- Salary statistics
- Veterinary hospital veterinarian salary
Veterinary hospital veterinarian salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
43 200 - 58 100 SEK / month
Women earn 95% of what men do.
Hälso- & sjukvård
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Salary progression Veterinary hospital veterinarian
What does a veterinary surgeon at an animal hospital do? – duties and work environment
A veterinary surgeon at an animal hospital works with diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases in animals, mainly at animal hospitals or larger clinics. Tasks include everything from surgical procedures and emergency interventions to advice and follow-up of treatments. Close collaboration with pet owners, veterinary nurses, and other healthcare staff is often required to ensure the animal's well-being. The work environment is often intense and may involve on-call duties, irregular hours, and handling both small and large animals in sometimes stressful situations.
Salary development over time
The salary of veterinary surgeons at animal hospitals has shown a clear upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 48,500 SEK per month, then increased to 53 000 SEK in 2023, and further to 54 800 SEK in 2024. This development corresponds to an increase of approximately 9.3% over the period, exceeding the general salary growth for many other healthcare professions. The increase can partly be explained by continued high demand for veterinary expertise, especially in animal healthcare, as well as recruitment challenges where many choose to work part-time. The shortage of experienced veterinarians also drives salary increases, while employers try to attract and retain staff through competitive conditions.
Veterinary surgeon salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 54 800 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 45,300 SEK/month (male, private sector employee)
- Highest salary: 55,700 SEK/month (male, public sector, postgraduate education 3 years or more)
- Hourly wage: 319 SEK/hour (based on 166 working hours/month)
- Gender differences: Men earn 57 100 SEK, women 54 200 SEK (women earn 95% of men's salary)
- Regional differences: No specific regional data available
Education and qualifications
To work as a veterinary surgeon at an animal hospital, a veterinary degree from a university is required, which in Sweden involves extensive and theoretically demanding education. After graduation, licensure issued by the Swedish Board of Agriculture is necessary. Many choose to pursue further training or specialize in areas such as surgery or internal medicine to increase competitiveness and broaden employment opportunities.
- Veterinary program: 5.5 years university studies (330 ECTS)
- Licensure: Issued by the Swedish Board of Agriculture after graduation
- Specialist training: Opportunities for further education in areas like small animal medicine, surgery, or imaging diagnostics
- Internship: Clinical practice included in the education and often crucial for employment
- Prerequisites: Basic eligibility + specific requirements in biology, chemistry, and physics
Many veterinary surgeons at animal hospitals work in teams where collaboration with veterinary nurses and other care staff is essential for quality of care. The development of advanced technology in veterinary medicine has also made the profession more specialized, particularly in imaging diagnostics and surgery.
Common benefits and compensations
Besides base salary, benefits such as evening and weekend shift allowances, wellness grants, occupational pension, and opportunities for skills development are often offered. Some employers also provide insurances, subsidized lunches, and extra vacation days. Access to modern work equipment and internal training opportunities are common features.
Competition and challenges
The profession is characterized by a paradoxical labor market situation where recruitment difficulties exist despite many veterinarians working part-time. The demand for veterinary surgeons at animal hospitals remains high, yet workload and inconvenient hours can challenge staff retention. Competition for the most attractive positions, especially at larger hospitals and in specialized fields, is significant. The work can be physically and mentally demanding, especially in emergency situations and when dealing with distressed pet owners. Continuous education and staying updated on new research and treatment methods are also high demands.
Tips for aspiring veterinary surgeons at an animal hospital
To succeed as a veterinary surgeon at an animal hospital, it's good to combine a strong interest in animals with resilience to stress and good teamwork skills. Gaining practical experience early in veterinary practice provides valuable insights and increases chances during education and employment. An interest in science and analytical skills facilitate interpreting test results and making correct medical decisions. Good communication skills are crucial, as dialogue with pet owners is a central part of the work. Flexibility and willingness to further educate oneself in new techniques and methods are also important qualities for long-term development and satisfaction in the profession.
Key facts about veterinary surgeons at an animal hospital
- Education level: Veterinary degree (5.5 years)
- Work environment: Intensive, team-oriented, and often shift-based
- Demand: Great opportunities for employment, especially in animal hospitals
- Gender distribution: Women earn 95% of men's salary
- Available jobs: 375 advertised positions within the profession
Career paths and future prospects
After 3–5 years in the profession, veterinary surgeons at animal hospitals can advance to specialist roles in areas such as surgery, imaging diagnostics, or internal medicine. There are also opportunities to become chief veterinarian, clinic manager, or work in research and education. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, the labor market for veterinarians is generally very good with great employment opportunities, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. However, the recruitment situation is characterized by many working part-time, which means that even part-time employees have good chances to increase their employment rate if desired. The profession thus offers both security and flexibility for those who want to develop further in the field.
Frequently asked questions about veterinary surgeons at an animal hospital
- What is the average salary of a veterinary surgeon at an animal hospital?
- The average salary is 54 800 SEK per month. - How has the salary development for veterinary surgeons at animal hospitals progressed?
- Salaries have increased from 48,500 SEK in 2022 to 54 800 SEK in 2024, an increase of approximately 9.3%. - What education is required to become a veterinary surgeon at an animal hospital?
- A veterinary degree (5.5 years) and licensure from the Swedish Board of Agriculture are required. - Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
- Yes, women earn 95% of what men do within the profession. - What is the job market like for veterinary surgeons at animal hospitals?
- Opportunities for employment are large, with 375 available jobs. - What are the biggest challenges in the profession?
- High workload, inconvenient hours, and continuing education requirements are common challenges. - What are the highest and lowest salaries for a veterinary surgeon at an animal hospital?
- The highest salary is 55,700 SEK, and the lowest is 45,300 SEK per month.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 42800 kr | 47500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 96% | 51200 kr | 54600 kr |
| 45-54 | 58200 kr | 61300 kr | |
| 55-64 | 57600 kr | 59700 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 51300 kr | 54800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 34300 kr | 46400 kr | |
| 25-34 | 100% | 39500 kr | 48000 kr |
| 35-44 | 93% | 46800 kr | 53400 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 52600 kr | 57700 kr |
| 55-64 | 102% | 53700 kr | 56500 kr |
| 65-68 | 111% | 58200 kr | 59500 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 47600 kr | 53600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 34300 kr | 46400 kr | |
| 25-34 | 100% | 39500 kr | 48000 kr |
| 35-44 | 93% | 46800 kr | 53400 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 52600 kr | 57700 kr |
| 55-64 | 102% | 53700 kr | 56500 kr |
| 65-68 | 111% | 58200 kr | 59500 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 47600 kr | 53600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 44000 kr | 47400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 52400 kr | 55000 kr | |
| 45-54 | 60500 kr | 62800 kr | |
| 55-64 | 60000 kr | 61600 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 52600 kr | 55200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 44000 kr | 47400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 52400 kr | 55000 kr | |
| 45-54 | 60500 kr | 62800 kr | |
| 55-64 | 60000 kr | 61600 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 52600 kr | 55200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 96% | 50900 kr | 56700 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 53200 kr | 57100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 100% | 40800 kr | 47800 kr |
| 35-44 | 93% | 46700 kr | 56300 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 52300 kr | 58600 kr |
| 55-64 | 102% | 52600 kr | 55700 kr |
| 65-68 | 111% | 55600 kr | 56400 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 49100 kr | 55200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 100% | 40800 kr | 47800 kr |
| 35-44 | 93% | 46700 kr | 56300 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 52300 kr | 58600 kr |
| 55-64 | 102% | 52600 kr | 55700 kr |
| 65-68 | 111% | 55600 kr | 56400 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 49100 kr | 55200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 94% | 55200 kr | 58100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 94% | 55200 kr | 58100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 42600 kr | 47200 kr | |
| 35-44 | 96% | 51200 kr | 54300 kr |
| 45-54 | 57900 kr | 60900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 58000 kr | 60100 kr | |
| Snitt | 95% | 50900 kr | 54200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 34300 kr | 46400 kr | |
| 25-34 | 100% | 39300 kr | 48000 kr |
| 35-44 | 93% | 46900 kr | 52500 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 52700 kr | 57500 kr |
| 55-64 | 102% | 54400 kr | 57000 kr |
| 65-68 | 111% | 60800 kr | 62600 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 47200 kr | 53100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 34300 kr | 46400 kr | |
| 25-34 | 100% | 39300 kr | 48000 kr |
| 35-44 | 93% | 46900 kr | 52500 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 52700 kr | 57500 kr |
| 55-64 | 102% | 54400 kr | 57000 kr |
| 65-68 | 111% | 60800 kr | 62600 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 47200 kr | 53100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 43800 kr | 46900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 52300 kr | 54700 kr | |
| 45-54 | 59900 kr | 62200 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 52100 kr | 54600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 43800 kr | 46900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 52300 kr | 54700 kr | |
| 45-54 | 59900 kr | 62200 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 52100 kr | 54600 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 Veterinary hospital 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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