Image that illustrates Toxicologist

Toxicologist

49 100 kr

Cell and molecular biologists etc.

41 600 - 52 100 kr / month

Women earn 89% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Toxicologist

Average salary 49 100 kr
Males 52 100 kr
Females 46 400 kr

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.

– statsskuld.se

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.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Toxicologist is 52100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors with a unspecified education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 50300 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Toxicologist is 41600 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Public sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 42900 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's 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
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 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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