- Salary statistics
- Pathologist salary
Pathologist 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 Pathologist
What does a Forensic Pathologist do? – Job responsibilities and work environment
A Forensic Pathologist is a specialist doctor focusing on conducting autopsies to determine the cause of death through examination of deceased bodies. Tasks also include documenting findings, writing reports, and sometimes assisting police or judicial authorities in criminal investigations. The work is primarily carried out in hospital pathology departments or forensic medicine institutions, where high demands are placed on accuracy, analytical ability, and adherence to ethical guidelines. The work environment is usually clinical and requires both technical skill and mental resilience, as the profession involves working with the deceased and maintaining close contact with relatives and authorities.
Salary development over time
The salary for a Forensic Pathologist has shown a steady and positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 86,400 SEK per month, increasing to 93 600 SEK in 2023 and reaching 98 000 SEK in 2024. The total increase over this three-year period is approximately 8.3%, indicating strong demand and valuation of specialized skills in the field. Salary growth can be linked to increased requirements for medical expertise and a general shortage of specialists, with recruitment difficulties driving up salary levels. The trend is expected to continue as demand for autopsies and forensic assessments increases, partly due to demographic changes and higher demands for legal certainty.
Forensic Pathologist salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 98 000 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 84,600 SEK/month (male, private sector employee)
- Highest salary: 110,600 SEK/month (male, government sector, postgraduate education 3+ years)
- Lowest salary for women: 91,200 SEK/month
- Highest salary for women: 101,500 SEK/month
- Hourly wage (average): 563 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 99% of what men do (97 300 SEK/month vs 98 700 SEK/month)
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
To work as a Forensic Pathologist, a lengthy and specialized educational path is required. First, medical training and licensure must be completed, followed by specialist training in pathology or forensic medicine. The formal qualification requirements are high, and the education often takes over ten years to complete. In addition to formal degrees, supplementary courses and certifications in autopsy techniques and forensic medicine are common.
- Medical training: 5.5 years of undergraduate medical education (medicine)
- Specialist training (ST): Approximately 5 years in pathology or forensic medicine
- Licensure: Required after completing internship and approved specialist training
- Additional courses: Forensic medicine, ethics, and forensic techniques
- Practical training/mentoring: An important part of the education process
Forensic Pathologists often participate in multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with law enforcement and other medical experts. The interdisciplinary nature means the profession is constantly evolving and offers unique opportunities for specialization.
Common benefits and compensations
Forensic Pathologists often are covered by collective agreements and have access to benefits such as occupational pension, generous vacation policies, flexible working hours, and continuing education opportunities. Many employers also offer wellness allowances, health insurance, and sometimes compensation for on-call duties or additional responsibilities.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as a Forensic Pathologist is relatively low due to the long educational pathway and high formal requirements. Despite a limited number of available positions, there is a clear shortage of qualified candidates, making recruitment challenging for employers. The profession can be psychologically demanding because it involves daily contact with death and sometimes difficult legal cases. High standards for accuracy, ethics, and collaboration with other professionals are required. Advances in medical technology further demand ongoing training and adaptability, while the demand for specialist expertise is expected to grow in the coming years.
Tips for aspiring Forensic Pathologists
To succeed as a Forensic Pathologist, it is beneficial to combine analytical skills with strong empathy and patience. An early interest in natural sciences and medicine facilitates studies, and it is wise to seek internships in pathology or forensic medicine during medical training to gain experience. Precision is crucial for handling sensitive cases and documentation, while communication skills are important for contact with relatives and authorities. Being resilient and capable of managing ethically challenging situations is vital, as well as staying updated on new research findings. Good teamwork skills are also essential, as Forensic Pathologists often work in multidisciplinary teams with medical and legal experts.
Key facts about Forensic Pathologists
- Education level: Specialist doctor (approximately 11 years total)
- Professional group: Specialist doctor in pathology/forensic medicine
- Work environment: Clinical setting, often hospitals or forensic institutions
- Demand: Large and increasing according to the Swedish Public Employment Service
- Available positions: 375 within the profession
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a Forensic Pathologist, there are opportunities to advance to more specialized roles, such as medical manager, researcher in forensic medicine, or educator. Some choose to work with method development or take leadership positions within pathology or forensic departments. The Swedish Public Employment Service indicates that job opportunities are plentiful and expected to grow over the next five years. The recruitment situation is characterized by a paradox: high demand coupled with difficulties in finding the right expertise, which offers good career prospects for those trained in the field. Currently, there are 375 vacant positions nationwide, further highlighting the need for new specialists.
Common questions about Forensic Pathologists
- What does a Forensic Pathologist earn?
- A Forensic Pathologist has an average salary of 98 000 SEK/month, with variations depending on experience, sector, and education level. - How does one become a Forensic Pathologist?
- First, medical education and licensure are required, followed by specialist training in pathology or forensic medicine. - Are there gender-based salary differences for Forensic Pathologists?
- Yes, women earn on average 99% of what men do within the profession. - What is the job market outlook for Forensic Pathologists?
- Job opportunities are abundant and demand is expected to increase in the coming years according to the Swedish Public Employment Service. - What are the highest and lowest salaries for a Forensic Pathologist?
- The highest salary is 110,600 SEK/month and the lowest is 84,600 SEK/month, depending on gender, employer, and education. - What personal qualities are important for Forensic Pathologists?
- Attention to detail, empathy, stress resilience, and analytical skills are crucial in the profession. - What are the main tasks of a Forensic Pathologist?
- Performing autopsies, analyzing causes of death, documenting findings, and collaborating with the justice system.
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 Pathologist has the SSYK code 2211, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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