In Denmark, academic salaries are determined through agreements between academic unions and the government. The Collective Agreement for Academics in the State sets the base salary levels for various academic roles. In addition to the base salary, employees receive two types of supplements: a position-based supplement (stipulated by the collective agreement) and a qualification-based supplement (determined by the university). Professors’ salaries operate under a separate wage scale, but they also receive these supplements. Salaries in this article are pre-tax, with typical Danish tax rates ranging from 40-50%.
PhD Fellow
PhD fellows in Denmark are regarded as employees rather than students, and most PhD programs are fully funded. Typically, students start a PhD after obtaining a Master’s degree. In Denmark, PhD fellows begin their research immediately and are often expected to teach during their studies. PhDs generally take three years to complete.
In 2024, the monthly salary for PhD fellows ranges from 28,900 to 35,000 DKK depending on seniority (Fastepo) (Aarhus University).
Postdoc
Postdoctoral researchers continue their training by specializing in their research field, often staying at the same institution for up to four years. In some cases, they may also take on teaching responsibilities. Postdoc salaries are determined by seniority and experience.
For 2024, the monthly salary for a postdoc ranges between 29,520 and 47,695 DKK depending on the institution (University of Copenhagen) (DM).
Adjunkt (Assistant Professor)
An adjunkt is the equivalent of an assistant professor. This position can either be a fixed-term contract (up to four years) or tenure-track. The role involves conducting research, teaching, and improving pedagogical skills under the supervision of a senior professor. Performance is evaluated after a tenure track period, with a promotion to lektor (associate professor) if successful.
As of 2024, the monthly salary for an assistant professor ranges from 35,264 to 48,436 DKK (DM) (Aarhus University).
Lektor (Associate Professor)
A lektor is a permanent position equivalent to an associate professor. A lektor has similar responsibilities as an assistant professor but with more focus on research supervision and mentoring younger academics. This is typically a tenured position, although promotion to professor is not guaranteed.
In 2024, the salary for associate professors ranges from 43,049 to 56,592 DKK per month depending on seniority (DM) (University of Copenhagen).
Professor med særlige opgaver (Professor with Special Responsibilities)
This role gives younger, promising researchers the opportunity to establish themselves internationally while developing a new area of research. The position is typically fixed-term (three to five years, extendable to eight) and focuses on teaching, research, and innovation.
The salary for professors with special responsibilities in 2024 is 56,594 to 64,551 DKK per month (DM) (University of Copenhagen).
Professor
A full professor is typically a senior academic with a substantial record of research and teaching excellence. Professors are expected to contribute to leadership in their department and play a significant role in research management. This is a permanent position.
As of 2024, professors earn between 56,594 and 80,465 DKK per month, depending on their seniority and responsibilities (DM) (University of Copenhagen).