- Salary statistics
- Clinical bacteriologist salary
Clinical bacteriologist salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
89 800 - 117 800 SEK / month
Women earn 99% of what men do.
Hälso- & sjukvård
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Salary progression Clinical bacteriologist
What does a clinical bacteriologist do? – Tasks and work environment
A clinical bacteriologist is a specialist doctor who diagnoses, treats, and prevents diseases caused by bacteria. The work includes analyzing patient samples, interpreting microbiological tests, and advising on antibiotic choices. Clinical microbiology is mainly conducted in hospital laboratories or large diagnostic centers, where collaboration with other specialists is common. The work environment is characterized by advanced laboratory technology, high demands for accuracy, and close cooperation with infectious disease physicians and healthcare staff to quickly identify and manage infection spread.
Salary development over time
The salary for clinical bacteriologists has shown a clear upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 86,400 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 93 600 in 2023, and further rising to 98 000 in 2024. The total increase amounts to approximately 8.3% over three years, which is above the average for physicians in Sweden. This development is driven by the increased need for specialist competence in infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance, as well as difficulties in recruiting experienced clinical bacteriologists. Market demand for advanced diagnostics and changing healthcare needs have also contributed to salary increases.
Clinical bacteriologist salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 98 000 SEK/month
- Lowest salary (man/woman): 84,600 SEK / 91,200 SEK
- Highest salary (man/woman): 110,600 SEK / 101,500 SEK
- Hourly wage (average): 563 SEK
- Women earn: 97 300 SEK (99 % of men's salary)
- Men earn: 98 700 SEK
- Regional differences: Data on regional variation is lacking, but higher salaries are often found in major cities and within the public sector.
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a clinical bacteriologist is long and requires both theoretical education and practical experience. First, a medical degree is needed, followed by internship (AT) and specialist training in clinical microbiology. In addition to formal requirements, research experience and further education in microbiology and infectious diseases are valued.
- Medical degree: 5.5 years of university studies
- Internship (AT): 18–24 months
- Specialist training (ST) in clinical microbiology: 5 years
- Further training and courses: Focused on laboratory methods and antibiotic management
- Research experience: Meritorious, especially in infection diagnostics
Clinical bacteriologists play a crucial role during outbreaks of infectious diseases and are often quickly called upon to advise healthcare personnel and authorities. During pandemics and major outbreaks, their expertise is especially in demand, giving the profession a unique societal function.
Common benefits and compensations
Clinical bacteriologists are often offered generous benefits such as extra vacation days, comprehensive occupational pensions, and opportunities for professional development. Compensation for on-call and standby duties is common, as are wellness allowances and subsidized training. Some employers also offer opportunities to participate in research or development projects within the scope of their employment.
Challenges and competition
The competition for positions as a clinical bacteriologist is relatively low, but challenges are evident. There is a paradoxical recruitment situation where many positions are vacant, yet the workload is high because few possess the required specialist competence. The work environment demands high accuracy, responsibility, and the ability to quickly interpret complex test results. The rapid development of microbiological diagnostics and increasing problems with antibiotic resistance require continuous education and adaptation to new methods. Despite high salaries and good conditions, the pressure during epidemics and outbreaks can be significant.
Tips for aspiring clinical bacteriologists
To succeed as a clinical bacteriologist, it is beneficial to combine analytical skills with a genuine interest in medical microbiology. Precision is crucial since test results often form the basis for important treatment decisions. Good teamwork skills facilitate communication with laboratory colleagues and clinical teams, especially during outbreaks. Flexibility and stress management are needed when workload increases rapidly, such as during epidemics. It is also wise to engage early in research or quality improvement projects to develop skills and create contacts in the field. Keeping up to date with new diagnostic methods and resistance developments provides advantages in the profession. Finally, a strong ethical compass and sense of responsibility are essential, as the results often impact many people's health.
Key facts about clinical bacteriologists
- Education level: Specialist doctor degree (at least 12 years)
- Job group: Specialist doctor in clinical microbiology
- Work environment: Hospital laboratories and diagnostic centers
- Demand: Great opportunities for employment; increased demand expected
- Number of job openings: 375 within the profession
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, there are good opportunities for advancement, such as becoming a laboratory manager, research leader, or consultant in infection control. The specialist competence also enables work with national or international authorities, especially during major outbreaks or the development of new diagnostic methods. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate very good prospects for employment as a specialist in clinical microbiology, with demand expected to increase further in the next five years. Difficulties in recruiting qualified clinical bacteriologists are expected to persist, strengthening the profession's attractiveness and providing stable future prospects.
Frequently asked questions about clinical bacteriology
- What is the average salary of a clinical bacteriologist?
- The average salary is 98 000 SEK per month. - What education is required to become a clinical bacteriologist?
- Medical degree, internship (AT), and specialist training in clinical microbiology are required. - What are the gender differences in salary?
- Women earn approximately 99 % of what men do. - How does the salary develop over time?
- Salaries have increased by about 8.3% over the last three years. - Which workplaces employ clinical bacteriologists?
- Hospital laboratories, diagnostic centers, and government agencies are most common. - What are the job prospects?
- Opportunities are very good and expected to increase further. - What are the highest and lowest salaries for a clinical bacteriologist?
- The highest salary is 110,600 SEK; the lowest is 84,600 SEK.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 80100 kr | 84700 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 85700 kr | 90300 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 96600 kr | 101800 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 98300 kr | 102700 kr |
| 65-68 | 97% | 103100 kr | 105900 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 93300 kr | 98000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 80400 kr | 85800 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 85900 kr | 91400 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 94500 kr | 100700 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 99500 kr | 104800 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 103400 kr | 106700 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 92900 kr | 98500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 94% | 90400 kr | 91800 kr |
| 45-54 | 91% | 96300 kr | 97300 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 99500 kr | 103200 kr |
| 65-68 | 73% | 125700 kr | 128000 kr |
| Snitt | 87% | 97800 kr | 99800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 80400 kr | 85900 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 85800 kr | 91400 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 94500 kr | 100700 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 99500 kr | 104800 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 102900 kr | 106200 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 92900 kr | 98500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 119% | 84900 kr | 85600 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 106600 kr | 107300 kr |
| 55-64 | 93200 kr | 94100 kr | |
| Snitt | 113% | 94900 kr | 95600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 119% | 84900 kr | 85600 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 106600 kr | 107300 kr |
| 55-64 | 93200 kr | 94100 kr | |
| Snitt | 113% | 94900 kr | 95600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 80600 kr | 85900 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 84600 kr | 89900 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 96700 kr | 103600 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 97500 kr | 102900 kr |
| 65-68 | 97% | 104200 kr | 107300 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 93100 kr | 98700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 80700 kr | 86900 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 86400 kr | 93200 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 95300 kr | 103200 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 100100 kr | 106600 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 105100 kr | 109100 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 94000 kr | 100900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 94% | 92700 kr | 95900 kr |
| 45-54 | 91% | 101600 kr | 104600 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 103700 kr | 108600 kr |
| 65-68 | 73% | 138500 kr | 141900 kr |
| Snitt | 87% | 105600 kr | 109300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 80700 kr | 86900 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 86300 kr | 93200 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 95200 kr | 103200 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 100000 kr | 106500 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 104400 kr | 108300 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 93900 kr | 100800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 119% | 79000 kr | 79400 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 105700 kr | 106400 kr |
| Snitt | 113% | 89200 kr | 89800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 119% | 79000 kr | 79400 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 105700 kr | 106400 kr |
| Snitt | 113% | 89200 kr | 89800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 79600 kr | 83400 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 86700 kr | 90600 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 96600 kr | 100400 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 99100 kr | 102500 kr |
| 65-68 | 97% | 101200 kr | 103600 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 93500 kr | 97300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 80100 kr | 84600 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 85400 kr | 90000 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 93900 kr | 98500 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 98900 kr | 102800 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 100900 kr | 103100 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 92000 kr | 96300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 94% | 89200 kr | 89800 kr |
| 45-54 | 91% | 94600 kr | 95000 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 96400 kr | 99300 kr |
| 65-68 | 73% | 103500 kr | 103900 kr |
| Snitt | 87% | 93800 kr | 94800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 80200 kr | 84700 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 85400 kr | 90000 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 93800 kr | 98600 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 99000 kr | 102900 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 100800 kr | 103100 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 91900 kr | 96300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 119% | 93100 kr | 94100 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 107100 kr | 107800 kr |
| 55-64 | 99900 kr | 101100 kr | |
| Snitt | 113% | 100600 kr | 101600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 119% | 93100 kr | 94100 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 107100 kr | 107800 kr |
| 55-64 | 99900 kr | 101100 kr | |
| Snitt | 113% | 100600 kr | 101600 kr |
About the data
All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.
All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.
Profession Clinical bacteriologist has the SSYK code 2211, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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