Salary progression Horticulturist

Average salary 44 900 kr
Males 47 600 kr
Females 43 400 kr

What does a Horticultural Researcher do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Horticultural Researcher works on developing knowledge about plant growth, cultivation methods, and garden ecology. Tasks include planning and conducting experiments, analyzing plant results, and reporting research findings to industry and authorities. The work often takes place in laboratories, greenhouses, and in the field, offering a varied work environment with both practical and theoretical elements. Collaboration with other researchers, advisors, and growers is common, and staying updated on new developments in plant biology and sustainable cultivation is highly valued.

Salary Development Over Time

The salary for Horticultural Researchers has increased gradually in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,300 SEK per month, rising to 45 700 SEK in 2023 – an increase of approximately 12%. In 2024, the average salary continued upward to 44 900 SEK, with a modest increase of about 1% compared to the previous year. This positive trend reflects increased demand for specialist skills in sustainable cultivation and plant research, as well as general salary growth within academic professions. Gender differences persist, with somewhat stronger salary growth for men than women. Despite this positive trend, the profession remains relatively narrow, which may influence salary potential in the future.

Horticultural Researcher Salary – Complete Overview

  • Average salary: 44 900 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 34,400 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, high school education)
  • Highest salary: 49,300 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, unspecified education)
  • Hourly wage: 275 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Men earn 47 600 SEK, women 43 400 SEK (women 91% of men's salary)
  • Regional differences: Limited data available

Education and Qualifications

To work as a Horticultural Researcher, a university degree in biology, agronomy, or horticulture is usually required, often at the master's level or higher. Many employers also value experience from research projects and strong skills in statistical analysis. Internships and project work during studies are valuable credentials. Specialization in plant physiology, ecology, or sustainable development can be particularly advantageous.

  • Formal degree: Bachelor's (3 years) + master's/postgraduate (2 years) in relevant field
  • Courses/certifications: Plant biology, statistics, cultivation techniques
  • Internships: Strongly recommended during studies
  • Prerequisites: Science-based high school education
  • Tips: Participate in research projects and study visits during education

Many Horticultural Researchers combine their research with teaching or advising, providing opportunities to influence future generations and the development of the industry within sustainable cultivation.

– statsskuld.se

Common Benefits and Compensation

Horticultural Researchers are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, extra vacation days, and wellness contributions. Opportunities for professional development, conference travel, and flexible working hours are common, especially within universities and larger research institutions. Some employers also provide support for international collaborations and further education.

Competition and Challenges

The competition for positions as a Horticultural Researcher is relatively high, as the number of available jobs is limited and the profession requires a high degree of specialization. Challenges include staying updated on new research methods and demonstrating practical results. Funding for research projects can be uncertain and dependent on external grants, which requires skills in grant writing and broad collaboration. At the same time, there are opportunities for advancement within related areas such as consulting and teaching, especially for those who are flexible and willing to broaden their skills.

Tips for Aspiring Horticultural Researchers

To succeed as a Horticultural Researcher, it is beneficial to combine curiosity with analytical skills and perseverance. Engaging early in research projects during studies provides valuable experience and enhances problem-solving abilities. Precision in documentation and analysis is crucial for drawing reliable conclusions and presenting results to stakeholders. Good communication skills are also important, as the profession often involves collaboration with colleagues and external partners. The ability to quickly learn new methods and technologies increases competitiveness, and a genuine interest in sustainable development and plant biology provides motivation in daily work.

Key Facts about Horticultural Researchers

  • Salary range: 34,400–49,300 SEK/month
  • Average salary: 44 900 SEK/month
  • Gender difference: Women earn 91% of men's salary
  • Work environment: Laboratory, greenhouse, and field studies
  • Job openings within the profession: 360 (May 2024)

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years as a Horticultural Researcher, there are opportunities to advance to project leader, research coordinator, or specialist in specific plant areas. Some choose to pursue university teaching or work as consultants for companies in the green sector. The Employment Service's forecast indicates that there is not enough data for an exact future outlook, but about 360 job openings are reported for specialists and advisors within agriculture. Those combining research skills with good industry contacts can also work internationally or start their own consultancy over time.

Frequently Asked Questions about Horticultural Researchers

  • What does a Horticultural Researcher earn?
    - The average salary is 44 900 SEK per month, but it varies between 34,400 and 49,300 SEK depending on experience and employment type.
  • Are there regional salary differences for Horticultural Researchers?
    - Data on regional differences is limited, but salary levels are mainly influenced by employers and experience.
  • What education is required to become a Horticultural Researcher?
    - A bachelor's degree followed by a master's or postgraduate degree in biology, agronomy, or horticulture is recommended.
  • What are the gender differences within the profession?
    - Men earn an average of 47 600 SEK, and women 43 400 SEK, meaning women earn 91% of men's salaries.
  • What career paths are available after a few years in the profession?
    - Career options include project management, specialist roles, teaching, and advising.
  • What are the future prospects for Horticultural Researchers?
    - Due to limited data, no exact assessment is made, but there are available positions within the profession.
  • What tasks does a Horticultural Researcher perform?
    - Research on plant growth, experiments, analysis, reporting, and advising are central tasks.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Horticulturist is 48300 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a unspecified education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 48100 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Horticulturist is 36200 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 40900 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 39300 kr 40400 kr
35-44 42600 kr 44000 kr
45-54 47000 kr 48000 kr
55-64 45300 kr 46000 kr
Snitt 91% 43900 kr 44900 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 Horticulturist has the SSYK code 2134, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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