Inventor

45 600 kr

Other engineers and technicians

38 900 - 52 700 kr / month

Women earn 93% of what men do.

Tekniskt arbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Inventor

Average salary 45 600 kr
Males 46 500 kr
Females 43 100 kr

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.

– statsskuld.se

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.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Inventor is 52700 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 46700 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Inventor is 38900 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Private sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 42400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's 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
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 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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