Image that illustrates Sociologist, researcher

Sociologist, researcher

46 000 kr

Archaeologists and specialists in humanities etc.

41 100 - 52 100 kr / month

Women earn 97% of what men do.

Administration, ekonomi

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Sociologist, researcher

Average salary 46 000 kr
Males 46 600 kr
Females 45 300 kr

What does a sociologist, researcher do? – Tasks and work environment

A sociologist, researcher analyzes and investigates social phenomena, relationships, and structures in society. Tasks include collecting and interpreting data through surveys, interviews, and observations, as well as preparing reports and scientific articles. The work may also involve participating in research projects, lecturing at universities, or working as an expert in various societal projects. The work environment is often academic and office-based, but fieldwork and collaboration with other actors are common. Flexibility and analytical skills are important qualities to manage different phases of the research process.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary of a Sociologist, researcher has developed steadily with a clear upward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 43,000 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 43 300 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the salary has continued to rise to 46 000 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 7% over the period. This positive trend can be linked to increased demand for social science expertise, larger research grants, and a growing need for qualified analysis in both the public and private sectors. The salary increase is particularly noticeable among experienced researchers and within larger research projects where complexity and responsibility are higher.

Sociologist, researcher salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 46 000 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 41,100 SEK/month (men), 42,000 SEK/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 52,100 SEK/month (men), 50,700 SEK/month (women)
  • Hourly wage: 277 SEK
  • Gender pay gap: Women earn 97% of men's salary (men: 46 600 SEK, women: 45 300 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Varies depending on university and research environment

Education and qualifications

To work as a sociologist, researcher, a solid academic education in sociology or related social sciences is generally required. The educational path usually includes a bachelor's degree followed by master's and doctoral studies. Research experience, methodological skills, and the ability to analyze independently are central qualifications.

  • Bachelor's degree in sociology or social sciences: 3 years
  • Master's degree: An additional 2 years
  • Doctoral studies (PhD): 4 years
  • Internships and research projects: Common during education
  • Prerequisites: Basic eligibility and specific eligibility in social sciences

Many sociologists, researchers collaborate interdisciplinary with economists, psychologists, and political scientists to understand complex societal issues from multiple perspectives. This opens doors to unique research projects and international collaborations.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Employment as a sociologist, researcher often offers benefits such as flexible working hours, extended vacations, wellness allowances, and occupational pensions. In some cases, opportunities for research travel, conference participation, and further training are included within the employment.

Competition and challenges

The competition for research positions in sociology is high, especially at leading universities and research institutes. The number of doctoral positions is limited, which means many must seek funding through external research grants or work project-based. Challenges in the profession include uncertainty about long-term funding, requirements for publishing in scientific journals, and the need to stay updated on new research methods. Networking and collaboration with other researchers are often crucial for establishing oneself in the field.

Tips for those who want to become a sociologist, researcher

To succeed as a sociologist, researcher, it is good to have strong analytical skills and a genuine interest in societal issues. Curiosity and perseverance help in collecting and interpreting complex data, while thoroughness is important to ensure research quality. It is recommended to seek internships or participate in research projects during studies to build experience and networks. Good communication skills facilitate presentation of results and collaboration with other actors. Being flexible and open to new perspectives is also a great asset in a constantly evolving and changing field.

Key facts about Sociologist, researcher

  • Salary range: 41,100–52,100 SEK/month
  • Education level: Doctoral degree in sociology (at least 9 years)
  • Work environment: Academic, often office- and project-based
  • Demand: 758 job openings in 2024
  • Gender pay gap: Women earn 97% of men's salary

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a sociologist, researcher, opportunities exist to advance to leading roles within research projects or to become a docent and lead your own research groups. Some choose to broaden their careers into policy work, societal analysis within authorities, or consulting. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate ongoing demand for qualified social scientists, but competition for permanent positions is fierce, and many work project-based during parts of their careers. Development opportunities are good for those who are flexible and willing to participate in international collaborations or interdisciplinary projects.

Frequently asked questions about Sociologist, researcher

  • What is the average salary of a Sociologist, researcher?
    - The average salary is 46 000 SEK per month.
  • What does the gender pay gap look like?
    - Women earn on average 45 300 SEK, which is 97% of men's salary.
  • What education is required to become a sociologist, researcher?
    - A doctoral degree in sociology or a related field is usually required.
  • Are there regional differences in salary?
    - Yes, salaries can vary between different universities and research environments.
  • What does the job market look like for sociologists, researchers?
    - There are 758 job openings in the profession, but competition for permanent positions is high.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries?
    - The highest salary is 52,100 SEK and the lowest is 41,100 SEK per month.
  • What benefits are often included?
    - Common benefits include flexible working hours, wellness allowance, and occupational pension.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Sociologist, researcher is 52100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a data missing. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 50700 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Sociologist, researcher is 41100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 42000 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 38500 kr 38600 kr
35-44 101% 45600 kr 45800 kr
45-54 101% 47200 kr 47300 kr
55-64 91% 47300 kr 47300 kr
Snitt 97% 45900 kr 46000 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 Sociologist, researcher has the SSYK code 2623, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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