What does a surgeon do? – Tasks and work environment
A surgeon works on diagnosing, treating, and operating on patients requiring surgical procedures. Tasks range from emergency surgeries to planned interventions across various medical fields such as orthopedics, cardiology, and general surgery. Surgeons often collaborate with anesthesiologists, operating room nurses, and other healthcare personnel. The work environment is high-tech and requires precision, resilience under stress, and the ability to make quick decisions. Working hours can be irregular, with on-call and night shifts being a natural part of the profession.
Salary development over time
Surgeon salaries have increased significantly in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 86,400 SEK per month, rising to 92 200 SEK in 2023 and reaching 93 600 SEK in 2024. The total increase from 2022 to 2024 is approximately 8.3%, which is a considerably higher salary growth than many other healthcare professions. This positive trend can be explained by high demand for specialist doctors, increased workloads, and a greater need to retain experienced staff. Regional differences and employer type can also influence salary development, with public sector employees often earning more than private sector colleagues.
Surgeon salary – complete 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), 101,500 SEK/month (women)
- Hourly wage (average): 563 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Women earn 98% of what men do (92 900 SEK vs 94 300 SEK)
- Regional differences: Highest salaries are often found in the public sector and larger regions
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a surgeon is long and demanding, requiring both education and personal suitability. The basic education consists of a medical degree, followed by general internship (AT), specialist training (ST) in surgery, and several years of practical experience. In addition to formal requirements, good communication skills, analytical ability, and a high ethical awareness are essential.
- Medical degree: 6 years at university
- General internship (AT): Approximately 18–24 months
- Specialist training (ST) in surgery: About 5 years
- Licensing: The National Board of Health and Welfare issues medical licensure and specialist certificates
- Prerequisites: Basic eligibility and high grades or results on the university entrance exam
- Courses and certifications: Ongoing continuing education in surgical techniques and patient safety
Many surgeons choose to specialize in a specific area, such as pediatric surgery, neurosurgery, or plastic surgery. This specialization can increase job satisfaction and open doors to unique career opportunities in research, teaching, or international work.
Common benefits and compensations
Surgeons are often offered competitive benefits such as extra vacation days, occupational pension, health insurance, and opportunities for further training. Many employers also include on-call and overtime compensation, as well as benefits related to wellness and work clothing. For those working in the public sector, support for professional development and participation in research projects are often available.
Competition and challenges
The job market for surgeons is characterized by high demand and relatively low unemployment, but selection is competitive at the point of admission to medical school. The training period is long, and workloads are high, especially during specialist training. Surgeons often face ethical dilemmas, fast-paced environments, and the need for continuous updating of medical knowledge. Additionally, work-life balance can be challenging due to irregular hours and on-call duties. Despite these challenges, many are attracted to the profession because of the opportunity to make a real difference for patients every day.
Tips for those who want to become a surgeon
To succeed as a surgeon, it is good to combine analytical thinking with great precision and perseverance. Developing teamwork skills early in education is important, as surgery is always a team effort. Being resilient under stress and able to make quick, well-founded decisions during pressure is crucial for managing emergency situations in the operating room. Strong empathy helps in interactions with patients and their families, while good communication contributes to a safe working environment. Curiosity and openness to new knowledge make it easier to stay updated on the latest medical advances. Lastly, high ethical standards and the courage to take responsibility in difficult situations are advantageous.
Key facts about surgeons
- Education level: Medical license + ST (at least 12 years total)
- Work environment: Operating rooms and hospital settings, often with on-call duties
- Demand: Very high, 375 job openings within the profession
- Work form: Full-time, often irregular hours
- Specializations: Several options (e.g., pediatric, neurosurgery, plastic surgery)
Career paths and future prospects
After 3–5 years as a surgeon, opportunities exist to advance to senior consultant, medical director, or leadership positions within clinics or research. Forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicate very good employment prospects, with demand expected to increase further over the next five years. Many surgeons also choose to specialize further in areas such as transplantation, plastic surgery, or pediatric surgery. There are also opportunities to combine clinical work with research, teaching, or international assignments. The recruitment situation is characterized by difficulty in finding enough qualified applicants, leading employers to often compete for experienced surgeons.
Frequently asked questions about surgeons
- What is the average salary of a surgeon?
- A surgeon has an average monthly salary of 93 600 SEK in Sweden.
- How long is the education to become a surgeon?
- It takes at least 12 years from high school to qualified specialist, including medical school, internship, and specialist training.
- Are there gender differences in salary for surgeons?
- Yes, women earn 98% of what men do in the profession.
- What are the future prospects for surgeons?
- The outlook is very good, with increased demand and significant job opportunities in the coming years.
- What work environments do surgeons work in?
- Surgeons mainly work in hospitals, operating rooms, and sometimes private clinics.
- What personal qualities are important for a surgeon?
- Precision, resilience under stress, teamwork skills, and empathy are essential qualities.
- Are there regional salary differences for surgeons?
- Yes, salary levels can vary between regions and employers, with the highest salaries often in the public sector.
