- Salary statistics
- Politologist salary
Politologist salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
41 500 - 52 700 SEK / month
Women earn 96% of what men do.
Administration, ekonomi
Related tools
Salary progression Politologist
What does a political scientist do? – Tasks and work environment
A political scientist analyzes and studies political systems, power relations, and social issues focusing on how various actors influence society. Tasks often include research, investigations, report writing, and advising government agencies, organizations, or companies. Political scientists typically work in office environments and collaborate with other experts in humanities and social sciences. The work can be both independent and project-based with diverse contact points.
Salary development over time
The salary of a political scientist has increased gradually over the past three years with a clear positive trend. In 2022, the average salary was 43,000 SEK per month, rising to 46 000 SEK in 2023, which corresponds to an increase of about 0.7%. In 2024, the average salary reached 46 700 SEK, representing a significant increase of nearly 6.2% compared to the previous year. This salary increase can be explained by increased demand for specialists in social sciences and political analysis, as well as general salary adjustments within the public sector and academic professions. The high level of education and specialized knowledge that political scientists possess also contribute to this positive development.
Political scientists often work in interdisciplinary teams, and their analyses can influence important decisions at national and international levels, making the profession both challenging and socially relevant.
Political scientist salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 46 700 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 41,100 SEK (men), 42,000 SEK (women)
- Highest salary: 52,100 SEK (men), 50,700 SEK (women)
- Hourly wage: 277 SEK (based on 166 working hours/month)
- Gender differences: Women earn on average 96 % of men's salaries
Education and qualifications
To become a political scientist, a university degree in political science or similar social sciences is usually required. A relevant higher education provides fundamental knowledge of political theories, methods, and analytical tools. Practical experience through internships or project work is often advantageous.
- Formal degree: Bachelor's or master's degree in political science or related fields (3–5 years)
- Specialized courses: Methodology, international relations, public administration
- Internship/trainee: Commonly undertaken at government agencies and think tanks
- Prerequisites: High school diploma with good grades in social studies subjects
- Tips for choosing: Opt for programs with strong links to research and practical experience within politics and society
Common benefits and compensations
Political scientists are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, and flexible working hours. In the public sector, collective agreements are common, ensuring benefits like vacation, sick pay, and opportunities for further training. Some employers also provide support for conferences and networking.
Competition and challenges
The profession as a political scientist is competitive, with several recent graduates each year. Challenges include keeping up to date with the rapidly changing political landscape and being able to communicate complex analyses to different audiences. Many political scientists also need to adapt to project-based employment and varied tasks.
Tips for aspiring political scientists
To succeed as a political scientist, it is good to be analytical and curious, which facilitates examining complex social issues. It is also important to have strong communication skills to present analyses clearly. A structured working methodology helps manage large amounts of information efficiently. Furthermore, being adaptable and able to collaborate in interdisciplinary teams is beneficial. Gaining practical experience early through internships or projects can provide valuable contacts and insights into the profession.
Key facts about political scientists
- Education level: University degree in political science (3–5 years)
- Salary range: 41,100–52,100 SEK/month
- Work environment: Office-based, often project and research-oriented
- Gender distribution: Low salary gap, women earn 96 % of men's salaries
- Demand: Approximately 758 job openings within the profession
Career paths and future prospects
After a few years of experience, political scientists can advance to roles such as senior analyst, project manager, or advisor within public administration, organizations, or companies. There are also opportunities to work as researchers or university teachers. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, demand remains stable with good chances of employment in the public sector and consulting. Digitalization and globalization contribute to new specializations and areas of work within the profession.
Frequently asked questions about political scientists
- What does a political scientist earn at the beginning of their career?
- Starting salaries are often around 41,000–42,000 SEK per month depending on the employer and experience. - Is a master's degree required to become a political scientist?
- A bachelor's degree is the minimum, but a master's degree increases opportunities for advanced roles. - Are there significant salary differences between men and women?
- Women earn on average 96 % of men's salaries, indicating relatively small differences. - Which workplaces hire political scientists?
- Common workplaces include government agencies, research institutes, consulting firms, and non-profit organizations. - What is the work environment like for political scientists?
- The work is often office-based with opportunities for flexible hours and varied projects. - How does the salary of political scientists develop over time?
- Salaries have increased steadily over recent years with a clear positive trend. - What personal qualities are important in the profession?
- Analytical ability, good communication, and adaptability are key qualities.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 39100 kr | 39200 kr | |
| 35-44 | 103% | 46700 kr | 46800 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 48200 kr | 48200 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 48700 kr | 48700 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 46600 kr | 46700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 103% | 40200 kr | 40400 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 47700 kr | 47800 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 50200 kr | 50200 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 50800 kr | 50800 kr |
| 65-68 | 93% | 53000 kr | 53000 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 48100 kr | 48200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 103% | 40200 kr | 40400 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 47700 kr | 47800 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 50200 kr | 50200 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 50800 kr | 50800 kr |
| 65-68 | 93% | 53000 kr | 53000 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 48100 kr | 48200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 44800 kr | 44800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 44800 kr | 44800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 103% | 46000 kr | 46100 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 48700 kr | 48700 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 50900 kr | 50900 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 47500 kr | 47500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 103% | 39500 kr | 39600 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 47500 kr | 47600 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 50300 kr | 50400 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 51900 kr | 52000 kr |
| 65-68 | 93% | 54400 kr | 54400 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 48500 kr | 48500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 103% | 39500 kr | 39600 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 47500 kr | 47600 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 50300 kr | 50400 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 51900 kr | 52000 kr |
| 65-68 | 93% | 54400 kr | 54400 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 48500 kr | 48500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 46400 kr | 46400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 46400 kr | 46400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 103% | 47200 kr | 47300 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 47600 kr | 47700 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 46400 kr | 46400 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 45800 kr | 45900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 103% | 40700 kr | 40900 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 47800 kr | 47900 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 50000 kr | 50000 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 49800 kr | 49800 kr |
| 65-68 | 93% | 50600 kr | 50600 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 47900 kr | 47900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 103% | 40700 kr | 40900 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 47800 kr | 47900 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 50000 kr | 50000 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 49800 kr | 49800 kr |
| 65-68 | 93% | 50600 kr | 50600 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 47900 kr | 47900 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 Politologist has the SSYK code 2623, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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