Anesthesiologist

What does an anesthesiologist do? – Tasks and work environment

Anesthesiologists, also called anesthesia doctors, are responsible for numbing, monitoring, and ensuring patient well-being before, during, and after surgical procedures. Tasks include planning anesthesia, emergency medical interventions, and pain management both during operations and in intensive care units. The profession requires quick decision-making, high precision, and close collaboration with other healthcare staff. The work environment is characterized by high pace, advanced technical equipment, and a great responsibility for patients' lives and health in stressful situations.

Salary development over time

The salary for anesthesiologists has shown a clear increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 86,400 SEK per month, which increased to 92 200 during 2023. In 2024, the average salary reaches 93 600, representing a total increase of approximately 8.3% over the period. This salary growth reflects a continued high demand for specialist competence in anesthesiology, while the shortage of experienced doctors in the field helps push salaries upward. The market for specialist doctors is competitive, and employers need to offer attractive conditions to attract and retain talent.

Anesthesiologist salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 93 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 84,600 SEK/month (male), 91,200 SEK/month (female)
• Highest salary: 110,600 SEK/month (male), 101,500 SEK/month (female)
• Hourly wage: 563 SEK
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 98% of men's salary (94 300 SEK vs 92 900 SEK)
• Regional differences: Data may vary depending on region and employer

Education and qualifications

To work as an anesthesiologist, a long and demanding education is required, starting with basic medical training and continuing with several years of specialization. After obtaining a medical license, a specialist training in anesthesiology and intensive care follows, combined with clinical practice and theoretical studies. High medical competence and ongoing further education are essential to stay updated in the field.

• Medical education: 6 years at university/college
• General internship (AT): approximately 18–24 months
• Specialist training (ST) in anesthesiology: approximately 5 years
• Licensure: Required to work as a doctor
• Continuing education and certifications: Ongoing requirements for further training and courses

Common benefits and compensations

Anesthesiologists are often offered attractive benefits beyond their base salary, such as extra compensation for on-call and standby duties, generous pension contributions, wellness allowances, and paid further training. Other common benefits may include flexible working hours, relocation allowances, and access to modern technical equipment and supportive work environments.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as an anesthesiologist is low in many areas, as the demand for specialist competence is high and the number of trained professionals does not meet the needs. Challenges in the profession include high pace, demanding on-call shifts, and the requirement for constant readiness for emergencies. Recruitment difficulties mean employers need to actively work on work environment and conditions. At the same time, the profession requires continuous skills development and adaptation to new medical research and technologies.

Tips for aspiring anesthesiologists

To succeed as an anesthesiologist, it is good to combine analytical skills with a calm and methodical approach. Precision and stress resilience are crucial, especially during acute situations where quick decisions must be made. It is also important to be communicative and collaborative, as the work requires close dialogue with both patients and colleagues. A strong interest in medical development and a desire to constantly learn new things facilitate career advancement. For those who enjoy responsibility and want to make a difference in critical moments, the profession offers both challenges and great opportunities. Applying for internships early, engaging in relevant student associations, and building networks within healthcare can be crucial for entering the right path. Lastly, the ability to handle pressure and make well-founded decisions under time constraints is a trait often characteristic of successful anesthesiologists.

Key facts about anesthesiologists

• Education level: Medical degree (6 years) + specialist training (5 years)
• Work environment: Hospitals, operating rooms, and intensive care units
• Work form: Full-time, often with on-call and standby shifts
• Demand: Very high, with great opportunities for employment nationwide
• Job vacancies: 375 advertised positions for specialists

Career paths and future prospects

After some years in the profession, an anesthesiologist can choose to specialize further in areas such as pediatric anesthesia, intensive care, or pain management. Many experienced doctors move on to leadership roles such as chief physician, medical director, or educator within their field. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, the prospects for employment for specialist doctors are very good over the next five years, and demand is expected to increase further. The recruitment situation is characterized by combined challenges: despite high workload and some leaving the profession, there is a significant need for new anesthesiologists. This means that both career opportunities and salary development continue to look strong in the future.

Frequently asked questions about anesthesiologists

• What does an anesthesiologist earn?
  - The average salary is 93 600 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, gender, and employer.
• How does one become an anesthesiologist?
  - The path involves medical education, licensure, general internship, and then specialized training in anesthesiology.
• What is the work environment like for an anesthesiologist?
  - Work primarily occurs in hospitals, operating rooms, and intensive care units, often with on-call duties.
• Are there gender pay differences?
  - Yes, women earn on average 98% of what men do in the profession.
• What are the job prospects for anesthesiologists?
  - Projections indicate continued very good opportunities for employment and increased demand in the long term.
• What are the most common benefits?
  - Benefits include extra compensation for on-call duties, wellness allowances, pension contributions, and ongoing training.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for anesthesiologists?
  - The highest salary is 110,600 SEK and the lowest is 84,600 SEK per month, depending on experience, gender, and sector.