- Salary statistics
- Laboratory doctor salary
Laboratory doctor 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 Laboratory doctor
What does a laboratory doctor do? – Tasks and work environment
A laboratory doctor is a specialist physician responsible for diagnostics, advisory work, and quality assurance within laboratory medicine. Tasks include analyzing samples, interpreting results, and providing medical reports to other doctors. Laboratory doctors often work in hospital laboratories, clinics, or research settings and play a key role in ensuring patients receive correct diagnoses and treatment. The profession is characterized by accuracy, analytical ability, and close collaboration with other medical specialists.
Salary development over time
Laboratory doctors have experienced a clear positive salary trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 86,400 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 93 600 SEK, representing an increase of about 6.7%. In 2024, the average salary continues to rise and now amounts to 98 000 SEK per month, which is an additional increase of approximately 1.5% from the previous year. The salary development is mainly driven by high demand for specialist skills and increased requirements placed on laboratory doctors in line with medical advancements. The trend indicates a strong market with salaries positively influenced by shortages and employers' need to attract and retain qualified personnel.
Laboratory doctor 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 (average): 563 SEK
- Gender pay gap: Women earn 99% of what men do (97 300 SEK/month vs 98 700 SEK/month)
- Regional differences: Specific differences are lacking, but metropolitan areas and university hospitals may offer higher salaries
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a laboratory doctor is long and requires extensive medical training. First, a medical degree is needed, followed by licensure and specialization in laboratory medicine. The education combines theoretical studies with practical training and demands high analytical skills and precision. In addition to formal education, experience from clinical work and continuous professional development within the specialty are highly valued.
- Medical degree: 5.5 years (undergraduate studies)
- Internship (AT): approximately 1.5–2 years for licensure
- Specialist training: 5 years in laboratory medicine
- Continuing education: Courses and certifications within the specialty
- Prerequisites: Science-oriented upper secondary school program and high grades for medical school
Many laboratory doctors are deeply involved in research and development of new diagnostic methods, making the profession particularly attractive for those who want to combine patient benefit with scientific work.
Common benefits and compensations
Laboratory doctors are often offered competitive pension schemes, generous vacation benefits, flexible working hours, and opportunities for further training. Other common benefits include wellness allowances, health insurance, and access to medical equipment and modern technology at work.
Competition and challenges
The profession as a laboratory doctor is characterized by high demand and good employment opportunities, but also by challenges related to skills supply and high requirements for ongoing education. The recruitment situation is paradoxical: while many positions are vacant, there is a shortage of experienced specialists, and some leave the profession or work part-time. Rapid technological development demands continuous skills upgrading and adaptability. The ability to handle complex cases and work in multidisciplinary teams is crucial for success in the role.
Tips for those who want to become a laboratory doctor
To succeed as a laboratory doctor, it is good to combine analytical precision with a genuine interest in medical development. It’s important to be persistent during the long educational journey and to seek internships or summer jobs in laboratory environments early on to build experience. The ability to collaborate with other doctors and researchers is central, as is the willingness to continuously update oneself on new techniques and methods. Good communication skills facilitate cooperation with colleagues and patients, especially when explaining complex test results. Being flexible and adaptable helps with changes in work methods and technology. Finally, curiosity and problem-solving skills are valuable traits for contributing to the development of laboratory medicine.
Key facts about laboratory doctors
- Education level: Medical degree + specialist training (about 12 years total)
- Work environment: Hospital laboratories, university hospitals, and research environments
- Demand: Very high, 375 job openings in Sweden
- Typical working arrangements: Full-time, some part-time roles
- Special skills: Diagnostics, quality control, research
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a laboratory doctor can take on more advanced roles such as medical management, research leadership, or educator within their specialty. Employment agency forecasts show that opportunities for employment as a specialist doctor, including laboratory doctors, are very good, and demand is expected to increase further over the next five years. However, the recruitment situation is challenged by difficulty finding sufficiently experienced candidates, which offers excellent career opportunities for those who are flexible and willing to pursue further training. The role can also develop into research or leadership within hospitals or universities.
Common questions about laboratory doctors
- What does a laboratory doctor earn?
- The average salary is 98 000 SEK per month. - How long is the training to become a laboratory doctor?
- Approximately 12 years (medical degree, internship, and specialization). - Where does a laboratory doctor work?
- Usually in hospital laboratories, university hospitals, and research settings. - Is there a salary difference between men and women?
- Yes, women earn on average 99% of what men do. - What are the future prospects?
- Demand is very high and expected to increase, especially for experienced specialists. - What personal qualities are important?
- Analytical skills, precision, and good teamwork ability are central.
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 Laboratory doctor has the SSYK code 2211, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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