How much does a Criminologist make

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  2. Criminologist
Image that illustrates Criminologist

Criminologist

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 Criminologist

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

What does a criminologist do? – Tasks and work environment

Criminologists work with studying the causes, structures, and consequences of crime in society. Tasks may include analyzing crime statistics, evaluating criminal policy initiatives, conducting research on crime prevention, as well as teaching and advising authorities. Many criminologists are employed in the public sector, such as at universities, government agencies, or within the police, but assignments in private analysis firms and non-profit organizations also occur. The work environment often involves office work, extensive data collection, and analytical tasks, but can also include field studies and collaboration with other societal actors.

Salary development over time

The salary for criminologists has shown a steady upward trend over recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,000 SEK per month, which increased to 43 300 in 2023 and further to 46 000 in 2024. This development corresponds to an increase of approximately 7% over three years. A larger salary increase can partly be explained by increased demand for qualified expertise in crime analysis and criminal policy, as well as the growing need for evidence-based interventions within the justice system. Regional and employer differences occur, with metropolitan areas and government agencies often offering slightly higher salaries than smaller towns and private sector employers.

Criminologist 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: Metropolitan regions and government employers tend to offer higher salaries

Education and qualifications

To work as a criminologist, a university degree in criminology, sociology, or related fields is usually required. Basic eligibility often includes a bachelor's degree, but employers may also require a master's or postgraduate degree for more qualified positions. Practical experience, such as internships or project work, is advantageous and can provide an edge in employment.

  • Bachelor's degree: Criminology, sociology, or similar (3 years)
  • Master's/Postgraduate: Specialization in criminology (1–2 years beyond bachelor's)
  • Internships: Often included in educational programs
  • Prerequisites: Basic university eligibility
  • Additional courses: Statistics, law, or psychology can be advantageous

A growing area within criminology is digital crime, where knowledge of cybersecurity and IT forensics is becoming increasingly valuable. Those combining criminological expertise with technical understanding have good opportunities for specialization and development within the profession.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Criminologists are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness contributions, flexible working hours, and opportunities for skill development. In some cases, additional vacation days, remote work, and subsidized lunches are available, especially within larger authorities and organizations.

Competition and challenges

The job market for criminologists is characterized by some competition, particularly for attractive positions within research and government agencies. The number of qualified graduates is increasing, while specialized experience and the ability to interpret complex statistics are in demand. Challenges include staying updated on new crime trends and methodologies, as well as communicating scientific findings clearly to decision-makers and the public. Developing niche skills or experience in project management and evaluation can be advantageous for those seeking to stand out.

Tips for aspiring criminologists

To succeed as a criminologist, it’s good to combine analytical ability with a strong sense of ethics and societal engagement. Building a broad knowledge base in statistics, law, and social sciences facilitates interpretation of crime data and understanding complex relationships. Curiosity and critical thinking are essential qualities that aid in evaluating research results and developing new methods. Gaining practical experience through internships and actively networking with professionals in the field enhances employability. Being communicative and pedagogical helps collaboration with authorities and ensures research findings influence society. Finally, flexibility and adaptability are strengths, as tasks can vary greatly between employers and projects.

Key facts about criminologists

  • Education level: Bachelor's degree or higher in criminology or related fields
  • Work environment: Office-based, often with research and analysis focus
  • Demand: 758 job openings identified within the profession
  • Typical employment: Full-time in the public sector, but private and non-profit employers also exist
  • Special skills: Statistics, digital crime, and project management are advantageous

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a criminologist can advance to roles such as investigator, project manager, or research coordinator within government agencies, universities, or larger organizations. Specializations in areas like digital crime, forensic psychology, or crime prevention open further career opportunities. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the demand for qualified criminologists remains good, with 758 job openings identified in the latest survey. The future outlook is considered stable, especially for those who continuously update their skills and can combine criminological knowledge with other in-demand competencies.

Common questions about criminologists

  • What does a criminologist earn?
    - A criminologist has an average salary of 46 000 SEK per month.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 97% of what men do in the profession.
  • What education is required to become a criminologist?
    - At least a bachelor's degree in criminology or a related field is required, often supplemented with courses in statistics or law.
  • Which workplaces hire criminologists?
    - Common employers include government agencies, universities, the police, and private analysis firms.
  • What are the future prospects for the profession?
    - Demand is stable with many available positions, especially for specialized skills.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for a criminologist?
    - The highest salary is 52,100 SEK per month and the lowest is 41,100 SEK per month, depending on experience, education, and sector.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-11-19 11:35:01

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

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