Toxicologist

What does a toxicologist do? – Tasks and work environment

Toxicologists work to investigate and assess risks that chemical substances and products may pose to humans, animals, and the environment. Their tasks often include analyzing data from laboratory tests, evaluating scientific studies, and interpreting regulations and legislation related to chemicals. Many toxicologists are employed by authorities, pharmaceutical companies, environmental organizations, or consulting firms. The work environment is generally office-based but can also include laboratory work and participation in research projects. The work requires precision, analytical ability, and a high level of responsibility, especially since the decision-making basis can have significant consequences for public health and the environment.

Salary development over time

Salaries for toxicologists have shown steady and positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 44,700 SEK per month, increasing to 46 700 SEK in 2023. In the latest year, 2024, the average salary has risen to 49 100 SEK, representing an increase of about 10% over three years. This salary development can be linked to increased demand for toxicological expertise in the pharmaceutical sector, environmental agencies, and consulting, as well as more complex tasks in line with new regulations and increased risk assessment requirements. Although the profession is relatively narrow, the salary increase also reflects the significant responsibility toxicologists bear in societal decision-making.

Toxicologist salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 49 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 41,600 SEK/month (female, public sector, with more than 3 years of higher education)
• Highest salary: 52,100 SEK/month (male, various sectors, unspecified education level)
• Hourly wage (average): 295 SEK/hour
• Gender salary gap: Women earn 89% of men's salary (men 52,100 SEK, women 46 400 SEK)

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a toxicologist generally involves higher education in science, with a focus on chemistry, biology, or pharmacology. Most professionals hold a master’s or doctoral degree, often with specialization in toxicology. Practical experience from laboratory work and risk assessment is highly advantageous, and additional courses in regulatory toxicology or risk management can be beneficial for career development.

• Formal degree: Master’s degree (5 years) or doctoral degree (8 years) in toxicology or related fields
• Certifications: Specialized courses in risk assessment and regulatory toxicology
• Internships: Laboratory internships and trainee programs are strongly recommended
• Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, pharmacology, or similar
• Tips for choosing: Select programs with a clear focus on toxicology and seek opportunities for research projects

Common benefits and compensation

Toxicologists are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexible working hours, and the possibility of remote work. In some cases, compensation for professional development, subsidized lunches, or extra vacation days may also be included. The benefit structure varies between the public sector, industry, and consulting firms.

Competition and challenges

The competition for toxicologist positions is described as moderate but can vary depending on the employer and geographic location. Since the profession is part of the group of cell and molecular biologists, it is difficult to provide an exact assessment of the competition level, but signs indicate that demand is slowly increasing in the pharmaceutical and environmental sectors. Challenges include keeping up with new research findings, adapting to changing regulations, and communicating risks clearly to different target groups. For those wishing to work internationally, good language skills and understanding of global regulations are also required.

Tips for those who want to become a toxicologist

To succeed as a toxicologist, it’s good to combine analytical skills with an interest in scientific questions and social responsibility. Attention to detail is crucial; during education, focus should be on laboratory work and systematic data collection. Good communication skills facilitate report writing and presenting risk assessments to authorities or the public. A genuine interest in continuous learning is important, as the field develops rapidly and requires ongoing professional development. Flexibility and teamwork skills are highly valued, especially in international collaborations and interdisciplinary projects. Those who are humble and receptive to new perspectives often find it easier to navigate complex work environments and contribute to the team’s success.

Key facts about Toxicologist

• Average salary: 49 100 SEK/month
• Education level: Master’s or doctoral degree in science
• Gender salary gap: Women earn 89% of men’s salary
• Number of available jobs: 143 in the field of cell and molecular biologists, among others
• Typical work environment: Office and laboratory-based

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, opportunities exist to advance to roles such as project manager, specialist in regulatory toxicology, or research leader. Some choose to work in policy development or as experts within authorities and international organizations. The future outlook for toxicologists is considered stable, although the Employment Service has not made a specific forecast due to limited data. The general trend within the group of cell and molecular biologists shows relatively good demand, supported by the fact that there were 143 available jobs in Sweden at the latest measurement. Digitalization, new chemical legislation, and increased environmental awareness suggest that the need for toxicological expertise will continue in the future.

Frequently asked questions about Toxicologist

• What does a toxicologist earn?
  - The average salary for a toxicologist is 49 100 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of approximately 295 SEK.
• What is the gender salary difference for toxicologists?
  - Men earn an average of 52,100 SEK and women 46 400 SEK, which means women earn 89% of men's salary.
• What education is required to become a toxicologist?
  - A master’s or doctoral degree in science, often with a focus on toxicology, is required for most positions.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for toxicologists?
  - The highest salary is 52,100 SEK (male), and the lowest is 41,600 SEK (female, public sector).
• What is the job market like for toxicologists?
  - There are 143 available jobs in the field of cell and molecular biologists, among others, according to latest statistics.
• What work environments do toxicologists work in?
  - Usually in offices or laboratories, often within authorities, pharmaceutical industry, or consulting firms.
• What personal qualities are important for a toxicologist?
  - Precision, analytical ability, good communication, and teamwork are key qualities in the profession.