- Salary statistics
- Inventor
Inventor
38 900 - 52 700 kr / month
Women earn 93% of what men do.
Tekniskt arbete
Salary progression Inventor
What does an inventor do? – Tasks and work environment
An inventor works on developing new ideas, methods, or products and translating these into practical solutions. Tasks range from identifying needs and creating prototypes to testing, improving, and commercializing innovations. The work often involves collaboration with engineers, researchers, and companies. The work environment can be laboratory-based or office-oriented, and many inventors are active in technology-intensive industries or run their own businesses. Creative thinking, problem-solving skills, and perseverance are key qualities for success in the role.
Salary development over time
The salary for inventors has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 42,200 SEK per month, rising to 43 700 SEK in 2023 and reaching 45 600 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 8% over three years. The development is driven by increased demand for technical innovations, especially in sustainability and digitalization, as well as a generally higher education level within the profession. Salaries are also influenced by competition for technical expertise and the fact that more inventors are linked to larger organizations or research environments where salary levels are higher. Differences between genders and sectors still remain.
Inventor salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 45 600 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 38,900 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 52,700 SEK/month
- Hourly wage (average): 274 SEK
- Women: 43 100 SEK (93% of men's salary)
- Men: 46 500 SEK
- Regional differences: Small, but metropolitan areas often offer higher salaries
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming an inventor is often individual, but a technical or scientific university degree is common. Advanced knowledge in specific technical fields, combined with experience in development work and innovation, increases chances of success. Practical experience and the ability to work interdisciplinary are especially valuable.
- University or master's degree (3–5 years), often in engineering, science, or design
- Doctoral studies can provide advantages in advanced innovations
- Courses in entrepreneurship and innovation strengthen business understanding
- Internships or trainee programs in technology or development companies
- Own projects and competitions are meritorious and demonstrate creativity
Many inventors combine their work with entrepreneurship and run their own companies to realize their ideas. Collaborations with investors and other innovators are common, providing opportunities to influence both product development and commercial success in a unique way.
Common benefits and compensations
In addition to base salary, access to research or development resources, opportunities for patent sharing, conference travel, and sometimes profit-based bonuses are often offered. Flexible working hours and remote work options are also common, especially within innovation-driven companies and organizations with international operations.
Competition and challenges
The competition for recognition and funding is intense, especially when transforming an idea into a commercial product. Many inventors face the challenge of protecting their innovations through patents and finding partners or investors. The work requires perseverance, as the journey from idea to market is often long and risky. Additionally, there is a need to constantly develop skills to meet rapid technological advancements. Market demands for sustainability and digitalization also raise the bar for what is expected from today's inventors.
Tips for aspiring inventors
To succeed as an inventor, it is good to combine curiosity with perseverance – dare to explore new ideas and do not be discouraged by setbacks. Creativity is crucial, so surround yourself with inspiring environments and people who challenge your thinking. Analytical skills help you identify problems and find innovative solutions, while collaboration skills facilitate networking and finding partners. It is also important to develop some business understanding so you can assess the market potential of your innovations. Participating in competitions, seeking internships, and building a portfolio of your own projects will strengthen your prospects in the industry.
Key facts about inventors
- Salary range: 38,900–52,700 SEK/month
- Education level: University or master's degree, often supplemented with courses in innovation
- Typical work form: Project-based or as self-employed
- Demand: 564 job openings (2024, entire profession)
- Gender salary gap: Women earn 93% of men's salary
Career paths and future prospects
After 3–5 years in the profession, many inventors have built a strong portfolio of innovations and can advance to roles such as technical project manager, innovation director, or R&D manager. Some choose to start their own companies or become consultants in product development. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that demand for technically innovative roles remains strong, especially within sustainability, digitalization, and advanced technology. The number of job vacancies within the profession remains stable, and career development opportunities are good for those actively building their networks and staying updated in their field.
Frequently asked questions about inventors
- What does an inventor earn?
– An inventor has an average salary of 45 600 SEK per month, but the salary varies between 38,900 SEK and 52,700 SEK depending on education, experience, and sector. - Are there gender differences in inventor salaries?
– Yes, women earn on average 43 100 SEK, which corresponds to 93% of men's salary (46 500 SEK). - What education is required to become an inventor?
– Usually, a university or master's degree in engineering or science, often complemented with courses in innovation or entrepreneurship. - What is the job market like for inventors?
– Demand is stable with 564 job openings and good future prospects, especially within technology and sustainability. - What qualities are important for an inventor?
– Creativity, analytical skills, perseverance, and collaboration are central qualities for success in the profession. - How does education level affect an inventor’s salary?
– Those with doctoral education often have higher salaries, especially in the public sector, where the maximum salary can reach 52,700 SEK.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 95% | 31000 kr | 32500 kr |
| 25-34 | 92% | 40400 kr | 41900 kr |
| 35-44 | 92% | 44900 kr | 46700 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 47500 kr | 49200 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 47000 kr | 48100 kr |
| 65-68 | 50200 kr | 51100 kr | |
| Snitt | 93% | 44100 kr | 45600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 101% | 32900 kr | 33200 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 38300 kr | 39000 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 43100 kr | 44400 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 45500 kr | 46300 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 47500 kr | 48500 kr |
| 65-68 | 96% | 46400 kr | 47200 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 42700 kr | 43600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 101% | 32900 kr | 33200 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 38300 kr | 39000 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 43100 kr | 44400 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 45500 kr | 46300 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 47500 kr | 48500 kr |
| 65-68 | 96% | 46400 kr | 47200 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 42700 kr | 43600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 94% | 30800 kr | 32400 kr |
| 25-34 | 92% | 40600 kr | 42200 kr |
| 35-44 | 91% | 45100 kr | 46900 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 47700 kr | 49400 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 46900 kr | 48100 kr |
| 65-68 | 50600 kr | 51500 kr | |
| Snitt | 92% | 44300 kr | 45900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 94% | 30800 kr | 32400 kr |
| 25-34 | 92% | 40600 kr | 42200 kr |
| 35-44 | 91% | 45100 kr | 46900 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 47700 kr | 49400 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 46900 kr | 48100 kr |
| 65-68 | 50600 kr | 51500 kr | |
| Snitt | 92% | 44300 kr | 45900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 95% | 31200 kr | 33000 kr |
| 25-34 | 92% | 41300 kr | 42900 kr |
| 35-44 | 92% | 45500 kr | 47700 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 47600 kr | 49600 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 47400 kr | 48800 kr |
| 65-68 | 50500 kr | 51500 kr | |
| Snitt | 93% | 44700 kr | 46500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 101% | 32600 kr | 33100 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 38500 kr | 39400 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 43100 kr | 44700 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 45300 kr | 46400 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 47600 kr | 48700 kr |
| 65-68 | 96% | 46500 kr | 47500 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 43200 kr | 44300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 101% | 32600 kr | 33100 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 38500 kr | 39400 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 43100 kr | 44700 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 45300 kr | 46400 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 47600 kr | 48700 kr |
| 65-68 | 96% | 46500 kr | 47500 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 43200 kr | 44300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 94% | 31100 kr | 32900 kr |
| 25-34 | 92% | 41500 kr | 43200 kr |
| 35-44 | 91% | 45700 kr | 47900 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 47800 kr | 49900 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 47400 kr | 48800 kr |
| 65-68 | 50900 kr | 51900 kr | |
| Snitt | 92% | 44900 kr | 46700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 94% | 31100 kr | 32900 kr |
| 25-34 | 92% | 41500 kr | 43200 kr |
| 35-44 | 91% | 45700 kr | 47900 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 47800 kr | 49900 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 47400 kr | 48800 kr |
| 65-68 | 50900 kr | 51900 kr | |
| Snitt | 92% | 44900 kr | 46700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 95% | 30300 kr | 31300 kr |
| 25-34 | 92% | 38100 kr | 39400 kr |
| 35-44 | 92% | 43200 kr | 43800 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 47200 kr | 47700 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 45600 kr | 45900 kr |
| Snitt | 93% | 42300 kr | 43100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 101% | 33300 kr | 33300 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 38100 kr | 38500 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 43200 kr | 43800 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 46000 kr | 46200 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 47200 kr | 47400 kr |
| 65-68 | 96% | 45500 kr | 45500 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 41700 kr | 42100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 101% | 33300 kr | 33300 kr |
| 25-34 | 98% | 38100 kr | 38500 kr |
| 35-44 | 98% | 43200 kr | 43800 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 46000 kr | 46200 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 47200 kr | 47400 kr |
| 65-68 | 96% | 45500 kr | 45500 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 41700 kr | 42100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 94% | 29900 kr | 31100 kr |
| 25-34 | 92% | 38200 kr | 39600 kr |
| 35-44 | 91% | 43200 kr | 43800 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 47300 kr | 47900 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 45500 kr | 45800 kr |
| Snitt | 92% | 42400 kr | 43200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 94% | 29900 kr | 31100 kr |
| 25-34 | 92% | 38200 kr | 39600 kr |
| 35-44 | 91% | 43200 kr | 43800 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 47300 kr | 47900 kr |
| 55-64 | 94% | 45500 kr | 45800 kr |
| Snitt | 92% | 42400 kr | 43200 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 Inventor has the SSYK code 3119, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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