Cultural scientist

What does a cultural scientist do? – Tasks and work environment

Cultural scientists work with analyzing, interpreting, and communicating knowledge about cultural heritage, societal development, and human expressions. Job tasks vary widely and can include research, investigations, project management, communication, and education within the cultural sector. Many cultural scientists are employed at museums, archives, cultural administrations, educational institutions, or in private consultancy assignments. The work environment often combines independent work with teamwork on projects, involving both office settings and fieldwork depending on specialization and employer.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for cultural scientists has shown positive growth. In 2022, the average salary was 43,000 SEK per month, which increased slightly to 43 300 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average has risen to 46 000 SEK, representing a total increase of about 7% over the period. This increase is linked to higher demand for cultural expertise in the public sector and project-based roles, as well as general salary trends within academic professions. Despite regional differences, the trend is clear: the job market values the skills of cultural scientists increasingly, especially in areas like cultural heritage management and communication.

Cultural scientist 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 pay gap: Women earn 97% of what men do (men 46 600 SEK, women 45 300 SEK)
• Regional differences: Salary levels can vary depending on geographic area and employer, with generally higher salaries in metropolitan regions.

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a cultural scientist typically involves university studies in humanities, where a bachelor's degree is usually the basic requirement. Many choose to specialize further with a master's or postgraduate degree, focusing on areas such as ethnology, archaeology, or cultural heritage studies. Practical experience from internships, projects, or trainee programs is highly meritorious, as are additional courses in project management or digital communication.

• Bachelor's degree in cultural studies or related field (3 years)
• Master's/postgraduate degree (1–2 years, optional but advantageous)
• Internship or traineeship in the cultural sector
• Courses in project management, digitization, or communication
• Strong analytical and communicative skills

Common benefits and compensations

Cultural scientists are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and remote work options. Within the public sector, additional vacation days, pension contributions, and professional development opportunities are common. Project-based employment may sometimes include allowances for fieldwork or travel.

Competition and challenges

The job market for cultural scientists is characterized by relatively stiff competition, especially for permanent positions within museums and cultural administrations. Many employers seek specialized skills or experience in project management, which can be a barrier for recent graduates. Uncertain funding in the cultural sector and project-based employment mean that many cultural scientists need to be flexible and prepared for temporary roles. To strengthen their position, networking, further education, and the ability to showcase their skills in various contexts are often necessary.

Tips for those aspiring to become cultural scientists

To succeed as a cultural scientist, it helps to combine a genuine interest in culture and society with analytical ability and a desire to communicate. Curiosity about new perspectives and openness to interdisciplinary collaboration can provide advantages in projects and teams. Building a network early through internships and engagement in industry organizations is beneficial, as contacts often lead to new opportunities. The ability to work independently and manage your own projects is valued by many employers, along with flexibility and quick adaptation to changing tasks. Creativity and problem-solving skills play a significant role, especially in development projects and digitalization of cultural heritage. Finally, being communicative, with strong presentation and writing skills, is often a requirement.

Key facts about cultural scientists

• Educational level: Bachelor's degree or higher in humanities
• Work environment: Office, fieldwork, and project-based settings
• Job market: About 758 vacancies (recent year)
• Typical employment: Permanent, project, or consultancy roles
• Demand: Especially high in the public sector and cultural heritage projects

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, cultural scientists can advance to roles such as project managers, coordinators, or specialists in areas like cultural heritage management or museum education. With increased experience, opportunities for leadership roles, advisory positions, or consultancy work within both public and private sectors can open up. The employment service estimates that demand for qualified cultural scientists will remain stable, especially within the public sector and digitalization projects. Continued investment in cultural heritage, societal analysis, and communication is expected to create new job opportunities, although competition for attractive roles will likely persist.

Frequently asked questions about cultural scientists

• What does a cultural scientist earn?
  - The average salary for a cultural scientist is 46 000 SEK per month.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn 97% of what men do. Men have an average of 46 600 SEK, women 45 300 SEK.
• What education is needed to become a cultural scientist?
  - A bachelor's degree in humanities is most common, often supplemented with internships or specialized courses.
• What is the job market like for cultural scientists?
  - Currently, there are about 758 vacancies within the profession, but competition for permanent roles is high.
• Which workplaces hire cultural scientists?
  - Common employers include museums, cultural administrations, archives, universities, and private consulting firms.
• How has the salary evolved in recent years?
  - Salaries have increased from 43,000 SEK in 2022 to 46 000 SEK in 2024, representing about a 7% rise.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Yes, salaries are generally higher in metropolitan regions compared to smaller towns.