Image that illustrates Lecturer

Lecturer

54 600 kr

University and college lecturers

48 200 - 56 800 kr / month

Women earn 98% of what men do.

Pedagogiskt arbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Lecturer

Average salary 54 600 kr
Males 55 100 kr
Females 54 000 kr

What does a University Lecturer do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A University Lecturer is responsible for teaching, supervision, and research at universities and colleges. The role involves planning and delivering lectures, seminars, and examinations, often within one or several specialized subject areas. University Lecturers also contribute to academic development by supervising students at various levels and participating in research projects. The work environment is characterized by both independent work and collaboration with colleagues in academic settings, where flexibility and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously are key qualities.

Salary Development Over Time

Over the past three years, the salary of a University Lecturer has steadily increased. In 2022, the average salary was 51,500 SEK per month, which increased to 52 500 SEK in 2023 and further to 54 600 SEK in 2024. This represents a total salary increase of approximately 6% during the period. This positive trend reflects an increased demand for highly educated teachers and researchers, as well as universities' need to attract and retain qualified staff. The salary increase can also be linked to changes in collective bargaining and increased competition for expertise within academia. Despite the increases, gender pay gaps remain noticeable, although relatively small compared to many other professions.

University Lecturer Salary – Complete Overview

  • Average salary: 54 600 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 48,200 SEK
  • Highest salary: 56,800 SEK
  • Hourly wage (average): 328 SEK
  • Women earn: 54 000 SEK (98% of men's salary)
  • Men earn: 55 100 SEK
  • Regional differences: Specific regional variations are not provided.

Education and Qualifications

To work as a University Lecturer, a doctoral degree in a relevant field is generally required, often supplemented with pedagogical training and experience of teaching at higher education levels. Many employers also require documented scientific excellence and the ability to conduct independent research. Positions are usually filled after a thorough merit-based process based on both academic and pedagogical merits.

  • Doctoral degree: Typically 4–5 years of postgraduate education after undergraduate studies
  • Pedagogical training: University pedagogical courses are often required
  • Research experience: Considered an advantage in recruitment
  • Supervision experience: Important for supervising students
  • International experience: Seen as a plus in the recruitment process

Many University Lecturers have the opportunity to participate in international research projects and collaborations, which often leads to valuable networks and exchanges of experience. The academic environment also offers good opportunities for skills development and career change, both nationally and internationally.

– statsskuld.se

Common Benefits and Compensation

University Lecturers are often offered benefits such as generous vacation policies, flexible working hours, opportunities for further training and skills development, and good pension schemes. Research time and support for participating in conferences and projects are also common, enhancing opportunities for both personal and professional growth.

Competition and Challenges

The competition for positions as a University Lecturer is generally high, especially within popular and research-intensive subject areas. Many qualified candidates apply for the same positions, which places high demands on academic merits and pedagogical skills. Positions are often initially temporary, with requirements for continued merits for permanent employment. Balancing teaching, research, and administrative tasks can be challenging, requiring high independence and good organizational skills. An academic career also involves international competition, especially at larger universities.

Tips for Aspiring University Lecturers

To succeed as a University Lecturer, it is beneficial to have a strong drive for knowledge and development, combined with perseverance and independence. It is important to pursue postgraduate education within your subject area and engage early in both teaching and research projects to build experience. Good communication skills facilitate supervising students and collaborating with colleagues, and the ability to organize and plan work is crucial to manage the many tasks in the role. Actively seeking international collaborations and participating in conferences can strengthen your CV and open new opportunities. For those who are flexible and adaptable, there are good prospects of entering academia, especially if willing to relocate or specialize in niche areas.

Key Facts about University Lecturers

  • Education level: Doctoral degree (4–5 years after undergraduate studies)
  • Work environment: Academic, independent, research-intensive
  • Typical work form: Full-time with elements of teaching and research
  • Demand: 434 available jobs according to latest data
  • Gender differences: Women earn 98% of men's salaries

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After three to five years as a University Lecturer, there are opportunities to advance to positions such as docent or professor, especially for those active in research and with a strong scientific network. Other career paths include leadership roles within academic administration, project management, or international research collaborations. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate continued stable demand for university lecturers, particularly in engineering, natural sciences, and health-related fields. The number of available positions within the profession is currently 434, suggesting good future prospects for those with the right qualifications and experience.

Frequently Asked Questions about University Lecturers

  • What is the salary of a University Lecturer?
    - The average salary is 54 600 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, gender, and sector.
  • What are the requirements to become a University Lecturer?
    - A doctoral degree in a relevant field and often also pedagogical training.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 54 000 SEK, which corresponds to 98% of men's salaries.
  • What does the job market look like for University Lecturers?
    - The job market is stable with 434 available positions according to recent statistics.
  • What career paths are available after some years in the role?
    - Opportunities exist to advance to docent, professor, or senior administrative roles.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for a University Lecturer?
    - The highest salary is 56,800 SEK and the lowest is 48,200 SEK, depending on sector, education, and gender.
  • What tasks are included in the role?
    - Teaching, supervising students, research, and administrative duties.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Lecturer is 56800 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a pre-secondary education, 9 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 54900 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Lecturer is 48200 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 48600 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 98% 50500 kr 50700 kr
35-44 98% 52800 kr 53100 kr
45-54 98% 55100 kr 55200 kr
55-64 97% 55700 kr 55800 kr
65-68 100% 55600 kr 55700 kr
Snitt 98% 54400 kr 54600 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 Lecturer has the SSYK code 2312, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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