- Salary statistics
- Oncologist salary
Oncologist 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 Oncologist
What does an oncologist do? – Tasks and working environment
An oncologist is a specialist doctor focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer diseases. The tasks include investigating patients, making diagnoses, and developing individualized treatment plans that may involve surgery, radiation therapy, and medication. Oncologists work closely with other healthcare specialists such as pathologists, surgeons, and radiologists, and have regular contact with patients and their families. The working environment often features a fast pace, complex cases, and emotionally demanding situations, but also offers the opportunity to make a significant difference for severely ill people both inpatient and outpatient.
Salary development over time
Oncologists' salaries have shown a clear upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 86,400 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 93 600 in 2023 and further to 98 000 in 2024. The total increase amounts to approximately 8.3% over three years, which is higher than the average salary growth for many other healthcare professions. The salary increase can largely be explained by continued high demand for specialist doctors in oncology, increased requirements for competence and experience, and a growing need for advanced cancer treatment. Salary levels are also influenced by factors such as work experience, region, and employment type.
Oncologist 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: 563 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 99% of what men do (97 300 SEK vs 98 700 SEK)
- Regional differences: No specific data available
Working as an oncologist often involves following patients through long treatment periods and building strong patient relationships. Many oncologists describe this as one of the most meaningful parts of the profession, where the ability to give hope and support is central.
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming an oncologist is long and requires several years of university studies and practical experience. First, a medical degree and license are needed, followed by specialization in oncology. The education is theoretically comprehensive and also includes clinical service and continuous professional development within the field.
- Medical degree: 6 years at university, license required
- Specialist training in oncology: 5 years after obtaining a license
- Internship (AT): 18–21 months
- Residency (ST): specialization in oncology, including practical training and supervision
- Continuing education: courses, conferences, and certifications to stay updated
- Prerequisites: Science-based high school education and high grades for admission to medical studies
Common benefits and compensations
Oncologists are often offered competitive pension terms, generous holiday allowances, and opportunities for professional development through courses and conferences. Other common benefits include wellness allowances, additional insurances, and access to corporate healthcare, sometimes even bonuses for irregular working hours.
Competition and challenges
The profession as an oncologist is characterized by high demand and good employment opportunities, but competition for the most attractive positions can be significant, especially at larger university hospitals. Challenges include high workload, complex medical decisions, and emotionally demanding situations, as patients are often in difficult life situations. Balancing clinical work, research, and administration can be difficult. Paradoxically, despite high demand, there is sometimes difficulty in finding the right competence, leading to some positions remaining vacant. Oncologists therefore need to be prepared for continuous development and adaptation to new treatment methods and technologies.
Tips for aspiring oncologists
To succeed as an oncologist, it is beneficial to be both analytical and empathetic. A strong interest in medical science and the ability to work systematically help in diagnosing and treating complex cases. Developing resilience and stress tolerance is crucial, as the work often involves long days and difficult news for patients. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues and strengthen patient relationships, which are central to the role. Continuous learning and openness to new treatment methods provide advantages in a rapidly evolving medical world. Curiosity and flexibility are also important traits to adapt to new research findings and technological advances. Finally, a high degree of compassion and professionalism is essential to build trust and security among patients and their families.
Key facts about oncologists
- Education level: Medical degree + specialist training (at least 11 years)
- Professional group: Specialist doctor in oncology
- Work environment: Hospitals, university hospitals, and specialized clinics
- Demand: Very high, especially in the public sector
- Number of job openings: 375 in the field
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as an oncologist, there are opportunities to advance to leading roles such as chief physician, research leader, or department head within oncology. Some choose to specialize further in specific cancer types or work clinically with advanced treatment and research. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that opportunities for work as a specialist, including oncologists, are very good and that demand is expected to increase over the next five years. Paradoxically, there is a shortage of specialist competence, meaning many positions are quickly filled but sometimes remain vacant. Those pursuing a career in oncology can therefore expect a stable job market and good opportunities for further development and specialization.
Frequently asked questions about oncologists
- What is the average salary of an oncologist?
- An oncologist has an average salary of 98 000 SEK per month. - What is the highest salary for an oncologist?
- The highest salary is 110,600 SEK per month for men and 101,500 SEK for women. - What is required to become an oncologist?
- Medical degree, license, internship, and specialist training in oncology are required. - How is the job market for oncologists?
- Demand is very high and there are about 375 job openings in the field. - What are the gender differences in salaries for oncologists?
- Women earn 99% of what men do in the profession. - What is the working environment for an oncologist?
- Oncologists mainly work at hospitals, university hospitals, and specialized clinics. - How long does it take to become an oncologist?
- It takes at least 11 years from starting medical education to becoming a certified specialist.
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 Oncologist has the SSYK code 2211, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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