What does a Djurhälsoveterinär do? – Tasks and Work Environment
Djurhälsoveterinärer work with diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases in animals, with a particular focus on animal health, infection control, and animal welfare. Tasks include clinical work with both farm animals and pets, advising animal owners, issuing certificates, and participating in regulatory and food safety inspections. The environment can vary from veterinary clinics and fieldwork on farms to office settings at authorities. The role requires flexibility and the ability to make quick decisions, especially during emergency interventions or outbreaks.
Salary Development Over Time
The salary for Djurhälsoveterinärer has developed positively in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 48,500 SEK per month, rising in 2023 to 50 300 SEK. In 2024, the average salary has continued upward to 53 000 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 9.3% over three years. This trend reflects increased demand for specialist expertise in animal health, especially in food safety and infection control, along with general upward pressure on salaries within the veterinary sector. The market's need for qualified Djurhälsoveterinärer and recruitment challenges have contributed to faster salary growth than many other healthcare professions.
Overview of Djurhälsoveterinär Salaries
- Average salary: 53 000 SEK/month
- Lowest salary (men): 45,300 SEK
- Lowest salary (women): 48,900 SEK
- Highest salary (men): 55,700 SEK
- Highest salary (women): 54,400 SEK
- Hourly wage (average): 319 SEK
- Women’s salary as % of men’s: 95 %
- Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on region and employer, but national differences are limited.
Education and Qualifications
To work as a Djurhälsoveterinär, a veterinary degree and licensure issued by the Swedish Board of Agriculture are required. The education is demanding, covering both theoretical and practical components focused on veterinary medicine, infection control, and food safety. After graduation, additional practical training or specialization in animal health is often necessary to secure employment in the field.
- Veterinary degree: University program, 5.5 years
- Licensure: Issued by the Swedish Board of Agriculture
- Practical training: Mandatory during studies
- Specialization: Courses in animal health, infection control, or food safety
- Prerequisites: Scientific high school education recommended
Many Djurhälsoveterinärer work with government assignments, such as disease tracing and food safety inspections, which means the profession often combines practical animal work with societal responsibilities.
Common Benefits and Compensation
Djurhälsoveterinärer are often offered benefits such as extra vacation days, wellness allowances, pension schemes, and opportunities for further education. In the public sector, there may also be on-call pay, overtime bonuses, and flexible working hours. Some employers provide support for professional development and participation in international networks.
Challenges and Competition
The profession is characterized by high demand, but there is also some competition for the most attractive positions and specialist roles. A paradox exists as many work part-time, creating recruitment difficulties despite a relatively large supply of veterinary graduates. Challenges can also include a high work pace, mentally demanding decisions, and the need for continuous professional development. Flexibility and preparedness for urgent interventions are often necessary, especially during outbreaks or major incidents.
Tips for Aspiring Djurhälsoveterinärer
To succeed as a Djurhälsoveterinär, combining strong analytical skills with a genuine commitment to animal welfare is beneficial. Precision is crucial in diagnostics and infection control, so practicing attention to detail and documentation during studies is advisable. Flexibility helps when workdays can change rapidly, such as during urgent animal illnesses or regulatory actions. Social skills and pedagogical abilities assist in advising animal owners and collaborating with colleagues. Finally, stress resilience is important, especially during long days or work under pressure during outbreak investigations and crises.
Key Facts about Djurhälsoveterinär
- Education level: Veterinary degree, 5.5 years + licensure
- Work environment: Clinics, fieldwork, government services
- Demand: Excellent opportunities nationwide
- Typical employment: Full-time, but many work part-time
- Special expertise: Infection control and animal health
Career Paths and Future Outlook
After three to five years in the profession, opportunities open for specialization in areas such as infection control, food safety, or research. Djurhälsoveterinärer can advance to managerial roles, government assignments, or work as experts within international organizations. According to the Swedish Employment Service's forecasts, the job market is very favorable, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Recruitment difficulties persist despite a relatively large pool of veterinary graduates. Recently, there were 375 available jobs nationwide in the veterinary sector, indicating continued strong opportunities for new graduates and experienced Djurhälsoveterinärer.
Frequently Asked Questions about Djurhälsoveterinär
- What is the average salary of a Djurhälsoveterinär?
- A Djurhälsoveterinär has an average salary of 53 000 SEK per month.
- What education is required to become a Djurhälsoveterinär?
- A veterinary degree (5.5 years) and licensure from the Swedish Board of Agriculture are required.
- Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn approximately 95 % of what men do in the profession.
- What are the future prospects for Djurhälsoveterinärer?
- The Employment Service assesses that the outlook is very good, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
- What are the most common workplaces for Djurhälsoveterinärer?
- Common workplaces include veterinary clinics, authorities, and fieldwork on farms.
- What is the hourly wage for a Djurhälsoveterinär?
- The average hourly wage is 319 SEK.
- How many job openings are there within the profession?
- Currently, there are 375 available jobs nationwide within the veterinary group.
