What does a clinical immunologist do? – Tasks and work environment
A clinical immunologist is responsible for diagnosing, treating, and monitoring patients with diseases affecting the immune system, such as autoimmune diseases, allergies, and immunodeficiency syndromes. The work often includes laboratory-based diagnostics, patient contact, and consultations with other healthcare professionals regarding immunological issues. The work mainly takes place at hospitals, university hospitals, or larger laboratories, where advanced technology and interdisciplinary collaboration are part of everyday life. The environment is characterized by a fast pace, high demands for accuracy, and continuous updates of knowledge in the rapidly evolving field of immunology.
Salary development over time
The salary for a clinical immunologist has shown steady and clearly positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 86,400 SEK per month, increasing to 92 200 SEK in 2023 and further to 93 600 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total salary increase of approximately 8.3% over the period. The trend reflects an increased demand for specialist competence in immunology, driven by medical advances and the growing importance of immunological diseases in society. Salary development is also influenced by the general shortage of specialist doctors, which drives up compensation levels for competent clinical immunologists.
Clinical immunologist salary – comprehensive 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: 563 SEK/hour (average, 166 hours/month)
- Gender differences: Women earn 98% of men's salaries (92 900 SEK/month vs. 94 300 SEK/month)
- Regional differences: Salary levels may vary, but higher salaries are often found in the public sector and larger university hospitals
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a clinical immunologist is long and requires both theoretical education and extensive practical training. First, a medical degree is required, followed by specialist training in clinical immunology, which involves several years of further education and supervised practice. Additional certifications and ongoing continuing education are common to stay updated in this rapidly developing field.
- Medical degree: 5.5 years of university education
- Internship (AT): approximately 1.5–2 years
- Specialist training (ST) in clinical immunology: 5 years
- Continuing education and certifications: Mandatory to maintain specialist competence
- Prerequisites: Science-oriented high school education, high grades for medical school admission
Clinical immunology is one of the few medical fields where research and clinical work often go hand in hand. Many clinical immunologists combine patient care with research projects, creating a dynamic and intellectually challenging work environment.
Common benefits and compensations
In addition to a high base salary, benefits often include flexible working hours, opportunities for research and educational grants, extra vacation weeks, and generous pension contributions. Other common compensations include professional development, wellness allowances, and sometimes opportunities for international collaborations or conferences.
Competition and challenges
The competition for training positions and specialist roles in clinical immunology is fierce, requiring strong academic merits and engagement. At the same time, there is a shortage of experienced clinical immunologists, which means that recent graduates often quickly take on responsible tasks. The profession demands up-to-date knowledge, as research is constantly evolving. Managing complex patient cases and working in interdisciplinary teams requires high analytical skills and teamwork abilities.
Tips for those who want to become a clinical immunologist
To succeed as a clinical immunologist, it is good to combine analytical precision with curiosity and perseverance. Gaining early experience in laboratory work, research, or clinical internships provides a clear advantage for future career choices. Precision is crucial, as diagnostics and treatments often rely on advanced analyses and interpretations. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues in various medical disciplines, while empathy and attentiveness are important in patient contact. Continuously updating your knowledge through courses and conferences demonstrates commitment and enhances opportunities for specialist roles.
Key facts about clinical immunology
- Education level: Specialist doctor degree (at least 12 years)
- Work environment: Hospitals, laboratories, and university hospitals
- Demand: Very high, especially at university hospitals
- Typical working hours: Full-time, often daytime but some on-call duties
- Special skills: Advanced immunological diagnostics and research
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a clinical immunologist, there are opportunities to advance to leadership roles such as department head, research leader, or senior physician in immunology. Many choose to combine clinical work with research or teaching at universities. Projections from the Employment Service indicate that the demand for specialist doctors, including clinical immunologists, is very high and expected to increase over the next five years. Despite recruitment challenges, there are good job opportunities nationwide, with approximately 375 available positions in the field. Developments in immunotherapy and new treatment methods also make the profession particularly future-proof and dynamic.
Common questions about clinical immunology
- What does a clinical immunologist earn?
- A clinical immunologist has an average monthly salary of 93 600 SEK, with variation depending on experience and sector.
- How does one become a clinical immunologist?
- First, a medical degree and internship are required, followed by specialist training in clinical immunology.
- What is the job market like for clinical immunologists?
- The job market is very good with high demand and many available positions nationwide.
- Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn approximately 98% of men's salaries within the profession.
- What does a clinical immunologist do at work?
- Work tasks include diagnostics, treatment, and research on immunological diseases.
- What are the highest and lowest salaries in the profession?
- The highest salary is 110,600 SEK and the lowest is 84,600 SEK per month, depending on gender and sector.
