What does a clinic veterinarian do? – Tasks and work environment
A clinic veterinarian primarily works with medical treatment, diagnostics, and preventive care of animals within a clinical setting. Tasks include examinations, sampling, surgical procedures, and prescription writing. Many clinic veterinarians also advise pet owners, follow up on treatments, and document care processes. The work environment is characterized by a fast pace and varied days, with potential for emergency situations, especially at larger animal clinics. Collaboration with veterinary nurses, animal caretakers, and sometimes specialists in different veterinary fields is common, requiring good communication skills and stress resilience.
Salary development over time
The salary for clinic veterinarians has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 48,500 SEK per month, while in 2023 it rose to 50 300. By 2024, the average salary has reached 53 000 SEK per month, representing an approximate increase of 9.3% over three years. This positive trend can be explained by continued high demand for veterinarians, both in public and private sectors, as well as increased requirements for skills and education. Salaries are also influenced by many working part-time and specialization within certain areas, which can lead to higher wages. The market is characterized by recruitment difficulties, which also drives up salary levels.
Clinic veterinarian salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 53 000 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 45,300 SEK/month (men), 48,900 SEK/month (women)
- Highest salary: 55,700 SEK/month (men), 54,400 SEK/month (women)
- Hourly wage: 319 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 95% of what men do (52 500 SEK/month vs. 55 300 SEK/month)
- Regional differences: Available data indicates variation depending on employer and region, but no exact figure is published
Education and qualifications
To work as a clinic veterinarian, a veterinary degree from a university (5.5 years) and licensure from the Swedish Board of Agriculture are required. The education includes both theoretical and practical components, with internships at veterinary hospitals or clinics as an important part. Many also choose to deepen their knowledge through further training or specialist courses in areas such as small animals, horses, or farm animals.
- Veterinary degree: University education, 5.5 years
- Licensure: Required and issued by the Swedish Board of Agriculture
- Internship: Included during education, often at veterinary hospitals or clinics
- Further training: Specialist courses and certifications are available
- Prerequisites: Scientific high school diploma recommended
Clinic veterinarians encounter animals and people daily in emotionally charged situations. The ability to handle pet owners' concerns and communicate clearly is crucial for successful interactions and high-quality care.
Common benefits and compensations
In addition to the base salary, clinic veterinarians often receive supplements for unsociable hours, on-call and standby pay, as well as extra compensation for work on weekends and evenings. Occupational pension, wellness allowances, and professional development are common, along with employment insurances and sometimes subsidized work clothing or discounts on pet products.
Challenges and competition
The job market for clinic veterinarians is characterized by high demand and good employment opportunities, but also by competition for the most attractive positions and specialist roles. A challenge is that many veterinarians work part-time, affecting recruitment and potentially increasing workload at clinics. Additionally, there are high demands for continuous education and adaptation to new treatment methods and legal requirements. Stressful workdays and handling emergencies are common, requiring mental strength and flexibility. Regionally, job availability may vary, but nationally, opportunities are considered very good.
Tips for aspiring clinic veterinarians
To succeed as a clinic veterinarian, it is important to combine thoroughness with genuine care for animals and people. Strong engagement for animal welfare helps manage the challenges of the profession, while good stress resilience facilitates handling urgent or pressured situations. The ability to collaborate and communicate clearly is vital, especially in meetings with pet owners and colleagues in different roles. Staying updated on new research and treatment methods is essential to provide the best possible care. Flexibility and problem-solving skills make it easier to handle the variation that characterizes daily work, and a humble attitude towards lifelong learning is a valuable asset in the profession.
Key facts about clinic veterinarians
- Education level: Veterinary degree (5.5 years) + licensure
- Work environment: Clinic, often high pace and varied days
- Demand: Very high, large job opportunities nationwide
- Typical employment: Full-time, but part-time work is common
- Number of job openings: 375 within the veterinary profession
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a clinic veterinarian can advance to leadership roles such as chief veterinarian or clinic manager, or choose to specialize in areas like surgery, internal medicine, or exotic animals. Opportunities also exist to work in research, teaching, or consulting within the pharmaceutical industry. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's prognosis, the job market for veterinarians is very good, with strong prospects for employment and stable demand over five years. Recruitment difficulties occur, especially in certain regions and specialties, but the overall availability of positions remains high.
Frequently asked questions about clinic veterinarians
- What is the average salary of a clinic veterinarian?
- The average salary for a clinic veterinarian is 53 000 SEK per month.
- How do salary differences between men and women look?
- Women earn 52 500 SEK per month, which is 95% of men's salary, which is 55 300 SEK per month.
- What education is required to become a clinic veterinarian?
- A veterinary degree from a university (5.5 years) and licensure from the Swedish Board of Agriculture are required.
- Are there regional salary differences?
- Yes, salaries can vary depending on employer and region, but no exact figures are published for some areas.
- What is the job market like for clinic veterinarians?
- The job market is very good nationwide, with approximately 375 job openings in the veterinary profession.
- What is the highest and lowest salary for a clinic veterinarian?
- The highest salary is 55,700 SEK per month (men, public sector), and the lowest is 45,300 SEK per month (men, private sector).
- What benefits are common for clinic veterinarians?
- Common benefits include overtime pay, on-call compensation, wellness allowances, and professional development.
