistry works with analyzing, developing, and controlling chemical substances and processes across various industries. Tasks often include laboratory work, performing qualitative and quantitative analyses on materials, products, and raw materials. Chemists develop new methods for analysis and development, conduct experiments, and interpret results, contributing to innovations in pharmaceuticals, food, environmental technology, and materials development. The working environment is usually laboratory-based but can also include work at industrial sites or research institutions, where safety regulations and meticulous documentation are central parts of daily work.
Salary development over time
The salary for a chemist in general chemistry has shown a clear upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 48,000 SEK per month, increasing to 53 200 SEK in 2023. The latest recorded salary for 2024 is 55 000 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 11% over two years. This positive development can partly be explained by increased demand for qualified chemists in several future-oriented industries, but also by general wage growth within highly educated technical and scientific professions. The market for chemists is also influenced by technological advancements and the need for sustainable solutions within industry, which drives up the value of expertise.
Chemist, general salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 55 000 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 39,600 SEK/month (men), 40,300 SEK/month (women)
- Highest salary: 60,400 SEK/month (men), 58,900 SEK/month (women)
- Hourly wage (average): 320 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Women earn 53 600 SEK, men 56 300 SEK (women 95% of men's salary)
- Regional differences: Data on regional salary differences is unavailable
Education and qualifications
To work as a chemist, a university degree in chemistry or a related natural science subject is generally required. Many choose to further specialize through master's or doctoral studies to open more career opportunities, especially in research and development. Practical experience from laboratory environments and knowledge of safety procedures are also important qualifications.
- Formal degree: Bachelor's in chemistry (3 years), often master's (5 years)
- Research education: A PhD is recommended for advanced research positions
- Internships: Laboratory internships or trainee programs during studies
- Certifications: Courses in laboratory techniques and safety are advantageous
- Prerequisites: Science-oriented high school or equivalent
Many chemists work interdisciplinary and collaborate with other professionals such as biologists, physicists, and engineers. This provides opportunities to participate in groundbreaking projects within environmental technology, pharmaceutical development, and materials science.
Common benefits and compensations
Chemists are often offered benefits such as occupational pension schemes, wellness allowances, and flexible working hours. Opportunities for professional development, further training, insurance coverage, and extra vacation days are also common within the industry. In some cases, bonus or incentive programs are available, especially in the private sector.
Competition and challenges
The job market for chemists is characterized by specialization and technological development, which means competition can be fierce for the most attractive positions, particularly in research and development. The number of available jobs within the profession is relatively limited, placing high demands on formal education and practical experience. Skills in digital analysis tools and the ability to work interdisciplinary are increasingly sought after. Changes within industry, such as increased sustainability requirements, also mean chemists need to be prepared for ongoing retraining and adaptation to new technologies. Limited data makes it difficult to provide an exact forecast for future demand, but the need for qualified chemists in certain niche areas is expected to remain stable.
Tips for those who want to become a chemist, general
To succeed as a chemist in general chemistry, it is good to combine accuracy with strong analytical skills. Gaining laboratory experience early through internships or summer jobs significantly increases employability. Good teamwork skills are important since the work often involves collaboration and communication across disciplines. Curiosity and interest in new technology help stay updated in a rapidly changing field, which is crucial. The ability to document and organize work is also central, especially in reporting and data management. It is wise to choose specializations or courses aligned with future industry needs during education. Lastly, patience and perseverance are essential, as experiments and research often involve many attempts before achieving desired results.
Key facts about a chemist, general
- Education level: Bachelor's or master's, often complemented by research education
- Work environment: Laboratory-based with high safety requirements
- Typical employment: Full-time within industry, research, or public sector
- Demand: 143 job openings within the profession (May 2024)
- Gender distribution: Women earn 95% of men's salaries
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, many chemists choose to specialize further, for example in analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, or pharmaceutical development. Others move into project management, quality assurance, or research leadership. There are also opportunities to work internationally, especially for those with research qualifications. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, no precise prediction can be made for chemists due to limited data, but the profession shows stable demand with 143 job openings registered in May 2024. Career opportunities are influenced by technological development, sustainability requirements, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Experience and further education improve chances for advancement within both private and public sectors.
Frequently asked questions about a chemist, general
- What does a chemist, general, earn?
- The average salary is 55 000 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience, education, and sector. - What education is required to become a chemist?
- A bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related subject is fundamental, but a master's or doctoral degree is recommended for advanced roles. - Are there differences between women's and men's salaries?
- Yes, women earn on average 95% of men's salaries within the profession. - What is the job market like for chemists?
- The number of available jobs is limited but stable, with 143 job openings in May 2024. - Which workplaces hire chemists?
- Common employers include pharmaceutical companies, environmental and analysis laboratories, industrial companies, and universities. - What benefits are often offered to chemists?
- Company pension schemes, wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and professional development are typical benefits. - What are the career opportunities for chemists?
- Many advance to specialist roles, project management, or research after a few years in the profession.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 44100 kr | 44300 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 52900 kr | 53200 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 58900 kr | 59100 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 62600 kr | 63000 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 54700 kr | 55000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 35200 kr | 35200 kr | |
| 25-34 | 98% | 40700 kr | 40900 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 45800 kr | 45900 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 49900 kr | 50000 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 53200 kr | 53200 kr |
| 65-68 | 84% | 56500 kr | 56500 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 47600 kr | 47700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 40500 kr | 40700 kr |
| 35-44 | 103% | 44600 kr | 44800 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 49200 kr | 49200 kr |
| 55-64 | 87% | 52800 kr | 52800 kr |
| 65-68 | 56500 kr | 56500 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 46200 kr | 46300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 95% | 41200 kr | 41300 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 47800 kr | 47900 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 50900 kr | 51100 kr |
| 55-64 | 107% | 53800 kr | 53800 kr |
| 65-68 | 87% | 56500 kr | 56500 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 49500 kr | 49600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 45000 kr | 45200 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 54900 kr | 55300 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 61800 kr | 62100 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 65400 kr | 65700 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 56800 kr | 57100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 45000 kr | 45200 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 54900 kr | 55300 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 61800 kr | 62100 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 65400 kr | 65700 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 56800 kr | 57100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 44400 kr | 44600 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 53000 kr | 53300 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 60500 kr | 60700 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 63500 kr | 63800 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 56000 kr | 56300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 41200 kr | 41300 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 45200 kr | 45400 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 50300 kr | 50400 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 54300 kr | 54300 kr |
| 65-68 | 84% | 61000 kr | 61000 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 47900 kr | 48000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 40800 kr | 40900 kr |
| 35-44 | 103% | 44100 kr | 44300 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 49800 kr | 49900 kr |
| 55-64 | 87% | 56700 kr | 56700 kr |
| 65-68 | 63200 kr | 63200 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 46600 kr | 46700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 95% | 42600 kr | 42800 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 48700 kr | 48800 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 51200 kr | 51200 kr |
| 55-64 | 107% | 52200 kr | 52200 kr |
| 65-68 | 87% | 60300 kr | 60300 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 50500 kr | 50500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 45400 kr | 45500 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 55300 kr | 55600 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 63000 kr | 63300 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 65500 kr | 65900 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 58200 kr | 58500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 45400 kr | 45500 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 55300 kr | 55600 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 63000 kr | 63300 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 65500 kr | 65900 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 58200 kr | 58500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 43800 kr | 44000 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 52700 kr | 53100 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 57400 kr | 57500 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 61500 kr | 61800 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 53400 kr | 53600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 40300 kr | 40500 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 46300 kr | 46400 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 49700 kr | 49800 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 52000 kr | 52200 kr |
| 65-68 | 84% | 51200 kr | 51200 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 47300 kr | 47400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 40300 kr | 40400 kr |
| 35-44 | 103% | 45400 kr | 45500 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 48600 kr | 48600 kr |
| 55-64 | 87% | 49200 kr | 49400 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 45800 kr | 45900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 95% | 40500 kr | 40600 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 47300 kr | 47400 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 50800 kr | 51000 kr |
| 55-64 | 107% | 55500 kr | 55600 kr |
| 65-68 | 87% | 52300 kr | 52300 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 49000 kr | 49100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 44700 kr | 44900 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 54500 kr | 55000 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 60600 kr | 60800 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 65100 kr | 65400 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 55400 kr | 55700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 44700 kr | 44900 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 54500 kr | 55000 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 60600 kr | 60800 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 65100 kr | 65400 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 55400 kr | 55700 kr |
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 Chemist, general has the SSYK code 2113, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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