- Salary statistics
- Zoologist salary
Zoologist salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
39 600 - 43 700 SEK / month
Women earn 97% of what men do.
Naturvetenskapligt arbete
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Salary progression Zoologist
What does a zoologist do? – Tasks and work environment
A zoologist studies animals, their behaviors, ecology, development, and interactions with their environment. Tasks may include field studies, laboratory analyses, data collection, and report writing. Many zoologists work at universities, research institutes, natural history museums, or environmental and conservation organizations. The work environment varies from office work and laboratories to fieldwork in diverse climates and terrains, sometimes involving long days outdoors. International collaboration and presentations at scientific conferences are often required.
Salary development over time
The salary of a zoologist has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,500 SEK per month, rising the following year to 39 200 SEK, which is an increase of just under 0.8%. Between 2023 and 2024, the salary increased further to 42 600 SEK, representing a rise of about 3.7% in the past year. This positive trend can partly be explained by increased demand for specialist skills in scientific fields, as well as higher educational levels among recent graduates. Salary development is also influenced by competition for research funding and project-based positions, making the long-term trend dependent on both public and private investments in environment and biodiversity.
Zoologist salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 42 600 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 38,100 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 43,800 SEK/month (male, private sector, doctoral degree)
- Highest salary (female): 42,800 SEK/month (private sector, doctoral degree)
- Hourly wage: 236 SEK
- Women: 42 000 SEK/month
- Men: 43 200 SEK/month
- Women earn: 97% of what men do
Zoologists not only work with wild animals in nature – many are also involved in education, environmental policy, and designing zoos. They often collaborate with experts from other fields, such as ecology, genetics, and conservation, to create long-term solutions for biological diversity.
Education and qualifications
To work as a zoologist, a university degree in biology with a focus on zoology or ecology is usually required. Many zoologists also hold a master's or doctoral degree, as the profession is often research-oriented and competition for qualified positions is high. Practical experience through field studies or internships is also valuable, as are good knowledge of statistics and scientific methods.
- Bachelor’s degree in biology (3 years)
- Master’s degree in biology/zoology (2 years)
- Doctoral studies (4 years) for higher positions
- Internships or fieldwork during studies
- Proficiency with computers and knowledge of statistics
Common benefits and compensations
Common benefits for zoologists include extra vacation days, wellness allowances, opportunities for international research trips, and professional development. Some employers also offer flexible working hours, support for further education, and access to laboratory and field equipment. Research staff may also receive project grants and publication support.
Competition and challenges
The competition for permanent positions as a zoologist is intense because many roles are tied to research projects with limited funding. Many zoologists need to be prepared to work in project-based roles or seek employment in related fields, such as environmental consulting or nature conservation officers. Challenges include uncertain funding, high educational requirements, and the need to constantly update knowledge in new research areas. Despite this, the profession is attractive for those passionate about science and animal welfare.
Tips for aspiring zoologists
To succeed as a zoologist, it is good to combine curiosity and analytical skills with patience and perseverance. Early engagement in fieldwork or volunteer projects provides valuable practical experience and deepens understanding of animals in their natural habitats. Precision and systematic working are key qualities, especially in data collection and analysis. Building networks within the research community and participating in scientific conferences open doors to future career opportunities. Communication skills are also crucial for publishing research results and spreading knowledge to the public. Finally, flexibility and problem-solving abilities facilitate work in diverse and sometimes challenging environments.
Key facts about zoologists
- Educational level: Master’s or doctoral degree recommended
- Work environment: Field, laboratory, and office
- Occupational group: Plant and animal biologists
- Number of job openings: 143 in the field
- Gender differences: Women earn 97% of what men do
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a zoologist can advance to senior research positions, project leader roles, or specialist advisors within environmental and conservation projects. It is also common to move into roles as university lecturers or supervisors for research students. According to the Employment Service, there is no specific forecast for zoologists, but among plant and animal biologists, there were 143 job openings during the last period. Future prospects depend on access to research funding and investments in the environmental sector, making the job market somewhat uncertain but full of opportunities for those with the right skills and drive.
Frequently asked questions about zoologists
- What is the average salary for a zoologist?
- A zoologist has an average salary of 42 600 SEK per month. - What are the highest and lowest salaries for a zoologist?
- The highest salary is 43,800 SEK and the lowest 38,100 SEK per month. - Are there differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn 97% of what men do within the profession. - What education is required to become a zoologist?
- Usually a bachelor's degree in biology and often a master's or doctoral degree. - What is the job market like for zoologists?
- There are 143 job openings in the field, but competition is high. - What work environments do zoologists work in?
- Zoologists work in the field, laboratories, and offices. - What qualities are important for a zoologist?
- Accuracy, analytical skills, patience, and good communication skills are important.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 37000 kr | 37400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 42200 kr | 42300 kr | |
| 45-54 | 45000 kr | 45200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 46000 kr | 46600 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 42300 kr | 42600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 100% | 38000 kr | 38300 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 40300 kr | 40500 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 42000 kr | 42100 kr |
| 55-64 | 104% | 42900 kr | 42900 kr |
| 65-68 | 89% | 44100 kr | 44200 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 41200 kr | 41300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 100% | 38000 kr | 38300 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 40300 kr | 40500 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 42000 kr | 42100 kr |
| 55-64 | 104% | 42900 kr | 42900 kr |
| 65-68 | 89% | 44100 kr | 44200 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 41200 kr | 41300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 43200 kr | 43600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 43200 kr | 43600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 97% | 42900 kr | 43200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 100% | 38100 kr | 38400 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 40600 kr | 40800 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 41800 kr | 41900 kr |
| 55-64 | 104% | 42100 kr | 42200 kr |
| 65-68 | 89% | 45700 kr | 45800 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 41200 kr | 41400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 100% | 38100 kr | 38400 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 40600 kr | 40800 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 41800 kr | 41900 kr |
| 55-64 | 104% | 42100 kr | 42200 kr |
| 65-68 | 89% | 45700 kr | 45800 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 41200 kr | 41400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 40700 kr | 40800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 45500 kr | 45800 kr | |
| Snitt | 97% | 41800 kr | 42000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 100% | 38000 kr | 38300 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 40100 kr | 40300 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 42200 kr | 42300 kr |
| 55-64 | 104% | 43700 kr | 43700 kr |
| 65-68 | 89% | 40900 kr | 40900 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 41100 kr | 41200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 100% | 38000 kr | 38300 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 40100 kr | 40300 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 42200 kr | 42300 kr |
| 55-64 | 104% | 43700 kr | 43700 kr |
| 65-68 | 89% | 40900 kr | 40900 kr |
| Snitt | 100% | 41100 kr | 41200 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 Zoologist has the SSYK code 2132, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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