Surgeon salary

Occupational Profile: Surgeon

Surgeons, also known as specialist doctors in surgery, perform surgical procedures to treat various diseases and injuries. Their work is highly skilled and requires a combination of technical expertise, scientific knowledge, and good patient care.

Salary and Financial Conditions

The average salary for a surgeon in Sweden is 86 400 SEK per month. The gender pay gap within the profession is relatively small, with men earning an average of 86 900 SEK and women 85 900 SEK, meaning that women earn 99% of what men do. This salary level shows an increase from the previous year's average salary of 83 200 SEK, reflecting a positive wage development in the field.

Educational Pathway and Skill Requirements

Becoming a surgeon requires a long and demanding educational pathway. It starts with a basic medical education, which involves obtaining a medical degree at a university, taking approximately 5 to 6 years. This is followed by internship training (Allmäntjänstgöring) to obtain a medical license. Prospective surgeons must then undergo residency training (Specialisttjänstgöring) in surgery, which can vary in length but usually lasts for 5 years. It is also common for surgeons to continue their education and specialize in specific areas of surgery.

Labor Market and Employment Conditions

The job market for surgeons is stable with good prospects, partly due to an aging population and an increasing demand for specialized care. Hospitals and clinics are the primary employers. Competition for positions can be high, especially in popular specializations and in attractive geographical locations.

What Does the Job of a Surgeon Entail?

A surgeon's main tasks include diagnosing patients, performing surgeries, and monitoring the patient's recovery. Surgeons often work in teams with other doctors, nurses, and medical technicians. The job requires physical endurance, as surgeries can be long and demanding, as well as mental strength, as the work often involves high levels of stress and demanding decision-making situations.

Key Qualities and Skills

Those interested in becoming surgeons should have a strong scientific and technical competence, excellent hand-eye coordination, and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure. A strong empathetic ability to handle patients and their families in difficult situations is also crucial.

Benefits in the Profession

In addition to the relatively high salary, many healthcare employers offer additional benefits such as paid further education, which is important for career advancement in surgery. Other benefits may include occupational pension, flexible working hours, and sometimes support for research projects.