- Salary statistics
- Particle physicist salary
Particle physicist salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
44 500 - 61 000 SEK / month
Women earn 93% of what men do.
Naturvetenskapligt arbete
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Salary progression Particle physicist
What does a particle physicist do? – Tasks and work environment
Particle physicists work on investigating the smallest components of matter and the fundamental forces that govern the universe. Common tasks include planning and conducting experiments, data analysis, and developing theoretical models within the most advanced areas of physics. The work is often carried out at universities, research institutes, or international laboratories such as CERN. The work environment is primarily academic and characterized by collaboration in international research teams, advanced technical equipment, and long project cycles. Much of the work time is spent on computer simulations, report writing, and publishing scientific results, but teaching and supervising students also occur.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, the salary for particle physicists has shown a steady increase. In 2022, the average salary was 48,500 SEK per month. By 2023, it increased to 49300 SEK, representing an increase of about 2.5%. In 2024, the average salary continued to rise to 53 100 SEK, a further increase of just over 3.6% from the previous year. The positive trend is partly explained by increased demand for advanced research skills and the high level of education required for the profession. Salary increases also reflect a general trend within highly specialized natural science professions, where competition for top expertise is noticeable.
Particle physicist salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 53 100 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 41,600 SEK/month (female, private sector worker, post-secondary education <3 years)
- Highest salary: 58,500 SEK/month (male, municipal sector, research education)
- Hourly wage (average): 310 SEK
- Women earn: 50 300 SEK (93% of men's salary)
- Men earn: 54 200 SEK
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a particle physicist is long and requires strong engagement in scientific subjects. The basic education typically begins with a bachelor's degree in engineering or natural sciences with a focus on physics, followed by master's studies and then doctoral studies. The role requires good knowledge of advanced mathematics, programming, and English, as well as the ability to work in international environments.
- Bachelor's degree in physics or related field (3 years)
- Master's degree in physics, often with specialization in theoretical or experimental particle physics (2 years)
- PhD in particle physics or related research area (4–5 years)
- Experience in laboratory work or participation in research projects
- Strong skills in mathematics, programming, and statistics
- Good ability to communicate in English
Many particle physicists have opportunities to work in international collaborations and spend time at world-leading laboratories, such as CERN in Switzerland. This provides unique chances to network and participate in groundbreaking research where major breakthroughs often occur through international cooperation.
Common benefits and compensations
Particle physicists are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, generous vacation policies, flexible working hours, and opportunities for international research exchanges. It is common to have access to further education, conference travel, and sometimes bonuses for published research results. Employers within universities and research institutes also offer stable employment conditions and good opportunities for skills development.
Competition and challenges
The field of particle physics is highly specialized and challenging, which makes competition for the most attractive research positions significant. The number of positions is limited, especially at Swedish universities and research institutes, and recruitment processes are often extensive. Many positions require international experience and the ability to publish in leading scientific journals. Long project durations, uncertain research funding, and the need for continuous skills development are other challenges characteristic of the profession. However, those who succeed in establishing themselves are offered an stimulating and intellectually rewarding career with opportunities for international collaboration.
Tips for aspiring particle physicists
To succeed as a particle physicist, it is good to have strong analytical skills and a genuine curiosity about the laws of nature. Early participation in summer research schools or internships provides valuable experience and networks. Persistence is crucial, as the educational path is long and research projects often require patience. Developing good skills in programming and statistics is important, as data-driven analysis is central to the profession. Collaboration skills and the ability to communicate in English are also key qualities, as much of the research is conducted in international teams. Attending seminars and conferences actively enhances both competence and future research opportunities. Finally, being open to working abroad is wise, as many leading research environments are international.
Key facts about particle physicists
- Average salary: 53 100 SEK/month
- Education level: PhD in physics, 9–10 years total
- Work environment: Research institutes and universities, often international
- Typical work form: Project-based and collaborative
- Vacant jobs in the field: 143 (May 2024)
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a particle physicist can advance to more independent research positions, such as postdoctoral researcher or research assistant. It is also common to take responsibility for own projects or supervise doctoral students. In the longer term, a career can lead to lectureships, professorships, or research leadership roles within universities and institutes. Several particle physicists move on to roles in industry, especially within advanced technology, data analysis, or medical technology development. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, there is no specific assessment for particle physicists due to limited data. The profession reports 143 available positions in Sweden, indicating some demand, but competition for research roles remains high.
Frequently asked questions about particle physicists
- What is the average salary of a particle physicist?
- The average salary for a particle physicist is 53 100 SEK per month. - What education is required to become a particle physicist?
- The profession typically requires a PhD in physics, often with a focus on particle physics. - Are there gender differences in salary for particle physicists?
- Yes, women earn 93% of men's salaries, which corresponds to 50 300 SEK/month for women and 54 200 SEK/month for men. - What does the job market look like for particle physicists?
- There are 143 available jobs in the field, but competition for research positions is high. - What are the highest and lowest salaries for particle physicists?
- The highest salary is 58,500 SEK/month (male, municipal sector, research education) and the lowest is 41,600 SEK/month (female, private sector worker, post-secondary education <3 years). - Who employs particle physicists?
- Common employers are universities, research institutes, and international laboratories. - What qualities are important for a particle physicist?
- Analytical skills, perseverance, teamwork, and an interest in advanced research are key qualities.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 42300 kr | 42500 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 50900 kr | 51100 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 57600 kr | 57800 kr |
| 55-64 | 65700 kr | 65800 kr | |
| Snitt | 93% | 52900 kr | 53100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 104% | 38900 kr | 38900 kr |
| 25-34 | 101% | 42500 kr | 42600 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 50300 kr | 50500 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 56500 kr | 56700 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 62200 kr | 62300 kr |
| 65-68 | 111% | 62400 kr | 62400 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 51300 kr | 51400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 104% | 38900 kr | 38900 kr |
| 25-34 | 102% | 42400 kr | 42600 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 49400 kr | 49500 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 55800 kr | 55900 kr |
| 55-64 | 93% | 61300 kr | 61300 kr |
| 65-68 | 61200 kr | 61200 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 50600 kr | 50700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 100% | 42500 kr | 42900 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 52500 kr | 52800 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 58800 kr | 59000 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 64700 kr | 65000 kr |
| 65-68 | 105% | 65300 kr | 65300 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 53100 kr | 53400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 65800 kr | 66100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 65800 kr | 66100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 42500 kr | 42600 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 51200 kr | 51400 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 57600 kr | 57800 kr |
| 55-64 | 66500 kr | 66600 kr | |
| Snitt | 93% | 54100 kr | 54200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 104% | 38200 kr | 38200 kr |
| 25-34 | 101% | 42400 kr | 42500 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 50500 kr | 50700 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 56600 kr | 56700 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 62200 kr | 62300 kr |
| 65-68 | 111% | 61400 kr | 61400 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 51800 kr | 52000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 104% | 38200 kr | 38200 kr |
| 25-34 | 102% | 42300 kr | 42400 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 49700 kr | 49800 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 55800 kr | 55900 kr |
| 55-64 | 93% | 61800 kr | 61800 kr |
| 65-68 | 60700 kr | 60700 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 51200 kr | 51300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 100% | 42600 kr | 42800 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 53700 kr | 53900 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 60000 kr | 60200 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 64300 kr | 64600 kr |
| 65-68 | 105% | 64000 kr | 64000 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 54700 kr | 55000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 42000 kr | 42400 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 50300 kr | 50500 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 57500 kr | 57700 kr |
| Snitt | 93% | 50100 kr | 50300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 104% | 39700 kr | 39700 kr |
| 25-34 | 101% | 42700 kr | 43000 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 49700 kr | 49900 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 56400 kr | 56600 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 61900 kr | 61900 kr |
| 65-68 | 111% | 68000 kr | 68000 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 49800 kr | 50100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 104% | 39700 kr | 39700 kr |
| 25-34 | 102% | 42800 kr | 43100 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 48300 kr | 48400 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 55900 kr | 55900 kr |
| 55-64 | 93% | 57200 kr | 57200 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 48400 kr | 48600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 100% | 42500 kr | 42900 kr |
| 35-44 | 95% | 51100 kr | 51400 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 57200 kr | 57600 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 65400 kr | 65500 kr |
| 65-68 | 105% | 67000 kr | 67000 kr |
| Snitt | 94% | 51400 kr | 51800 kr |
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 Particle physicist has the SSYK code 2111, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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