How much does a Sociologist make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Sociologist
Image that illustrates Sociologist

Sociologist

40 300 kr

Social workers

34 800 - 54 300 kr / month

Women earn 102% of what men do.

Socialt arbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Sociologist

Average salary 40 300 kr
Males 39 500 kr
Females 40 400 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 278 Vacant jobs ->

What does a social worker do? – Tasks and work environment

A social worker supports people in difficult life situations and contributes to social change at individual, group, and societal levels. The profession includes a wide range of tasks, from authority work within social services to counseling, investigations, and preventive measures. Social workers often meet clients in vulnerable situations and collaborate with other professionals such as psychologists, doctors, and teachers. The work environment can vary from office-based case management to fieldwork, and the pace is often high with demands for flexibility and accuracy.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the average salary for social workers has increased from 37,500 SEK in 2022 to 38 800 SEK in 2023 and further to 40 300 SEK in 2024. This development corresponds to a total increase of approximately 7.5% during the period. The salary increase can be explained by continued high demand for educated social workers, especially within the public sector, as well as increased requirements for qualified case management and workforce capacity in social work. The trend of rising salaries is expected to continue, particularly as the labor market's need for social workers increases and the complexity of the profession continues to develop.

Social worker salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 40 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 34,800 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 54,300 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 242 SEK
  • Women's average salary: 40 400 SEK (102% of men's salary)
  • Men's average salary: 39 500 SEK
  • Regional differences: Salary variations occur between regions, often higher in metropolitan areas

Social workers often have the opportunity to further specialize in areas such as family counseling, addiction treatment, or school counseling. This flexibility makes the profession attractive for those who want to develop and change focus during their careers.

– statsskuld.se

Education and qualifications

To become a social worker, a university-level education in social work is required. The program combines theoretical studies with practical components and demands high analytical and social skills. The basic education is broad and qualifies for various roles within the social sector.

  • Social work degree: University education, 3.5 years (210 hp)
  • Internship: Included in the program, often within social services or related fields
  • Further education: Possible in areas such as psychotherapy, leadership, or specialized fields
  • Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies
  • Additional courses: Available for certain specialist tracks

Common benefits and compensations

Social workers are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, and opportunities for professional development. In some cases, flexitime, extra vacation days, and support for further training may also be available, especially within the public sector.

Competition and challenges

Competition for social work positions is generally moderate, and the labor market is considered balanced nationwide. However, challenges include high workloads, emotionally demanding situations, and sometimes resource shortages in certain organizations. The ability to manage stress and work systematically is crucial for success in the profession. The demand for social workers is expected to increase further in the coming years, which can lead to increased competition for the most attractive positions and salary opportunities.

Tips for those who want to become a social worker

To succeed as a social worker, it is beneficial to have strong empathy and a genuine interest in helping others. Being attentive and able to relate to people in various life situations is essential, as well as analytical skills and structure for investigations and documentation. It is also important to be resilient and flexible, as work situations can change quickly. Building a professional network during education and internships improves employment prospects after graduation. Continual further education and staying updated on developments in social work provide competitive advantages, and good communication skills facilitate collaboration with clients and colleagues.

Key facts about social workers

  • Education level: Social work degree (3.5 years, 210 hp)
  • Job market: 237 available positions within the profession
  • Gender distribution: Women earn on average more than men
  • Work environment: Varied, often within the public sector
  • Future prospects: Demand is expected to increase nationally

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, social workers can develop into specialist roles such as child and family investigations, addiction treatment, or school counseling. There are also opportunities to advance to supervisory positions or further qualify as psychotherapists or supervisors. According to the Employment Service's forecast, the job market for social workers, including social workers, is balanced with moderate opportunities nationwide. In five years, demand is expected to increase further, providing good future prospects for new graduates and experienced social workers. Currently, the number of available positions in the profession is 237 according to recent statistics.

Frequently asked questions about social workers

  • What is the average salary for a social worker?
    - A social worker has an average monthly salary of 40 300 SEK.
  • Are there regional salary differences for social workers?
    - Yes, salaries are often somewhat higher in metropolitan areas compared to smaller towns.
  • What education is required to become a social worker?
    - A degree in social work from a university or college, corresponding to 3.5 years of studies (210 hp).
  • What are the future prospects for social workers?
    - Demand for social workers is expected to increase over the next five years according to the Employment Service.
  • What qualities are important for a social worker?
    - Empathy, responsiveness, analytical skills, and resilience are central qualities.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for a social worker?
    - The highest salary is 54,300 SEK and the lowest is 34,800 SEK per month.
  • Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
    - Yes, women earn on average 40 400 SEK and men 39 500 SEK per month.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-13 10:51:48

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Sociologist is 54300 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Public sector with a data missing. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 51400 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Sociologist is 34800 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 37300 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 33800 kr 34100 kr
25-34 102% 37500 kr 37700 kr
35-44 103% 40600 kr 40900 kr
45-54 105% 42100 kr 42500 kr
55-64 102% 42900 kr 43300 kr
65-68 102% 43300 kr 44000 kr
Snitt 102% 40000 kr 40300 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 Sociologist has the SSYK code 2661, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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