What does a pediatrician do? – Tasks and work environment
Pediatricians, or pediatric specialists, are responsible for investigating, diagnosing, and treating illnesses and health issues in children and adolescents from the neonatal period up to adulthood. The work includes everything from emergency interventions for serious illnesses to routine health checks, vaccinations, and advising parents on child development, nutrition, and mental health. Pediatricians are mainly found at hospital pediatric clinics, emergency departments, or within specialist care, but can also work at child health centers or private practices. The profession is characterized by a fast pace, close teamwork with other healthcare professionals, and a high need for empathy and communication skills, as the patients are often young children who may have difficulty expressing their symptoms.
Salary development over time
Pediatricians have seen a clear increase in salary over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 86,400 SEK per month, while in 2023 it increased to 92 200 SEK. During 2024, the average salary has risen further to 93 600 SEK per month, which corresponds to a total increase of approximately 8.3% over the period. This positive trend can be explained by increased demand for specialist pediatricians, and the shortage of experienced pediatricians drives up wages. At the same time, salary development is influenced by factors such as workplace, region, and work experience. Gender pay gaps persist but have decreased slightly, and salary levels for pediatricians are generally significantly higher than many other healthcare professions due to the long education and high responsibility.
Pediatrician salary – full overview
- Average salary: 93 600 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 84,600 SEK/month (male, private sector employee)
- Highest salary: 110,600 SEK/month (male, public sector)
- Hourly wage (average): 563 SEK
- Women earn: 92 900 SEK/month (98% of men's salary)
- Men earn: 94 300 SEK/month
- Regional differences: Salaries may vary between regions, with metropolitan areas often offering slightly higher wages due to higher demand and living costs.
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a pediatrician is long and requires extensive education and several years of practical service. First, a medical degree is required, followed by general internship (AT) and licensing. Then, specialist training in pediatric medicine (ST) begins, which involves several more years of education and supervised practice. Working as a pediatrician also requires ongoing continuing education and updates in medical knowledge.
- Medical degree: 6 years at university
- Internship (AT): 18–24 months
- Licensing: After approved internship
- Specialist training (ST) in pediatric medicine: About 5 years
- Continuing education: Mandatory and recurring
- Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies and high grades in science subjects
Pediatricians meet patients and families daily in both joy and crisis, which requires great emotional presence. Many pediatricians also work closely with psychologists, counselors, and other specialists – a workday where communication and team spirit are just as important as medical skills.
Common benefits and compensations
Pediatricians often enjoy attractive benefits such as occupational pension, holiday pay, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional development through courses and conferences. Many employers also offer wellness allowances, subsidized health insurance, and sometimes extra days off. For pediatricians working on call or during inconvenient hours, additional compensation and overtime pay are often provided.
Competition and challenges
The competition for pediatrician positions is relatively low in many areas, as the demand for specialist pediatricians is high and expected to increase further. At the same time, the profession is characterized by high demands for continuous education, long working hours, and sometimes psychologically demanding work environments. Recruitment difficulties are common, especially outside metropolitan areas, which can lead to high workload and challenges in maintaining a good work environment. Access to further training and career development varies between employers, and high standards are required both medically and in handling sensitive conversations with children and families.
Tips for those who want to become a pediatrician
To succeed as a pediatrician, it is good to combine analytical ability with great empathy and patience. Engaging in internships or summer jobs in pediatric care during studies provides valuable experience and understanding of the profession’s daily work. Good communication skills are essential, as it is often necessary to explain complex medical issues in an understandable way for both children and parents. Curiosity and a desire to continuously learn are important qualities, as medical knowledge is constantly evolving. It is also beneficial to be resilient and flexible, as workload can vary greatly. Building a professional network during training and seeking mentorship can facilitate both career start and further development. Finally, having a strong sense of ethics and responsibility is crucial, as pediatricians often make complex decisions that affect entire families.
Key facts about pediatricians
- Education level: Medical degree + specialist training (at least 12 years)
- Professional group: Specialist doctor
- Work environment: Hospitals, pediatric clinics, and practices
- Demand: Very high, especially outside metropolitan areas
- Typical work form: Full-time, often on-call shifts
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a licensed pediatrician, there are opportunities to further specialize in areas such as pediatric cardiology, neurology, or oncology. Many also choose to work in research or teaching, or take on leadership roles as department heads or chief physicians. Forecasts from the Employment Service show that job opportunities are very good nationwide, and demand for pediatricians is expected to increase over the next five years. However, recruitment challenges include high workload and difficulty finding enough qualified candidates, especially in smaller regions. With 375 available positions in the profession, the job market remains strong, and long-term career development opportunities are good for those committed to the profession.
Frequently asked questions about pediatricians
- What does a pediatrician earn?
- The average salary for a pediatrician is 93 600 SEK per month.
- How long is the training to become a pediatrician?
- The training takes at least 12 years, including medical degree, internship, and specialization.
- Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn on average 98% of what men do in the profession.
- What is the job market like for pediatricians?
- The job market is very good with high demand and many available positions.
- What personal qualities are suitable for the profession?
- Empathy, resilience to stress, good communication, and a sense of responsibility are important qualities.
- Where do pediatricians usually work?
- Most work at hospital pediatric clinics, emergency departments, or specialist clinics.
- How high can the salary become for a pediatrician?
- The highest reported salary is 110,600 SEK per month within the public sector.
