- Salary statistics
- District veterinarian
District veterinarian
45 300 - 55 700 kr / month
Women earn 95% of what men do.
Hälso- & sjukvård
Salary progression District veterinarian
What does a District Veterinarian do? – Tasks and work environment
A District Veterinarian primarily works on diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases in farm animals, companion animals, and sometimes horses. The work also includes advising animal owners on husbandry, disease control, and animal welfare. A significant part of the workday takes place in the field, often under varying weather conditions and sometimes under time pressure, especially during urgent animal illnesses or accidents. The work environment can be physically demanding and mentally challenging, as different situations require quick decisions and a high level of responsibility for animal health and well-being.
Salary development over time
The salary for District Veterinarians has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 48,500 SEK, which rose to 50 300 SEK in 2023 and further to 53 000 SEK in 2024. This development corresponds to a total increase of approximately 9.3% over three years. The salary increase is mainly explained by high demand for veterinary skills, especially in the agricultural sector, recruitment challenges, and a limited supply of experienced District Veterinarians. The job market has also been influenced by increased awareness of animal welfare and a greater need for veterinary intervention nationwide, further driving up salary levels.
District Veterinarian salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 53 000 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 45,300 SEK/month (men), 48,900 SEK/month (women)
- Highest salary: 55,700 SEK/month (men), 54,400 SEK/month (women)
- Hourly wage (average): 319 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 95% of what men do (men: 55 300 SEK, women: 52 500 SEK)
- Regional differences: Salary variations occur depending on region and employer, but exact figures are not available.
Education and qualifications
To work as a District Veterinarian, a veterinary degree from a university is required, which involves several years of higher education and specialized practical training. After graduation, some work experience is often necessary before employment as a District Veterinarian, especially in the public sector. Further training in specific animal species or areas can provide additional career opportunities.
- Veterinary degree: University education, 5.5 years
- Practical training: Mandatory for licensure
- Specialist courses: For example, in farm animals or horses
- Qualification requirements: Basic university eligibility, specific subject requirements
- Further education: Opportunities for specialization or research
Working as a District Veterinarian often means being available around the clock, especially in rural areas where access to veterinarians is limited. Flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to new situations are therefore essential qualities in the profession.
Common benefits and compensation
District Veterinarians are often offered benefits such as company cars, wellness allowances, additional vacation, and compensation for unsocial hours and on-call duties. In some cases, opportunities for professional development, further training, and continuing education days are included. Working in the public sector can also provide extra security through collective agreements and pension contributions.
Recruitment challenges and issues
The job market for District Veterinarians is characterized by high demand and recruitment difficulties, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. Despite many veterinarians being trained, a significant portion work part-time, creating a paradoxical situation where there is a shortage of full-time positions. Challenges in the profession include irregular working hours, high responsibility, and sometimes difficult ethical decisions. The strong demand, however, provides good opportunities for those with the right skills and willingness to work flexibly.
Tips for aspiring District Veterinarians
To succeed as a District Veterinarian, it is beneficial to combine a strong interest in animals with analytical skills and problem-solving abilities. Engagement and empathy are important, as interactions with animal owners often require both sensitivity and clear communication. Being stress-resistant during urgent situations and able to work independently in the field are central to the role. Flexibility helps with irregular working hours and unexpected calls. Finally, continuous professional development is valuable, as the profession constantly evolves through new treatments and legal requirements.
Key facts about the District Veterinarian profession
- Education level: Veterinary degree, 5.5 years university
- Work environment: Varied, often field-based and sometimes physically demanding
- Typical working arrangements: Full-time, often with on-call and standby duties
- Demand: High, especially in rural and agricultural sectors
- Special skills: Disease control, animal welfare, communication
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a District Veterinarian, opportunities exist to specialize in areas such as equine medicine, farm animals, or small animals. Some advance to leadership roles like chief veterinarian or operations manager, while others move into research or teaching. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast, job opportunities in veterinary careers are expected to be plentiful, and demand is projected to remain stable over the next five years. The national job market, however, faces some recruitment challenges, with many veterinarians working part-time. In the past year, there were 375 available jobs in the field, indicating ongoing high demand for the profession’s skills.
Frequently asked questions about District Veterinarians
- What does a District Veterinarian earn?
- The average salary is 53 000 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience, gender, and employer. - How does one become a District Veterinarian?
- By obtaining a veterinary degree (5.5 years) and completing practical training for licensure. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn on average 95% of what men do in the profession. - What is the job market like for District Veterinarians?
- Opportunities for employment are plentiful, especially in rural areas and within the public sector. - What personal qualities are important?
- Flexibility, stress tolerance, empathy, and independence are key traits. - What common benefits are included?
- Company car, wellness allowance, extra vacation, and compensation for on-call duties are common. - What career paths are available after some years?
- Specialization, managerial roles, research, or further education are possible options.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 93% | 41600 kr | 46200 kr |
| 35-44 | 94% | 49800 kr | 52500 kr |
| 45-54 | 58400 kr | 61300 kr | |
| 55-64 | 55300 kr | 56600 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 49900 kr | 53000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 34000 kr | 40700 kr | |
| 25-34 | 99% | 39500 kr | 48400 kr |
| 35-44 | 94% | 46300 kr | 52000 kr |
| 45-54 | 91% | 51000 kr | 57400 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 52700 kr | 54600 kr |
| 65-68 | 112% | 54500 kr | 57200 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 46800 kr | 52700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 34000 kr | 40700 kr | |
| 25-34 | 99% | 39500 kr | 48400 kr |
| 35-44 | 94% | 46300 kr | 52000 kr |
| 45-54 | 91% | 51000 kr | 57400 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 52700 kr | 54600 kr |
| 65-68 | 112% | 54500 kr | 57200 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 46800 kr | 52700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 42300 kr | 45500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 50700 kr | 52600 kr | |
| 45-54 | 61100 kr | 62800 kr | |
| 55-64 | 56700 kr | 57700 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 51000 kr | 53200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 42300 kr | 45500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 50700 kr | 52600 kr | |
| 45-54 | 61100 kr | 62800 kr | |
| 55-64 | 56700 kr | 57700 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 51000 kr | 53200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 93% | 42900 kr | 49300 kr |
| 35-44 | 94% | 50300 kr | 55400 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 51200 kr | 55300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 40900 kr | 49000 kr |
| 35-44 | 94% | 45400 kr | 54500 kr |
| 45-54 | 91% | 51500 kr | 61600 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 51800 kr | 54300 kr |
| 65-68 | 112% | 50100 kr | 53800 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 47800 kr | 54700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 99% | 40900 kr | 49000 kr |
| 35-44 | 94% | 45400 kr | 54500 kr |
| 45-54 | 91% | 51500 kr | 61600 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 51800 kr | 54300 kr |
| 65-68 | 112% | 50100 kr | 53800 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 47800 kr | 54700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 95% | 52900 kr | 55500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 95% | 52900 kr | 55500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 93% | 41400 kr | 45700 kr |
| 35-44 | 94% | 49700 kr | 52100 kr |
| 45-54 | 58700 kr | 61200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 56300 kr | 57900 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 49600 kr | 52500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 33800 kr | 43300 kr | |
| 25-34 | 99% | 39300 kr | 48300 kr |
| 35-44 | 94% | 46500 kr | 51300 kr |
| 45-54 | 91% | 50900 kr | 56000 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 53300 kr | 54800 kr |
| 65-68 | 112% | 58500 kr | 60200 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 46400 kr | 52000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 33800 kr | 43300 kr | |
| 25-34 | 99% | 39300 kr | 48300 kr |
| 35-44 | 94% | 46500 kr | 51300 kr |
| 45-54 | 91% | 50900 kr | 56000 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 53300 kr | 54800 kr |
| 65-68 | 112% | 58500 kr | 60200 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 46400 kr | 52000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 42100 kr | 44900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 50400 kr | 52200 kr | |
| 45-54 | 61300 kr | 62900 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 50600 kr | 52700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 42100 kr | 44900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 50400 kr | 52200 kr | |
| 45-54 | 61300 kr | 62900 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 50600 kr | 52700 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 District veterinarian has the SSYK code 2250, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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