- Salary statistics
- Structural chemist salary
Structural chemist salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
39 100 - 62 900 SEK / month
Women earn 95% of what men do.
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Salary progression Structural chemist
What does a structural chemist do? – Tasks and work environment
A structural chemist works with investigating and analyzing the molecular and material structures at the atomic level. Methods such as X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, and electron microscopy are used to map structures and understand properties of chemical compounds, biological macromolecules, or materials. The work environment is often laboratory-based and can involve both practical experimental work and advanced data analysis. Structural chemists are primarily found at universities, research institutes, and within the pharmaceutical, materials, and biotechnology industries, where their specialized knowledge is crucial for developing new products and research advances.
Salary development over time
The salary of a structural chemist has shown a clear upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 48,000 SEK per month, increasing to 53 200 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary is 55 000 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 11% over three years. This salary development can be explained by increased demand for advanced chemical expertise, especially in pharmaceutical and materials research. The educational level within the profession is generally high, which also contributes to salary stability and growth. Since structural chemists often work on complex and specialized research projects, competition for experienced specialists remains high, which can further drive salaries in the future.
Structural chemist salary – a complete overview
- Average salary: 55 000 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 39,600 SEK/month (men), 40,300 SEK/month (women)
- Highest salary: 60,400 SEK/month (men), 58,900 SEK/month (women)
- Hourly wage (average): 320 SEK
- Gender pay gap: Women earn 95% of what men do (men: 56 300 SEK, women: 53 600 SEK)
- Regional differences: No reliable data at regional level
Education and qualifications
To work as a structural chemist, a higher academic education in chemistry is usually required, often with specialization in structural chemistry, biochemistry, or materials chemistry. A master's degree is often a minimum requirement, but many positions, especially in research and development, require a doctoral degree. Practical experience with advanced analytical methods and instruments is highly meritorious. Knowledge in mathematics, physics, and IT is also important for success in the profession.
- Master's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or materials chemistry (5 years)
- Doctoral degree (PhD) – often a requirement for research positions (3–5 additional years)
- Internships or trainee programs at universities, research institutes, or industry
- Courses and certifications in structural analysis (e.g., X-ray crystallography, NMR)
- Prerequisites: mathematics, physics, and basic chemistry at high school level
Structural chemists often collaborate in interdisciplinary teams where knowledge of biology, physics, and computer science is combined to solve complex problems. Mastery of multiple disciplines makes one particularly valuable in research environments.
Common benefits and compensations
Structural chemists are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, remote work options, and access to advanced equipment and research resources. Employment within academia may also include occupational pensions and support for professional development, while private employers sometimes offer bonuses and extra vacation days.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as a structural chemist can vary depending on region and specialization. Since the profession requires high education levels and advanced technical skills, the number of qualified candidates is limited. Challenges may include rapid technological changes, the need for continuous learning, and demands for interdisciplinary collaboration. Funding for research projects and access to modern equipment can also affect working conditions. For those wishing to work internationally, language requirements and cultural differences may present additional challenges.
Tips for aspiring structural chemists
To succeed as a structural chemist, it is beneficial to combine analytical precision with a strong interest in problem-solving. Gaining practical laboratory experience early on provides valuable insight into daily work and enhances independence and teamwork skills. A curious and persistent personality facilitates tackling complex research questions and staying updated on technological advances. It is also wise to develop skills in data analysis and programming early, as these competencies are becoming increasingly important in the field. Networking with researchers and participating in seminars or conferences can open doors to exciting projects and collaborations. Finally, good communication skills are essential, as results often need to be presented to both specialists and the general public.
Key facts about the structural chemist profession
- Salary range: 39,600–60,400 SEK/month
- Average salary: 55 000 SEK/month
- Education level: Master's or doctoral degree
- Typical work environment: Laboratories and research institutes
- Job market: 143 available jobs within the chemistry profession
Career paths and future outlook
After three to five years as a structural chemist, there are opportunities to advance to project leader, research manager, or specialist roles within the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology, or materials research. Transitioning to an academic career, such as university lecturer or researcher, is also common. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, there is no specific assessment for structural chemists, but within the chemistry profession, demand remains stable with many available positions. Continued technological development and increasing need for advanced chemical expertise suggest good future prospects, especially for those open to working internationally or in interdisciplinary projects.
Frequently asked questions about structural chemists
- What is the monthly salary of a structural chemist?
- The average salary for a structural chemist is 55 000 SEK per month. - What are the highest and lowest salaries for a structural chemist?
- The highest salary is 60,400 SEK and the lowest is 39,600 SEK per month. - Are there gender pay differences?
- Yes, women earn on average 95% of what men do in the profession. - What education is required to become a structural chemist?
- A master's degree in chemistry or a related field is required, often also a doctoral degree for research roles. - What does the job market look like for structural chemists?
- There are 143 available jobs within the chemistry profession, but no specific forecast for structural chemists. - Which workplaces hire structural chemists?
- Common employers include universities, research institutes, and companies in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and materials development. - What is the average hourly wage for a structural chemist?
- The average hourly wage is 320 SEK.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 44100 kr | 44300 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 52900 kr | 53200 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 58900 kr | 59100 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 62600 kr | 63000 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 54700 kr | 55000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 35200 kr | 35200 kr | |
| 25-34 | 98% | 40700 kr | 40900 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 45800 kr | 45900 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 49900 kr | 50000 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 53200 kr | 53200 kr |
| 65-68 | 84% | 56500 kr | 56500 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 47600 kr | 47700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 40500 kr | 40700 kr |
| 35-44 | 103% | 44600 kr | 44800 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 49200 kr | 49200 kr |
| 55-64 | 87% | 52800 kr | 52800 kr |
| 65-68 | 56500 kr | 56500 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 46200 kr | 46300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 95% | 41200 kr | 41300 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 47800 kr | 47900 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 50900 kr | 51100 kr |
| 55-64 | 107% | 53800 kr | 53800 kr |
| 65-68 | 87% | 56500 kr | 56500 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 49500 kr | 49600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 45000 kr | 45200 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 54900 kr | 55300 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 61800 kr | 62100 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 65400 kr | 65700 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 56800 kr | 57100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 45000 kr | 45200 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 54900 kr | 55300 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 61800 kr | 62100 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 65400 kr | 65700 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 56800 kr | 57100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 44400 kr | 44600 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 53000 kr | 53300 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 60500 kr | 60700 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 63500 kr | 63800 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 56000 kr | 56300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 41200 kr | 41300 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 45200 kr | 45400 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 50300 kr | 50400 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 54300 kr | 54300 kr |
| 65-68 | 84% | 61000 kr | 61000 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 47900 kr | 48000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 40800 kr | 40900 kr |
| 35-44 | 103% | 44100 kr | 44300 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 49800 kr | 49900 kr |
| 55-64 | 87% | 56700 kr | 56700 kr |
| 65-68 | 63200 kr | 63200 kr | |
| Snitt | 98% | 46600 kr | 46700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 95% | 42600 kr | 42800 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 48700 kr | 48800 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 51200 kr | 51200 kr |
| 55-64 | 107% | 52200 kr | 52200 kr |
| 65-68 | 87% | 60300 kr | 60300 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 50500 kr | 50500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 45400 kr | 45500 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 55300 kr | 55600 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 63000 kr | 63300 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 65500 kr | 65900 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 58200 kr | 58500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 45400 kr | 45500 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 55300 kr | 55600 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 63000 kr | 63300 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 65500 kr | 65900 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 58200 kr | 58500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 43800 kr | 44000 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 52700 kr | 53100 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 57400 kr | 57500 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 61500 kr | 61800 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 53400 kr | 53600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 98% | 40300 kr | 40500 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 46300 kr | 46400 kr |
| 45-54 | 99% | 49700 kr | 49800 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 52000 kr | 52200 kr |
| 65-68 | 84% | 51200 kr | 51200 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 47300 kr | 47400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 40300 kr | 40400 kr |
| 35-44 | 103% | 45400 kr | 45500 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 48600 kr | 48600 kr |
| 55-64 | 87% | 49200 kr | 49400 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 45800 kr | 45900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 95% | 40500 kr | 40600 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 47300 kr | 47400 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 50800 kr | 51000 kr |
| 55-64 | 107% | 55500 kr | 55600 kr |
| 65-68 | 87% | 52300 kr | 52300 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 49000 kr | 49100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 44700 kr | 44900 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 54500 kr | 55000 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 60600 kr | 60800 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 65100 kr | 65400 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 55400 kr | 55700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 44700 kr | 44900 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 54500 kr | 55000 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 60600 kr | 60800 kr |
| 55-64 | 99% | 65100 kr | 65400 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 55400 kr | 55700 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 Structural chemist has the SSYK code 2113, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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