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 92 200 SEK, representing an increase of about 6.7%. In 2024, the average salary continues to rise and now amounts to 93 600 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: 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 (average): 563 SEK
- Gender pay gap: Women earn 98% of what men do (92 900 SEK/month vs 94 300 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 93 600 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 98% 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.
