- Salary statistics
- Veterinarian salary
Veterinarian salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
32 800 - 41 300 SEK / month
Women earn 100% of what men do.
Hälso- & sjukvård
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Salary progression Veterinarian
What does a Veterinary Nurse do? – Tasks and work environment
A veterinary nurse works with providing medical care, nursing, and support to sick or injured animals, primarily at veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, or veterinary stations. Tasks include assisting veterinarians during examinations and surgeries, administering medications, taking blood samples, wound care, and monitoring animals during and after treatment. Veterinary nurses are also responsible for informing and supporting pet owners, managing medical records, and maintaining hygiene routines in the work environment. The work is often physically demanding and may involve irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, especially at emergency clinics.
Salary development over time
The salary for veterinary nurses has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,200 SEK, followed by an increase to 33 400 SEK in 2023 and further to 34 800 SEK in 2024. The total salary increase during this period amounts to just over 10%, which is higher than many other healthcare professions. The increase can largely be explained by a growing need for qualified animal care staff, as more pet owners demand advanced veterinary services. The profession has also become more professionalized, leading to higher educational and skill requirements, which in turn have positively impacted salary development.
Veterinary Nurse salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 34 800 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 31,300 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, pre-secondary education)
- Highest salary: 40,300 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, post-secondary education of 3 years or more)
- Hourly wage (average): 201 SEK/hour
- Women earn: 34 800 SEK/month (100% of men's salary)
- Men earn: 34 700 SEK/month
- Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on location and employer, with higher wages more common in metropolitan areas and larger animal hospitals.
Education and qualifications
To work as a veterinary nurse, a high school education in natural sciences with an animal focus is usually required, followed by post-secondary education as a veterinary assistant or animal caregiver at an advanced level. Employers may also require specific certifications depending on the workplace. Practical experience, such as internships or trainee programs, is often highly valued and sometimes a requirement for employment.
- Formal qualification: Post-secondary education, typically 2–3 years (veterinary assistant/animal caregiver level 2 or 3)
- Certifications: Specific courses in medication handling and veterinary care
- Internship: Internship during education is mandatory for most programs
- Prerequisites: High school diploma, preferably in natural sciences or related fields
- Tip: Choose an education with recognized certification for working in veterinary care
Many veterinary nurses have the opportunity to work with a wide variety of animal species – from pets to exotic animals and farm animals. This makes the profession suitable for those who enjoy variety and want to broaden their knowledge of animal health.
Common benefits and compensations
Veterinary nurses are often offered benefits such as evening and weekend shift allowances, wellness contributions, and sometimes opportunities for further training and courses. Some employers may also provide extra vacation days, pension contributions, and insurance. The scope of benefits varies depending on whether the employer is private or public.
Competition and challenges
The profession of veterinary nurse is in demand but is characterized by a paradoxical recruitment situation. There are difficulties in recruiting trained personnel, especially for positions requiring higher competence, while many in the profession work part-time. The work is often physically and mentally demanding, involving handling stressful emergency situations and emotionally difficult moments. Competition for permanent positions at larger veterinary hospitals can be tough, while job opportunities at smaller clinics and in rural areas are increasing. For those wishing to advance, further education and specialization are often necessary.
Tips for those wanting to become a Veterinary Nurse
To succeed as a veterinary nurse, it is good to be thorough and have a genuine interest in animal welfare, which makes it easier to handle both routine and unexpected situations. Developing resilience to stress is important, especially when the pace is high and animals need urgent care, so practice staying calm under pressure. Teamwork skills are crucial since the work is performed in collaboration with veterinarians and colleagues – clear and attentive communication facilitates cooperation and improves the quality of care. Practical experience, such as volunteering or internships, provides valuable insight into daily work and increases your chances of employment. Finally, it is important to always want to learn more, as developments in veterinary care are rapid and new methods are continually introduced.
Key facts about Veterinary Nurses
- Education level: Post-secondary education, 2–3 years
- Work environment: Veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, or veterinary stations
- Work form: Shift work, often evenings and weekends
- Demand: Great opportunities for employment, especially in smaller towns
- Special skills: Medication handling and care of various animal species
Career paths and future prospects
After 3–5 years in the profession, a veterinary nurse can advance to more specialized roles, such as veterinary assistant responsible for anesthesia, surgery, or rehabilitation. Opportunities also exist to become a team leader, trainer for new colleagues, or to work in administration within veterinary care. According to the Swedish Employment Service's prognosis, the opportunities for employment remain high, and demand is expected to stay unchanged over the next five years. There is also a certain shortage of trained personnel, which can mean good chances of employment for those who have completed the right education. The job market is particularly favorable for those who are flexible and willing to work at various clinics or in different regions.
Frequently asked questions about Veterinary Nurses
- What is the average salary of a Veterinary Nurse?
- A veterinary nurse has an average salary of 34 800 SEK per month. - How has the salary development for Veterinary Nurses looked over time?
- Salaries have increased from 30,200 SEK in 2022 to 34 800 SEK in 2024. - What education is required to become a Veterinary Nurse?
- Post-secondary education of 2–3 years is required, often including internships and certifications in veterinary care. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn on average 100% of men's salaries within the profession. - What is the job market like for Veterinary Nurses?
- The job market is good with many opportunities and 375 available positions in the profession. - What are the most common workplaces for Veterinary Nurses?
- Most work at veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, or veterinary stations. - What is the highest and lowest salary for Veterinary Nurses?
- The highest salary is 40,300 SEK and the lowest is 31,300 SEK per month.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 27400 kr | 29000 kr | |
| 25-34 | 31400 kr | 32900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 36200 kr | 37300 kr | |
| 45-54 | 37400 kr | 38300 kr | |
| 55-64 | 37500 kr | 38200 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 33500 kr | 34800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31500 kr | 31900 kr | |
| 25-34 | 108% | 35000 kr | 37200 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 35900 kr | 36600 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 36000 kr | 36600 kr |
| 55-64 | 105% | 38000 kr | 38400 kr |
| 65-68 | 70% | 47100 kr | 47400 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 36600 kr | 37400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31500 kr | 31900 kr | |
| 25-34 | 108% | 35000 kr | 37200 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 35900 kr | 36600 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 36000 kr | 36600 kr |
| 55-64 | 105% | 38000 kr | 38400 kr |
| 65-68 | 70% | 47100 kr | 47400 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 36600 kr | 37400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 27300 kr | 28900 kr | |
| 25-34 | 31200 kr | 32700 kr | |
| 35-44 | 36200 kr | 37300 kr | |
| 45-54 | 37600 kr | 38600 kr | |
| 55-64 | 37400 kr | 38200 kr | |
| Snitt | 33300 kr | 34600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 27300 kr | 28900 kr | |
| 25-34 | 31200 kr | 32700 kr | |
| 35-44 | 36200 kr | 37300 kr | |
| 45-54 | 37600 kr | 38600 kr | |
| 55-64 | 37400 kr | 38200 kr | |
| Snitt | 33300 kr | 34600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 100% | 33700 kr | 34700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 108% | 34500 kr | 34800 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 36100 kr | 36800 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 37200 kr | 37200 kr |
| 55-64 | 105% | 37200 kr | 37600 kr |
| 65-68 | 70% | 53300 kr | 53300 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 37500 kr | 37800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 108% | 34500 kr | 34800 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 36100 kr | 36800 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 37200 kr | 37200 kr |
| 55-64 | 105% | 37200 kr | 37600 kr |
| 65-68 | 70% | 53300 kr | 53300 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 37500 kr | 37800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 27500 kr | 29000 kr | |
| 25-34 | 31400 kr | 33000 kr | |
| 35-44 | 36300 kr | 37300 kr | |
| 45-54 | 37400 kr | 38500 kr | |
| 55-64 | 37500 kr | 38200 kr | |
| Snitt | 100% | 33500 kr | 34800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31300 kr | 31900 kr | |
| 25-34 | 108% | 35200 kr | 37700 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 35800 kr | 36500 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 35300 kr | 36200 kr |
| 55-64 | 105% | 38900 kr | 39400 kr |
| 65-68 | 70% | 36700 kr | 37500 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 36000 kr | 37200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31300 kr | 31900 kr | |
| 25-34 | 108% | 35200 kr | 37700 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 35800 kr | 36500 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 35300 kr | 36200 kr |
| 55-64 | 105% | 38900 kr | 39400 kr |
| 65-68 | 70% | 36700 kr | 37500 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 36000 kr | 37200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 27500 kr | 29000 kr | |
| 25-34 | 31300 kr | 32800 kr | |
| 35-44 | 36300 kr | 37400 kr | |
| 45-54 | 37700 kr | 38700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 37400 kr | 38100 kr | |
| Snitt | 33400 kr | 34700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 27500 kr | 29000 kr | |
| 25-34 | 31300 kr | 32800 kr | |
| 35-44 | 36300 kr | 37400 kr | |
| 45-54 | 37700 kr | 38700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 37400 kr | 38100 kr | |
| Snitt | 33400 kr | 34700 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 Veterinarian has the SSYK code 3240, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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