What does a County Medical Officer do? – Tasks and Work Environment
A County Medical Officer works with supervision, advice, and oversight of healthcare within a county. Tasks often include ensuring that care is provided according to applicable laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines. The County Medical Officer is an important link between regional authorities and healthcare providers, handling issues related to patient safety, quality follow-up, and infectious disease control. The role usually involves close collaboration with other authorities and healthcare entities, with the work environment characterized by a mix of office work, meetings, and site visits. The job requires high integrity, analytical skills, and a strong sense of responsibility.
Salary development over time
The salary of a County Medical Officer has increased significantly over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 86,400 SEK per month, then rose to 92 200 SEK in 2023 and further to 93 600 SEK in 2024. This represents a salary increase of approximately 8.3% over the three-year period. The salary development can be explained by high demand for specialist doctors, increased requirements for supervision and patient safety, and the fact that the role often requires extensive experience and additional training. The competitive job market for qualified doctors and changing working conditions within the public sector have also contributed to the positive salary trend for County Medical Officers.
County Medical Officer 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
- Gender differences: Women earn 98% of what men do (92 900 SEK/month vs 94 300 SEK/month)
- Regional differences: Data varies, but some salary variation may occur between larger and smaller counties
Education and qualifications
To work as a County Medical Officer, a long and solid educational background in medicine is required, with a medical degree and specialist qualification, often in general medicine or another relevant field. In addition to formal education, several years of professional experience and knowledge of healthcare regulations and administrative law are necessary. A combination of theoretical studies and practical experience is crucial for success in the role.
- Medical education: 5.5–6 years, followed by licensing
- Specialist training: 5 years in a relevant area
- Additional courses: Administrative law, patient safety, leadership
- Practical experience: Several years of clinical work as a specialist
- Prerequisites: Good knowledge of healthcare legislation
Many County Medical Officers combine their oversight role with teaching, writing referrals, or participating in national investigations. Much of the work involves interpreting legal texts and providing guidance to colleagues and authorities, making the profession both varied and socially important.
Common benefits and compensations
County Medical Officers are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, extra vacation days, wellness allowances, and access to professional development. In some cases, flexible working hours, remote work options, and compensation for on-call duties may also be included. The position generally includes comprehensive insurance coverage and support for further training.
Competition and challenges
The job market for County Medical Officers is competitive due to the limited number of positions and the high requirements for education and experience. At the same time, there is a high demand for specialist doctors, which creates a paradoxical recruitment situation: many vacancies exist, but there are also high expectations for competence. Challenges often involve managing complex cases, making difficult decisions, and operating in an environment where legislation and ethics are constantly evolving. The profession requires flexibility and the ability to collaborate across professions and agencies.
Tips for aspiring County Medical Officers
To succeed as a County Medical Officer, it’s beneficial to combine analytical skills with a genuine interest in social issues and patient safety. Precision is crucial, as the role often involves interpreting laws and regulations and making decisions with significant impact. Good communication skills facilitate cooperation with colleagues, authorities, and healthcare providers, which is central to the work. Engagement in continuous education and a willingness to stay updated on changing regulations are also important, as are patience and stress management. Building networks within healthcare and developing an ethical approach contribute to success in the role.
Key facts about County Medical Officers
- Educational level: Medical degree + specialist training
- Work environment: Authority-based with elements of fieldwork
- Demand: Very high, 375 job openings in the profession
- Typical employment: Permanent, full-time
- Special skills: Law, patient safety, supervision
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a County Medical Officer, opportunities include advancing to leadership roles within oversight agencies, becoming a national expert in infectious disease control, or progressing to strategic positions within regional or government administration. The Swedish Public Employment Service projects very good prospects for employment in specialist medical careers, with demand expected to grow over the next five years. Despite a complex recruitment situation with high competence requirements and relatively high turnover, the profession offers stable career opportunities and promising future outlooks for those with the right qualifications.
Frequently asked questions about County Medical Officers
- What does a County Medical Officer earn?
- The average salary is 93 600 SEK/month, with variation depending on experience, region, and employer.
- What education is required to become a County Medical Officer?
- Licensed medical doctor with specialist competence and often additional courses in administrative law and supervision.
- Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn 98% of what men do within the profession.
- What is the job market like for County Medical Officers?
- Demand is very high, with many vacancies and good future prospects.
- What are the biggest challenges in the profession?
- Managing complex cases, staying updated on laws, and working across professions.
- What benefits are offered to County Medical Officers?
- Occupational pension, extra vacation days, wellness allowances, and opportunities for professional development are common.
- What are career opportunities within the profession?
- Opportunities include leadership roles, expert assignments, and strategic positions within authorities and regions.
