Image that illustrates Social economist

Social economist

57 100 kr

Economists and macro analysts etc.

41 300 - 65 200 kr / month

Women earn 92% of what men do.

Administration, ekonomi

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Social economist

Average salary 57 100 kr
Males 59 400 kr
Females 54 800 kr

What does a Social Economist do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Social Economist analyzes and interprets economic processes and societal trends to inform decisions in politics, business, and the public sector. Tasks include evaluating economic policies, forecasting socio-economic developments, and conducting investigations and reports on areas such as labor markets, taxes, growth, or environmental economics. Social Economists often work with statistical analysis, data processing, and modeling, and their conclusions can underpin important societal decisions. The work environment is typically office-based, characterized by independent work but also collaboration in project teams and close contact with decision-makers and stakeholders.

Salary Development Over Time

The salary for Social Economists has increased significantly in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 47,800 SEK per month, rising to 54 000 SEK in 2023 and continuing to 57 100 SEK in 2024. This development represents a nearly 20% increase over three years, which is notable compared to many other economics professions. The salary increase reflects both a growing demand for advanced socio-economic analysis in an increasingly complex society and a greater focus on socio-economic impact assessments in both the public and private sectors. Additionally, competition for qualified Social Economists has led employers to offer higher salaries to attract and retain talent.

Social Economist Salary – Complete Overview

  • Average salary: 57 100 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 41,300 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 65,200 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 343 SEK
  • Women: 54 800 SEK/month
  • Men: 59 400 SEK/month
  • Women earn: 92% of men's salaries

Education and Qualifications

To work as a Social Economist, a university degree in economics or a related field is generally required, often at an advanced level. Many hold a master's degree, and additional courses in statistics, analysis, and social sciences are common. Practical experience from internships, trainee programs, or research projects is highly valued, as is the ability to communicate complex analyses in an accessible manner.

  • Educational level: Bachelor's degree (3 years) or master's degree (5 years) in economics
  • Additional courses: Statistics, social sciences, data analysis
  • Internship/trainee: Meritorious within authorities, municipalities, or consulting sectors
  • Prerequisites: High school diploma with good grades in mathematics and social studies
  • Tip: Focus on public sector, environmental economics, or labor market for broader opportunities

Many Social Economists work at the intersection of research and policy, where they have the opportunity to influence long-term societal decisions. The profession often offers a broad network and insight into various societal sectors, making it attractive for those who want to combine analytical work with social engagement.

– statsskuld.se

Common Benefits and Compensation

In addition to the base salary, Social Economists often receive benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexible working hours, and opportunities for remote work. Many also include professional development, subsidized lunches, or favorable insurance packages. Some employers offer bonuses or performance-based compensation for larger projects.

Challenges and Competition

Competition for positions as a Social Economist can be fierce, especially for attractive employers in government, finance, or large consulting firms. Since the profession requires advanced analytical skills and deep subject knowledge, high demands are placed on candidates during recruitment. Challenges also include staying updated on socio-economic changes and new data analysis methods. Balancing independent work with collaboration among specialists can also be demanding, especially during complex investigations or rapid societal changes.

Tips for Aspiring Social Economists

To succeed as a Social Economist, it is beneficial to combine analytical sharpness with a genuine interest in societal issues and economics. Curiosity helps in understanding and interpreting complex relationships, while accuracy is crucial for drawing reliable conclusions. Strong communication skills are important both for presenting results and collaborating with other experts. Early internships or part-time jobs in the public sector or consulting can help build networks and experience. Continuing education in statistics and data analysis increases competitiveness, and active participation in societal debates can open doors to new assignments. Last but not least, perseverance and patience are key, as many analyses require time and persistence to produce results.

Key Facts about a Social Economist

  • Average salary: 57 100 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 41,300–65,200 SEK/month
  • Education level: Master's degree in economics is common
  • Work environment: Office-based, often project-oriented
  • Demand: 758 available jobs in the profession

Career Paths and Future Prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a Social Economist can advance to senior analyst, project manager, or manager within analysis departments at authorities, banks, consulting firms, or research institutes. Many also choose to specialize in areas such as labor market economics, environmental economics, or public finance. Forecasts from the Employment Service do not provide an exact assessment for the profession, but the current number of available jobs ({{mainEntity.length}}) indicates good opportunities for those with the right skills. For those looking to broaden their careers, roles such as policy analyst, investigator, or researcher are also relevant.

Frequently Asked Questions about a Social Economist

  • What is the average salary of a Social Economist?
    - The average salary for a Social Economist is 57 100 SEK per month.
  • Are there large salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 92% of men's salaries within the profession.
  • What education is required to become a Social Economist?
    - A master's degree in economics or a related field is most common.
  • What is the job market like for Social Economists?
    - There are 758 available jobs within the profession, indicating strong demand.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for a Social Economist?
    - The highest salary is 65,200 SEK, and the lowest is 41,300 SEK per month.
  • Which employers hire Social Economists?
    - Authorities, banks, consulting firms, research institutes, and international organizations.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Analytical ability, accuracy, communication skills, and social interest.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Social economist is 65200 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a unspecified education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 56500 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Social economist is 41300 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 49400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 45100 kr 45300 kr
35-44 90% 58300 kr 59200 kr
45-54 100% 61300 kr 61700 kr
55-64 61500 kr 62700 kr
Snitt 92% 56500 kr 57100 kr
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 Social economist has the SSYK code 2415, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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