- Salary statistics
- Toxicologist
Toxicologist
41 600 - 52 100 kr / month
Women earn 89% of what men do.
Naturvetenskapligt arbete
Salary progression Toxicologist
What does a toxicologist do? – Tasks and work environment
Toxicologists analyze and assess risks associated with chemical substances and biological agents for humans, animals, and the environment. Their tasks often include evaluating data from laboratory studies, developing safety assessments, and advising authorities or companies on handling hazardous substances. The work typically takes place in laboratories, research institutions, or within public administration, where precision and analytical ability are key qualities. The work environment is usually structured and can involve both independent work and collaboration in interdisciplinary teams, often with high demands for documentation and quality assurance.
Salary development over time
The salary for a toxicologist has shown a clear upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 44,700 SEK, which increased to 46 700 SEK in 2023 – an increase of about 4.5%. During 2024, the average salary has continued to rise and now stands at 49 100 SEK, representing a further increase of just over 5% compared to the previous year. This development reflects an increasing demand for specialized skills in toxicology, particularly within the pharmaceutical industry, environmental protection, and regulatory agencies. The salary increase can also be linked to higher educational requirements and an increased need for risk assessments in society, which has led employers to compete for qualified candidates.
Toxicologist salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 49 100 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 41,600 SEK/month (female, public sector, postgraduate education)
- Highest salary: 52,100 SEK/month (male, various sectors)
- Hourly wage: 295 SEK
- Women earn: 46 400 SEK/month
- Men earn: 52,100 SEK/month
- Women earn: 89% of what men do
Education and qualifications
To work as a toxicologist, a longer university education in natural sciences is usually required, often with specialization in toxicology, pharmacology, or biomedicine. Many employers also require practical laboratory experience and knowledge of risk assessment and regulatory processes.
- Formal degree: Master's degree (5 years) in toxicology, biomedicine, or similar
- Certifications: Courses in risk assessment, regulatory toxicology
- Internships: Laboratory internships, trainee programs at authorities or pharmaceutical companies
- Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree in a natural science subject
- Tips for choosing: Focus on environmental, pharmaceutical, or industrial specializations based on interest and job market
Many toxicologists work interdisciplinary and collaborate with chemists, doctors, and environmental experts to understand and minimize risks in society. The profession demands high analytical thinking and communication skills, especially when explaining complex risk assessments to decision-makers and the public. Those who enjoy problem-solving and want to contribute to a safer environment can find great satisfaction in this role.
Common benefits and compensations
Toxicologists are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, remote work options, and extra vacation days. In some cases, additional training, pension contributions, and health insurances are included in employment, especially within larger companies and public sector organizations.
Competition and challenges
The job market for toxicologists is characterized by some competition, especially for recent graduates without work experience. The lack of detailed statistics makes long-term trend predictions difficult, but the number of available positions in related professions indicates relatively good prospects. Challenges include staying updated with new research, rapidly changing regulations, and increased documentation requirements. Furthermore, the profession demands the ability to handle complex data and communicate risks to both specialists and the public.
Tips for aspiring toxicologists
To succeed as a toxicologist, a strong interest in natural sciences and analytical thinking is beneficial, as much of the work involves interpreting and evaluating complex data. Precision is crucial when conducting experiments and documenting results, so training attention to detail during studies is advantageous. Good communication skills are helpful when explaining risk assessments to decision-makers and the public, and teamwork skills are important since many projects are conducted in teams. Keeping up with legislation and new research provides an advantage, as does practical experience through internships or summer jobs in laboratories. Finally, curiosity and problem-solving attitudes benefit both personal development and long-term career opportunities.
Key facts about Toxicologists
- Educational level: Master's degree (5 years) is most common
- Work environment: Laboratories, authorities, and companies
- Typical employment: Full-time, often project-based
- Available jobs: 143 within the profession (May 2024)
- Gender differences: Women earn 89% of men's salaries
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a toxicologist, career development can lead to more specialized roles, such as senior toxicologist, risk assessor, or project manager within the pharmaceutical or chemical industries. Some choose to work in authorities like the Swedish Food Agency or the Chemical Inspection, while others move into research or consulting. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, there is currently no specific assessment for toxicologists due to limited statistical data, but related professions report 143 available jobs, indicating a relatively stable job market. Future opportunities are influenced by societal trends such as increased focus on environmental and health protection, which can generate new employment opportunities for qualified toxicologists.
Frequently asked questions about Toxicologists
- What is the average salary of a toxicologist?
- The average salary for a toxicologist is 49 100 SEK per month. - Are there differences between men and women?
- Yes, men earn on average 52,100 SEK and women 46 400 SEK, which means women earn 89% of men's salaries. - What education is required to become a toxicologist?
- Usually, a master's degree (5 years) in toxicology, biomedicine, or similar natural sciences is required. - What does the job market look like for toxicologists?
- Currently, there are 143 available jobs in the profession, but no precise forecast due to limited data. - What are the most common workplaces for toxicologists?
- Common workplaces include laboratories, authorities, pharmaceutical companies, and consulting firms. - What is the lowest and highest salary for toxicologists?
- The lowest salary is 41,600 SEK and the highest is 52,100 SEK per month. - What personal qualities are important in the profession?
- Analytical skills, accuracy, and good communication are key qualities for a toxicologist.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 40700 kr | 41000 kr | |
| 35-44 | 100% | 45800 kr | 45900 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 49900 kr | 50300 kr |
| Snitt | 89% | 48900 kr | 49100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 39100 kr | 39200 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 42700 kr | 42900 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 46400 kr | 46500 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 48600 kr | 48700 kr |
| 65-68 | 50500 kr | 50500 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 44300 kr | 44400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 39100 kr | 39200 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 42700 kr | 42900 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 46400 kr | 46500 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 48600 kr | 48700 kr |
| 65-68 | 50500 kr | 50500 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 44300 kr | 44400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 100% | 45800 kr | 45900 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 50700 kr | 51100 kr |
| Snitt | 89% | 51800 kr | 52100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 39700 kr | 39900 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 43000 kr | 43200 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 47200 kr | 47200 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 49000 kr | 49200 kr |
| 65-68 | 51100 kr | 51100 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 44900 kr | 45100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 39700 kr | 39900 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 43000 kr | 43200 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 47200 kr | 47200 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 49000 kr | 49200 kr |
| 65-68 | 51100 kr | 51100 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 44900 kr | 45100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 100% | 45700 kr | 45800 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 49400 kr | 49800 kr |
| Snitt | 89% | 46200 kr | 46400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 38500 kr | 38700 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 42500 kr | 42600 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 45900 kr | 45900 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 47900 kr | 48000 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 43700 kr | 43700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 38500 kr | 38700 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 42500 kr | 42600 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 45900 kr | 45900 kr |
| 55-64 | 98% | 47900 kr | 48000 kr |
| Snitt | 97% | 43700 kr | 43700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 49900 kr | 50300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 49900 kr | 50300 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 Toxicologist has the SSYK code 2131, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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