- Salary statistics
- Clinical cytologist salary
Clinical cytologist 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 cytologist
What does a clinical cytologist do? – Tasks and work environment
A clinical cytologist analyzes cell samples to identify pathological changes, often focusing on detecting and diagnosing cancer and other cell alterations. Tasks include microscopy, assessment of cell material, and collaboration with other medical specialists to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment. The work mainly takes place in hospital laboratories but can also occur at large private laboratories or research centers. The environment is characterized by high demands for accuracy and close cooperation with laboratory staff and physicians from other disciplines.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, the salary for clinical cytologists has shown a clear upward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 86,400 SEK per month, increasing to 93 600 SEK in 2023 and reaching 98 000 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 8.3% over the period, with the largest growth noted between 2022 and 2023. The salary development reflects an increased need for specialist competence in cytology and a growing focus on early diagnostics in healthcare. At the same time, competition for qualified personnel has contributed to raising salary levels, especially in the public sector.
Clinical cytology is a field where technological development is rapid. Digital image analysis systems and AI-assisted diagnostics are starting to be implemented in laboratories, which changes both working methods and skill requirements.
Clinical cytologist salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 98 000 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: 563 SEK
- Gender differences: Men 98 700 SEK, women 97 300 SEK (women earn 99% of men's salary)
- Regional differences: Salary levels can vary between regions, with higher salaries in metropolitan areas and within the public sector.
Education and qualifications
To work as a clinical cytologist, a medical degree with specialist training in medicine, usually in pathology or laboratory medicine, is required. The educational path is long and includes basic medical studies and several years of specialization through clinical practice. Certification in cytology and laboratory experience are often demanded.
- Formal education: Medical degree (5.5 years) followed by internship (AT) and specialist training (ST) in pathology/cytology
- Certifications: Specialist certification in cytology or pathology
- Practical experience: Clinical training in laboratories and hospitals
- Prerequisites: Medical license
- Tips: Further specialization in cell biology and laboratory experience is recommended
Common benefits and compensations
Clinical cytologists are often offered attractive benefits such as occupational pension, generous vacation policies, professional development, and wellness allowances. Opportunities for research, specialist courses, and flexible working hours are available, especially in larger hospitals and academic environments.
Competitions and challenges
The profession of clinical cytology is characterized by high specialization and the need for continuous skills development, which provides a competitive advantage for those with extensive experience and updated knowledge. Employers also face recruitment difficulties, particularly in the public sector, which means the demand for qualified cytologists is expected to grow further. Challenges include rapid technological development, increased digital skills requirements, and the need to handle large volumes of test results with maintained quality and patient safety.
Tips for those who want to become a clinical cytologist
To succeed as a clinical cytologist, it’s good to combine analytical sharpness with meticulous working habits and a strong interest in medical technology. Gaining early experience through laboratory internships provides valuable insight into the profession and enhances the ability to interpret complex cell samples. Curiosity and a willingness to continue learning are crucial, as new methods and techniques quickly change the field. Good collaboration skills facilitate teamwork with other specialists and contribute to an efficient workflow. Patience and resilience are also important when workload is high and quick, accurate assessments are required. Being open to digitalization and technical tools is an advantage, as laboratory environments become increasingly digitized.
Key facts about clinical cytology
- Education level: Medical degree + specialist training (at least 11 years)
- Work environment: Hospital laboratories and medical research environments
- Work form: Full-time, often daytime but some on-call duties may occur
- Demand: Very high, a shortage occupation nationally
- Special skills: Microscopy, cell biology, digital image analysis
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, there are good opportunities for further specialization within areas such as oncocytology, research-oriented laboratory medicine, or leadership roles like laboratory manager. Forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicate that the job market for specialist doctors, including clinical cytology, is very strong and expected to grow over the next five years. Paradoxically, recruitment difficulties also exist, further enhancing opportunities for recent graduates and experienced professionals to find attractive positions. Collaboration with research projects and participation in international networks can also open doors to academic careers and development work within the industry.
Frequently asked questions about clinical cytology
- What does a clinical cytologist earn?
- The average salary is 98 000 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, region, and sector. - How does one become a clinical cytologist?
- The path goes through medical education, licensure, and specialist training in pathology or cytology. - Are there gender differences in salary?
- Yes, men earn on average 98 700 SEK and women 97 300 SEK, which corresponds to 99% of men's salaries. - What is the job market like for clinical cytologists?
- Demand is high and expected to increase, with recruitment difficulties nationwide and many vacant positions. - What are the most common work environments?
- Most work in hospital laboratories, but private laboratories and research centers are also common. - What education is required?
- Medical licensure and specialist training in cytology or pathology are necessary. - Are there opportunities for career development?
- Yes, further education, research, and leadership roles are common after a few years in the profession.
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 cytologist has the SSYK code 2211, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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