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 50 300 SEK in 2023, and further to 53 000 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: 53 000 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 55 300 SEK, women 52 500 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 53 000 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 53 000 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.
