Environmental statisticians

What does an Environmental Statistician do? – Tasks and Work Environment

An Environmental Statistician works on collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data related to environmental issues. Tasks often include designing statistical surveys, processing large datasets, and reporting results to authorities, research institutions, or companies. The role also involves developing models to monitor environmental indicators, evaluating the effects of environmental policies, and communicating complex summaries to both experts and the public. The work environment is primarily office-based with collaboration in multidisciplinary teams, and many Environmental Statisticians work in the public sector or consulting industry.

Salary Development Over Time

The salary for Environmental Statisticians has shown a clear positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 47,200 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 49 500 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 4.9%. Between 2023 and 2024, the average salary further rose to 53 400 SEK, an increase of about 7.9%. Overall, this reflects a salary increase of just over 13% over the three-year period. This development is linked to increased demand for qualified environmental expertise, especially in the public sector and consulting, as well as a generally high level of academic education among professionals. The market’s increased focus on sustainability and environmental data has also contributed to raising the value of this specialist skill.

Environmental Statistician Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 53 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 42,100 SEK/month (male, public sector, education < 3 years)
• Highest salary: 64,500 SEK/month (male, private sector, education ≥ 3 years)
• Lowest salary (female): 44,500 SEK/month
• Highest salary (female): 57,800 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 321 SEK
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 88% of men’s salary (49 700 SEK vs 56 300 SEK)
• Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and Qualifications

The path to becoming an Environmental Statistician usually involves higher education in statistics, mathematics, environmental science, or related fields. Many employers require a master’s degree or equivalent expertise, and experience with advanced data analysis and statistical tools is often necessary. Internships or trainee programs can be advantageous, and for some roles, additional courses in environmental law or programming are relevant.

• Formal education: Bachelor’s degree (3 years) or master’s degree (5 years) in statistics, mathematics, or environmental science
• Specialized courses: Statistics software (e.g., R, SPSS, Python)
• Internships: Meritorious at government agencies, consulting firms, or research institutions
• Prerequisites: Good knowledge of mathematics and data analysis
• Tips: Combine environmental subjects with advanced statistics for increased competitiveness

Common Benefits and Compensation

Environmental Statisticians are often covered by collective agreements that include occupational pension, generous vacation policies, and flexible working hours. Other common benefits include wellness allowances, remote work options, and paid training. Employment in the public sector typically offers stable working conditions and secure employment.

Competition and Challenges

The competition for positions as an Environmental Statistician varies by region and employer, but overall demand remains steady due to the increasing need for environmental data and analysis in both public and private sectors. Challenges include staying updated with new analysis methods, managing complex and sometimes incomplete data sources, and communicating advanced results to non-statisticians. Since the profession often involves cross-disciplinary collaboration, high demands are placed on both analytical and teamwork skills. Those seeking to specialize further may face high competition for the most qualified positions.

Tips for Aspiring Environmental Statisticians

To succeed as an Environmental Statistician, it’s beneficial to combine analytical precision with curiosity about environmental issues. Strong problem-solving skills aid in interpreting complex data, while good communication skills facilitate presenting results to diverse audiences. Early specialization in statistical software and environmental courses, along with internships to build networks, is recommended. Flexibility and the ability to work across disciplines are crucial, as projects often involve multiple expertise areas. Keeping up with new techniques and environmental policies enhances career prospects. Patience and perseverance are also important, as research and analysis work can be time-consuming and complex.

Key Facts about Environmental Statisticians

• Average salary: 53 400 SEK/month
• Education level: Bachelor’s or master’s degree
• Work environment: Office-based with remote work options
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 88% of men’s salary
• Job openings in the profession: 758

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After 3–5 years in the profession, there are often opportunities to specialize in advanced data analysis, project management, or environmental policy. Many Environmental Statisticians advance to roles such as senior analyst, environmental strategist, or research leader, and it is also common to work internationally or within larger consulting firms. According to the Employment Service, specific forecasts are unavailable for Environmental Statisticians due to limited data, but within the statistician profession, there are currently 758 job openings, indicating ongoing demand. The profession is strongly influenced by societal developments around environment and climate, and digitalization introduces new tools and opportunities that can broaden career paths further.

Frequently Asked Questions about Environmental Statisticians

• What does an Environmental Statistician earn?
  - The average salary is 53 400 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, sector, and education level.
• What education is required to become an Environmental Statistician?
  - Typically, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in statistics, mathematics, or environmental science is needed.
• Are there gender pay differences?
  - Yes, women earn on average 88% of what men do in the profession.
• What are the future prospects?
  - Forecasts are unavailable for specifically Environmental Statisticians, but there are 758 job openings in the statistician sector.
• Which employers hire Environmental Statisticians?
  - Common employers include government agencies, consulting firms, research institutions, and larger companies with an environmental profile.
• What are the main tasks?
  - Collecting, analyzing, and reporting environmental data, as well as developing statistical models and evaluating environmental initiatives.
• What is the highest and lowest salary?
  - The highest salary is 64,500 SEK and the lowest 42,100 SEK per month, depending on gender, sector, and education level.