What does a Foniater do? – Job tasks and work environment
A foniater is a specialist doctor focusing on voice, speech, language, and swallowing. The role includes diagnosis and treatment of patients with voice disorders, speech problems, and swallowing difficulties, often in close collaboration with speech therapists, ENT doctors, and other specialists. The work environment varies between hospitals, specialist clinics, and research settings. Advanced technology is used to analyze voice and swallowing functions, and there are both individual patient consultations and multidisciplinary team conferences. The foniater often has responsibilities for supervising colleagues and educating staff within the field.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, the salary for Foniaters has increased significantly. In 2022, the average salary was 86,400 SEK per month, rising to 92 200 SEK in 2023 and further to 93 600 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a salary increase of approximately 8.3% over the period. The trend shows stable and strong salary growth, which can be linked to the increased demand for specialist doctors and particularly expertise in voice and swallowing issues. The shortage of foniaters in the country makes employers more willing to offer competitive salaries to attract and retain specialists. The high level of education within the profession also contributes to the observed salary development.
Foniater salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 93 600 SEK/month
- Lowest salary (male/female): 84,600 SEK / 91,200 SEK
- Highest salary (male/female): 110,600 SEK / 101,500 SEK
- Hourly wage (average): 563 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 98% of what men do (men 94 300 SEK, women 92 900 SEK)
- Regional differences: No clear data available
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a foniater is long and requires several years of education and specialization. First, a medical degree followed by licensure as a doctor. Then, specialist training in ENT (ear, nose, throat) and finally a focus on phoniatrics. Many foniaters also pursue further education in areas such as voice physiology or neurological diseases affecting speech and swallowing.
- Medical degree: 5.5 years of university studies
- Internship (AT): approximately 1.5–2 years
- Specialist training (ST) in ENT: approximately 5 years
- Specialization in phoniatrics: 1–2 years or longer depending on position and research
- Recommended courses: Voice physiology, neurology, speech therapy
- Prerequisites: Science-based high school education and high university eligibility
Phoniatrics is one of the smallest and most specialized medical fields in Sweden – there are only a few clinics, and each foniater often handles rare and complex cases where voice and swallowing are critical to the patient's quality of life. It is a field where research and clinical practice often go hand in hand.
Common benefits and compensations
Foniaters are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, extra vacation days, paid training, and wellness allowances. In some cases, research or educational stipends may also be included. Flexibility in working hours and opportunities for professional development are common, especially within the public sector.
Challenges and competition
Competition for positions as a foniater is low, but the challenge lies more in the limited number of training places and consequently a small number of colleagues in the job market. The profession has a high degree of specialization, which makes recruitment difficult, and employers sometimes have to look internationally for expertise. At the same time, workload can be high due to the influx of patients and complex medical cases. This requires both medical expertise and teamwork skills in multidisciplinary teams.
Tips for those who want to become a Foniater
To succeed as a foniater, it's good to be meticulous, analytical, and have a strong interest in both medicine and communication. Good listening skills and the ability to interpret subtle signals are crucial, as diagnoses are often based on detailed patient descriptions and technical analyses. Persistence and goal-orientedness are important, as the path to specialist certification is long and demanding. Collaboration skills and pedagogical ability are necessary when working with patients and colleagues, especially in supervision and teaching. Curiosity and a willingness to continuously learn new things facilitate success, as research in the field is constantly evolving.
Key facts about Foniaters
- Education level: Specialist doctor degree (at least 12 years after high school)
- Work environment: Hospitals, specialist clinics, and research settings
- Demand: Very high and growing
- Number of job openings: 375
- Typical tasks: Diagnosis and treatment of voice, speech, and swallowing problems
Career paths and future prospects
After 3–5 years as a foniater, opportunities may open to become medically responsible at a clinic, supervise ST doctors, or work in research and development. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast for specialist doctors, the outlook is very positive, with expected increased demand over the next five years. The profession is characterized by a paradoxical recruitment situation, with both a shortage of trained foniaters and a high turnover or part-time work. This increases the need for new specialists and offers good career opportunities nationally and internationally.
Frequently asked questions about Foniaters
- What does a Foniater earn?
- The average salary is 93 600 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience and workplace.
- What education is required to become a Foniater?
- Medical degree, medical license, and specialist training in ENT, followed by specialization in phoniatrics.
- What is the job market like for Foniaters?
- Demand is very high and there are approximately 375 job openings within the profession.
- Are there gender differences in salary for Foniaters?
- Yes, women earn on average 98% of what men do within the profession.
- What are the job responsibilities of a Foniater?
- Diagnosis and treatment of voice, speech, and swallowing difficulties, as well as guidance and education.
- How long is the education pathway to become a Foniater?
- At least 12 years after high school, including medical degree, internship, specialist training, and further specialization.
- What are the future prospects for a Foniater?
- The outlook is very good, with increased demand and great opportunities for employment and further development.
