Material chemist

What does a materials chemist do? – Tasks and work environment

A materials chemist works on developing, analyzing, and improving materials for various industrial and technical applications. The role involves examining the chemical properties and structures of materials, often in laboratory settings, to optimize their performance in areas such as electronics, medical technology, vehicles, or energy sectors. Both experimental work and advanced instrument-based analysis are included, along with documentation and reporting of results. The work is usually carried out in teams with other specialists and often in close collaboration with industry, research institutes, or universities, which demands precision and a scientific approach.

Salary development over time

The salary of a materials chemist has shown a clear increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 48,000 SEK per month, which increased to 50 500 SEK in 2023. The positive trend continued into 2024 when the average salary reached 53 200 SEK per month. Overall, this represents an increase of just over 10.8% during the period, which is higher than the salary growth for many other academic professions. Factors driving these increases include increased demand for advanced materials expertise in the technology and industrial sectors, as well as a high proportion of research-educated professionals in the field. Additionally, companies’ investments in innovation and sustainable material solutions have contributed to strengthening salaries for materials chemists.

Materials chemist salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 53 200 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: 320 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Men 53 900 SEK, women 52 400 SEK (women earn 97% of what men do)
• Regional differences: No detailed data available

Education and qualifications

To work as a materials chemist, a university degree in chemistry, materials science, or related engineering fields is usually required. Many in the profession hold a master's degree, and a significant proportion also have doctoral studies. Specialized courses and laboratory experience are important credentials, and internships or project work during studies provide an advantage when entering the job market.

• Education: Master’s degree (5 years) in chemistry, materials science, or similar
• Research education: PhD often within advanced roles
• Internship: Laboratory or industry projects recommended
• Courses: Specialization in material analysis, polymers, nanomaterials, or sustainable materials
• Prerequisites: Science-oriented upper secondary education

Common benefits and compensations

Materials chemists often enjoy generous benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowances, and extra vacation days. Other common perks include opportunities for professional development, conferences, and sometimes bonus programs linked to research projects or innovations. Employment often offers flexible working hours and the possibility of hybrid work, especially in larger companies or research environments.

Competition and challenges

Competition for the most attractive positions for materials chemists can be high, particularly within research-intensive companies and academic institutions. Since many roles require advanced education or research backgrounds, it is important to have the right qualifications and relevant experience. A challenge is also to quickly adapt to new technologies and developments within the materials field, especially given rapid digitalization and increased demands for sustainable solutions. Limited data makes it difficult to precisely assess the job market situation, but the number of job openings indicates good opportunities for qualified candidates.

Tips for aspiring materials chemists

To succeed as a materials chemist, it is beneficial to combine analytical skills with a genuine interest in science and technology. Being curious and solution-oriented helps you drive the development of new materials and find innovative solutions to complex problems. Precision and patience are crucial, especially in advanced laboratory work requiring accuracy. It is also advantageous to be able to collaborate across disciplines and communicate clearly, as many projects involve teamwork with other experts or industry partners. Continually updating your knowledge, attending conferences, and networking with industry colleagues increase your opportunities for skill development and new career paths.

Key facts about materials chemists

• Education level: Usually master’s or doctoral degree
• Work environment: Laboratory and industrial development
• Work form: Mostly full-time, with options for hybrid work
• Demand: 143 job openings in the field
• Gender salary gap: Women 97% of what men earn

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a materials chemist, there are good opportunities to advance to specialist roles within research and development, take on project management responsibilities, or work as a technical expert in industry. Many choose to move into senior researcher, laboratory manager, or innovation leader roles. Forecasts from the Employment Service for chemists show no exact assessment for materials chemists, but the profession has a stable number of vacancies, and demand for advanced materials expertise is expected to continue. Research and development of new materials, especially with a focus on sustainability and technology, create long-term opportunities in both industry and academia.

Common questions about materials chemists

• What is the average salary of a materials chemist?
  - The average salary for a materials chemist is 53 200 SEK per month.
• What is required to become a materials chemist?
  - A master's degree in chemistry or materials science is common, often with a focus on advanced materials.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 97% of what men do in the profession.
• What does the job market look like for materials chemists?
  - There are 143 job openings in the field, but no exact forecast according to the Employment Service.
• What are the most common work environments?
  - Most work in laboratories or development departments, often in collaboration with industry.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a materials chemist?
  - The highest salary is 60,400 SEK (men), 58,900 SEK (women); the lowest is 39,600 SEK (men), 40,300 SEK (women).