What does a hematologist do? – Tasks and work environment
A hematologist is a specialist doctor focusing on blood disorders, coagulation issues, and the lymphatic system. Responsibilities include investigation, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, anemia, and bleeding disorders. Hematologists often work closely with other medical specialists, nurses, and laboratory staff. The work environment is primarily clinical, usually at hospital specialist clinics or within university and research healthcare, where advanced equipment and laboratory techniques are used daily. The role involves both patient interactions and extensive documentation and investigations, often with high demands for accuracy and teamwork.
Salary development over time
The salary for a hematologist has shown a clear upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 86,400 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 92 200 SEK, corresponding to a rise of about 6.7%. In 2024, the average salary continues to rise to 93 600 SEK, an increase of another 1.5% compared to the previous year. This positive salary trend reflects the increasing demand for specialist doctors in hematology and the skills shortage in the field. The level of education and the responsibilities involved are also significant reasons for the salary increases at this rate. The trend indicates that the job market for hematologists remains strong, with good opportunities for salary growth and career advancement.
Hematologist salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 93 600 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 84,600 SEK/month (men), 91,200 SEK/month (women)
- Highest salary: 110,600 SEK/month (men, public sector), 101,500 SEK/month (women)
- Hourly wage: 563 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 98% of what men do (92 900 SEK compared to 94 300 SEK)
- Regional differences: Not specified
Education and qualifications
To work as a hematologist, a long and specialized educational path is required. After basic medical training, licensure, internship, and residency in internal medicine, one then subspecializes in hematology. In addition to formal degrees, clinical experience and some research experience are often required to qualify for the most advanced positions in the field.
- Medical education: 5.5 years (undergraduate, medical degree)
- Internship (AT): About 1.5–2 years
- Specialist training (ST) in internal medicine: 5 years
- Subspecialization in hematology: 2–3 years
- Research or doctoral studies: Meritorious
- Prerequisites: Good grades in science subjects and high academic performance are required for admission to medical studies
Many hematologists engage in clinical research and the development of new treatments, making the profession particularly dynamic and knowledge-intensive. The rapid development in diagnostics and pharmaceuticals means hematologists are often among the first to implement new medical findings in practice.
Common benefits and compensations
Hematologists often enjoy benefits such as additional vacation, professional development, generous pension contributions, and wellness allowances. Some employers also offer research leave, paid further training, and compensation for on-call and standby duties. Salary exchanges and private health insurance are also common, especially at larger hospitals and government employers.
Competition and challenges
Hematologists belong to a profession with high competition for the most attractive positions, especially at university hospitals and research-intensive clinics. The recruitment situation is characterized by a paradox: while there is a shortage of specialists, the proportion working part-time and those leaving the profession is relatively high. The work demands continuous learning, handling complex patient cases, and working in multidisciplinary teams. The workload can be high, with on-call duties and emotionally demanding patient meetings. Despite this, the demand for hematologists remains strong, and the job market is expected to be very good in the coming years.
Tips for aspiring hematologists
To succeed as a hematologist, it is good to combine analytical skills with empathy and perseverance. Engaging early in research or relevant internships during training facilitates access to specialist positions. Precision is crucial for managing complex patient cases and laboratory results, while teamwork skills are essential for working with multidisciplinary teams. A genuine interest in medical innovations and continuous education is also important, as the field develops rapidly. Being communicative and pedagogical facilitates contact with patients and colleagues. Finally, a high level of responsibility and patience are required to thrive and develop within hematology.
Key facts about Hematologists
- Education level: Specialist doctor degree (at least 13 years of education including internship and residency)
- Work environment: Hospitals, specialist clinics, research centers
- Demand: Very high, 375 job openings nationwide
- Typical work form: Full-time, often with on-call and standby duties
- Special skills: Blood diseases, advanced diagnostics, research experience
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a licensed hematologist, several career paths open, such as leading roles within specialist clinics, research, or university teaching. Many hematologists advance to chief physician roles, oversee clinical trials, or work as consultants in the pharmaceutical industry. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, the job opportunities are very good, and demand is expected to increase further over the next five years. Despite some recruitment difficulties and high workload, the need for more specialists in the field remains, providing stable future prospects for the profession.
Frequently asked questions about Hematology
- What does a Hematologist earn?
- A hematologist has an average salary of 93 600 SEK per month.
- How to become a Hematologist?
- The path involves medical education, licensure, internship, residency in internal medicine, and then subspecialization in hematology.
- Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn approximately 98% of what men do within the profession.
- What does the job market look like for Hematologists?
- The demand is very high, with 375 job openings nationwide within the profession.
- Which workplaces are most common for Hematologists?
- Most work at hospital specialist clinics, research centers, and university hospitals.
- What is the highest salary for a Hematologist?
- The highest salary is 110,600 SEK per month for men and 101,500 SEK for women.
- What personal qualities are important?
- Analytical ability, accuracy, empathy, and teamwork are central qualities in the profession.
