Health care strategist

What does a healthcare and medical services strategist do? – Tasks and work environment

A healthcare and medical services strategist works on developing, coordinating, and improving processes within healthcare and social care. The role involves analyzing organizational needs, developing strategies for quality improvement, and leading projects related to patient safety, digitalization, or resource allocation. The work environment is usually office-based but may include meetings and workshops with various professional groups within regions, municipalities, or private healthcare providers. The position involves close collaboration with management, healthcare staff, and sometimes patients, requiring both strategic thinking and communication skills.

Salary development over time

The salary for a healthcare and medical services strategist has shown a stable and positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 54,300 SEK per month, increasing to 55 500 SEK in 2023 and further to 58 400 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 7.5% over three years. This salary growth reflects an increased demand for strategic skills within the healthcare sector, where the need for efficiency and coordination has become more evident. Market demands for high education levels and experience have also contributed to rising salaries as the role has become more specialized and complex.

Healthcare and medical services strategist salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 58 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 42,600 SEK/month (female, public sector, secondary education)
• Highest salary: 92,000 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, data unavailable)
• Hourly wage (average): 351 SEK/hour
• Men's average salary: 62 300 SEK/month (highest salary 79,500 SEK, lowest 46,400 SEK)
• Women's average salary: 54 600 SEK/month (88% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: May occur depending on employer and region, but exact figures vary.

Education and qualifications

To work as a healthcare and medical services strategist, a university degree in fields such as healthcare, public health, social sciences, or economics is usually required. Many employers seek experience in leadership or project management within the healthcare sector. Additional training and specialization in quality development, change management, or organizational governance are often advantageous.

• Formal degree: University or college education, often at least 3 years
• Meritorious courses: Quality development, leadership, project management
• Experience: Previous work within healthcare, social care, or public administration
• Certifications: For example, in change management or process development
• Prerequisites: Good analytical skills, experience working with strategic issues

Common benefits and compensations

Healthcare and medical services strategists are often offered benefits such as flexible working hours, remote work options, wellness allowances, and opportunities for professional development through training and conferences. Pension schemes and generous vacation policies are common, especially in the public sector.

Competition and challenges

The job market for healthcare and medical services strategists is characterized by a balanced supply, with a moderate number of job opportunities nationwide. Competition for the most attractive positions can be high, particularly in larger cities and senior roles. Challenges in the profession include managing complex decision-making processes, adapting to changing requirements from politicians and managers, and the need to quickly adjust strategies in response to new regulations and healthcare needs. Navigating between different stakeholders' goals requires patience and excellent collaboration skills.

Tips for aspiring healthcare and medical services strategists

To succeed as a healthcare and medical services strategist, it is beneficial to combine analytical skills with a genuine interest in societal issues and healthcare development. Building a broad network within healthcare and administration provides a solid foundation for understanding and influencing processes. Curiosity and a willingness to continuously learn are crucial, especially as regulations and working methods evolve rapidly. The ability to communicate clearly and create engagement around change efforts is highly valued by employers. A strategic and solution-oriented mindset, along with perseverance, facilitates working on long-term improvements. Demonstrating leadership even without formal managerial responsibilities is often a pathway to greater influence and more career opportunities.

Key facts about healthcare and medical services strategists

• Education level: University or college degree, often 3 years or more
• Work environment: Office-based, often in the public sector
• Demand: Moderate, approximately 758 available jobs within the profession
• Work form: Project-based and strategic work
• Gender distribution: Women earn on average 88% of men's salaries

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the role of healthcare and medical services strategist, opportunities open up for more senior positions such as development manager, operations controller, or project leader for larger change initiatives. Some choose to specialize in digitalization, patient safety, or quality management, while others move into leadership teams or governance roles at regional levels. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, demand for management and organizational development professionals is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, with a balanced recruitment situation nationwide. The job market is stable, but competition for the most qualified roles can be significant in certain regions.

Frequently asked questions about healthcare and medical services strategists

• What does a healthcare and medical services strategist earn?
  - The average salary is 58 400 SEK per month, with variations between 42,600 SEK and 92,000 SEK depending on experience and sector.
• What are the gender differences in salary?
  - Women have an average of 54 600 SEK and men 62 300 SEK, which means women earn 88% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a healthcare and medical services strategist?
  - Usually, a university degree in healthcare, public health, social sciences, or economics, along with experience from the healthcare sector.
• What does the job market look like?
  - There are approximately 758 available jobs within the profession, with a medium demand forecast and unchanged development according to the Swedish Public Employment Service.
• What are the biggest challenges in the profession?
  - Managing complex decision-making processes, rapidly changing requirements, and coordination among various stakeholders are some of the main challenges.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Yes, salary levels can vary between regions and employers, but exact figures depend on local factors.
• What career paths are available in the long term?
  - Opportunities include roles such as development manager, operations controller, or project leader for larger improvement projects.