What does a Nephrologist do? – Tasks and work environment
A Nephrologist is a specialist doctor focusing on kidney diseases and treats patients with kidney failure, nephritis, and other kidney-related conditions. Tasks include diagnostics, medical treatment, follow-up, and sometimes dialysis. Contact with patients often occurs at hospitals, but outpatient work and consultations within other healthcare units are common. The work environment is characterized by high responsibility, close collaboration with other healthcare professionals, and demands for precision and analytical skills.
Salary development over time
Salaries for Nephrologists have shown a clear upward 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, which is approximately a 6.7% increase. In 2024, the average salary has been further adjusted up to 93 600 SEK, a 1.5% increase from the previous year. This salary development reflects a continued high demand for specialist doctors in nephrology and general salary adjustments within specialist healthcare, where the job market is characterized by competition for specialist competence. The level of education and medical responsibility also positively influence salary formation.
Nephrologist salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 93 600 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 84,600 SEK/month (male, private sector employee)
- Highest salary: 110,600 SEK/month (male, public sector)
- Hourly wage: 563 SEK
- Women: 92 900 SEK/month
- Men: 94 300 SEK/month
- Women earn: 98% of what men do
Nephrology is a field where research is constantly evolving and new treatments are introduced. Those interested in medical innovation and advanced patient care have the opportunity to combine clinical work with research and development within kidney medicine.
Education and qualifications
To work as a Nephrologist, a long and structured educational path is required. First, medical school is completed, followed by internship (AT), specialist training (ST) in internal medicine, and then a specialization in nephrology. In addition to formal education, ongoing further training and certification within the field are often necessary.
- Medical degree: 5.5 years (basic education)
- Internship (AT): approximately 1.5–2 years
- Specialist training (ST) in internal medicine: about 5 years, including specialization in nephrology
- Further education: Continuous courses and certifications in kidney medicine
- Prerequisites: Medical license and approved internship
Common benefits and compensations
Nephrologists are often offered extensive benefits such as collective agreement occupational pension, generous vacation policies, extra compensation for on-call duties, and opportunities for professional development and further training. Access to wellness allowances and health insurance is also common.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as a Nephrologist is generally low, as the demand for specialist doctors in nephrology is high and expected to increase further in the coming years. At the same time, challenges include high work pace, complex patient cases, and requirements for continuous medical education. Recruitment difficulties within the profession are reported nationally, which can lead to high workload and a need for flexibility in work schedules. The ability to handle stress and collaborate with other healthcare professionals is crucial for long-term success in the profession.
Tips for those wanting to become a Nephrologist
To succeed as a Nephrologist, it is good to be analytical and have a strong interest in medical connections, especially regarding the kidneys' role in the body. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration with patients and colleagues, while the ability to handle complex situations and make quick decisions is invaluable in acute cases. It is recommended to gain experience from internal medicine wards early in training and participate in further education within nephrology. Being persistent and resilient helps during long and sometimes demanding shifts. Finally, a genuine interest in research and development makes it easier to stay updated with the latest medical findings and contribute to the profession's advancement.
Key facts about Nephrologists
- Education level: Medical degree + specialist training (ST) in internal medicine and nephrology
- Work environment: Hospitals, clinics, and specialist centers
- Job market: Great opportunities nationally, 375 available jobs within the group of specialists
- Demand: Forecast of increasing need over the next 5 years
- Special skills: Kidney medicine, dialysis treatment, advanced diagnostics
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a Nephrologist, opportunities open to advance to leadership roles such as medical responsible physician, research leader, or clinic manager. Many also choose to further specialize in areas such as transplantation or dialysis services. The employment agency's forecast indicates continued large opportunities for employment for specialist doctors, including Nephrologists, and demand is expected to increase over the next five years. The industry is characterized by a paradoxical recruitment situation: while there is a shortage of specialists, the proportion of part-time workers and those leaving the profession is relatively high. Those entering this career can therefore expect good career opportunities and a stable job market.
Frequently asked questions about Nephrologists
- What does a Nephrologist earn?
- A Nephrologist has an average salary of 93 600 SEK per month.
- How long is the education to become a Nephrologist?
- The education includes medical school (5.5 years), internship (1.5–2 years), and specialist training in internal medicine and nephrology (about 5 years).
- Are there many job openings for Nephrologists?
- Yes, there are approximately 375 available jobs within the group of specialist doctors, including Nephrologists.
- What are the most common workplaces for Nephrologists?
- Most work in hospitals, clinics, and specialist centers.
- What are the gender differences in salary for Nephrologists?
- Women earn on average 98% of what men do in the profession.
- What is the highest and lowest salary for a Nephrologist?
- The highest salary is 110,600 SEK and the lowest is 84,600 SEK per month.
- What are the future prospects for the profession?
- The forecast indicates increasing demand and great opportunities for employment over the next five years.
