How much does a Paleontologist make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Paleontologist
Image that illustrates Paleontologist

Paleontologist

47 800 kr

Geologists and geophysicists etc.

37 900 - 59 300 kr / month

Women earn 94% of what men do.

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Salary progression Paleontologist

Average salary 47 800 kr
Males 48 800 kr
Females 45 900 kr
3 Likes 0 Comments 4 Vacant jobs ->

What does a Paleontologist do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A paleontologist works with examining and interpreting fossilized remains of animals, plants, and other organisms to understand the development of life on Earth. This may include fieldwork where fossils are collected, laboratory work analyzing samples, and advanced research on evolutionary patterns. The environment can vary from excavation sites under sometimes demanding conditions to office settings where analysis and report writing predominate. Paleontologists are often employed at universities, museums, or research institutes, but may also work within conservation sectors or consulting.

Salary Development Over Time

The salary for paleontologists has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 44,200 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 46 400 SEK in 2023, and further to 47,800 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total increase of approximately 8% over three years, which is higher than the general salary growth for many other academic professions. Behind this trend are increased demand for natural science expertise and a growing interest in climate and environmental issues where paleontological knowledge plays an important role. At the same time, limited number of positions and specialized education positively influence salary levels for the profession.

Paleontologist Salary – Complete Overview

  • Average salary: 47,800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 37,900 SEK/month (female, private sector worker, education shorter than 3 years)
  • Highest salary: 59,300 SEK/month (male, private sector worker, unspecified education)
  • Hourly wage: 287 SEK
  • Gender differences: Men 48 800 SEK, women 45 900 SEK (women earn 94% of men's salary)
  • Regional differences: No detailed data available

Education and Qualifications

To work as a paleontologist, a solid academic education in geosciences, biology, or related fields is required. Usually, at least a master's degree is necessary, and many paleontologists also have doctoral studies (PhD). Practical experience from fieldwork and laboratory work is often essential, and competition for the few positions makes supplementary courses and international experience advantageous.

  • Formal degree: Master's degree (5 years) or doctoral degree (additional 4 years)
  • Internship/Trainee: Fieldwork and research internships are often part of the education
  • Prerequisites: Natural science foundation or high school diploma with a focus on natural sciences
  • Certifications/Courses: Specialized courses in paleontology, geology, and biology
  • Tips for choosing: International experience and publications increase competitiveness

Fieldwork can sometimes lead paleontologists to remote locations and extreme environments, from Arctic tundras to hot deserts. Many discoveries happen outside laboratories and require endurance and creative problem-solving in the field.

– statsskuld.se

Common Benefits and Compensation

Paleontologists are often offered benefits such as research grants, opportunities for international collaboration, flexible working hours, and extra vacation days. Some employers also provide paid further education, access to specialized equipment, and support for attending conferences and scientific expeditions.

Challenges and Competition

The job market for paleontologists is limited and characterized by fierce competition for research and university positions. The low number of jobs means many work on a project basis or combine research with teaching. Securing funding for research projects can be difficult, and the profession often requires international collaborations to develop. At the same time, the high specialization means those who succeed often work with unique and advanced tasks.

Tips for Aspiring Paleontologists

To succeed as a paleontologist, it’s good to have a strong interest in natural sciences and curiosity about Earth’s history. Patience is crucial, as both fieldwork and research can be slow processes where results are not always guaranteed. Precision and analytical skills are needed when collecting and interpreting data, while endurance and flexibility are important when unexpected challenges arise in the field. Building a broad network through conferences and collaborations, and staying updated with current scientific publications, also increases chances of a successful career. Being communicative and able to present your discoveries to both the scientific community and the public enhances career prospects.

Key Facts about Paleontologists

  • Educational level: Usually requires a master's or doctoral degree
  • Work environment: Alternates between fieldwork and laboratory/office settings
  • Typical employment form: Research-based, often at universities or museums
  • Demand: Limited number of positions, 143 available jobs in the profession
  • Special skills: Fossil analysis, geology, and biological evolution

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After three to five years in the profession, a paleontologist can often advance to leading roles in research projects, become responsible for collections at museums, or work as a university lecturer. Opportunities for international collaborations increase with experience, and some move into advisory roles within environmental or conservation sectors. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, no specific assessment is made for the profession of paleontologist due to limited data, but within the group of geologists and geophysicists, there were 143 available jobs in the latest survey. The prognosis shows that demand remains stable overall, but competition for the most attractive positions remains high.

Frequently Asked Questions about Paleontologists

  • What does a Paleontologist earn?
    - A paleontologist has an average salary of 47,800 SEK per month.
  • How do salary differences between men and women look?
    - Men earn an average of 48 800 SEK, women 45 900 SEK, which means women earn 94% of men's salary.
  • What education is required to become a paleontologist?
    - Usually, a master's or doctoral degree in geosciences or related fields is required.
  • What does the job market look like for paleontologists?
    - The job market is small but demand for expertise exists within universities, museums, and research institutes, with 143 available jobs in the profession.
  • Are there regional salary differences for paleontologists?
    - No detailed statistics are available for regional differences.
  • What benefits can you receive as a paleontologist?
    - Common benefits include research grants, flexible working hours, and opportunities for international collaboration.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for a paleontologist?
    - The highest salary is 59,300 SEK per month, and the lowest is 37,900 SEK per month.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-13 08:13:18

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Paleontologist is 59300 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers with a data missing. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 47800 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Paleontologist is 37900 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 44800 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 96% 41300 kr 41800 kr
35-44 98% 47500 kr 47900 kr
45-54 51900 kr 52200 kr
55-64 54000 kr 54200 kr
Snitt 94% 47400 kr 47800 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 Paleontologist has the SSYK code 2114, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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