- Salary statistics
- Orthopedic surgeon salary
Orthopedic surgeon 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 Orthopedic surgeon
What does an orthopedic surgeon do? – Tasks and work environment
An orthopedic surgeon is a specialist doctor focused on diagnosing, treating, and operating injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, muscles, and tendons. Tasks often include patient assessments, surgical procedures, postoperative care, and rehabilitation, with close collaboration with other healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists and nurses. The position is mainly performed at hospitals and specialist clinics, where the pace can be high and the environment technically advanced. On-call and standby duties are common, especially in cases of acute injuries, demanding flexibility and stress resilience.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, salaries for orthopedic surgeons have increased significantly. In 2022, the average salary was 86,400 SEK per month, rising to 93 600 SEK in 2023, and now reaching 98 000 SEK in 2024. The total increase amounts to approximately 8.3% over three years, which is higher than the general wage growth in healthcare. This positive trend can be explained by increased demand for specialists, especially in orthopedics, combined with recruitment challenges and the high requirements for education and experience. The market's need for qualified orthopedic surgeons has created a competitive situation where employers are compelled to offer attractive salaries to attract and retain talent.
Orthopedic surgeon salary – complete 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 statistics available, but variations occur depending on region and employer
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming an orthopedic surgeon is long and requires determination. First, a medical degree is necessary, followed by general internship (AT) and then specialist training (ST) in orthopedics. The education includes both theoretical and practical components, including surgical practice and supervision. During ST, specialization within orthopedics is deepened, and further training and courses are common.
- Medical degree: 5.5 years at university/higher education
- Internship (AT): approx. 1.5–2 years
- Specialist training (ST) in orthopedics: approx. 5 years
- Licensing: Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare, after AT
- Continued education: Courses, seminars, and conferences
- Prerequisites: Scientific high school education, high grades
Orthopedic surgery is one of the few professions where technological innovation is rapidly integrated into daily practice – new methods for prosthetics, robotic surgery, and advanced imaging diagnostics continuously change the workflow. For those interested in medical technology, orthopedics offers unique opportunities to work at the forefront of development.
Common benefits and compensation
Orthopedic surgeons often enjoy generous benefits such as occupational pension, extra vacation, wellness allowances, and opportunities for professional development. On-call pay for emergency duties and overtime premiums are common, and some employers also offer insurance coverage and subsidized meals. In the public sector, additional security and favorable conditions are often provided compared to the private sector.
Competition and challenges
The demand for orthopedic surgeons is high, but the profession also requires extensive education and personal suitability. The recruitment situation is paradoxical, with many vacancies but also a high proportion of part-time workers and those leaving the profession. Workload can be very heavy, especially in emergency units and during on-call shifts, which can lead to stress and challenges related to work environment and recovery. The technological development also demands continuous training to stay updated on new methods and treatments. Competition for the most attractive positions can be fierce, especially in metropolitan areas and large university hospitals.
Tips for aspiring orthopedic surgeons
To succeed as an orthopedic surgeon, it’s important to combine analytical skills with practical dexterity and a strong desire for continuous development. Patience and perseverance are required both during the long education process and in daily work, where complex patient cases are common. The ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with colleagues and patients is crucial, especially in team operations in the operating room. Precision is a key trait, as surgical procedures demand high accuracy and safety. Early internships or summer jobs in healthcare are recommended to build experience and networks. Staying updated on medical innovations and participating in further training enhances both competence and career prospects.
Key facts about orthopedic surgeons
- Educational level: Medical degree + specialist training (about 12 years total)
- Work environment: Hospitals and specialist clinics with high pace and technical equipment
- Work form: Full-time, often with on-call duties
- Demand: Very high nationwide, especially in the public sector
- Special skills: Surgical techniques, anatomy, imaging diagnostics
Career paths and future outlook
After three to five years as an orthopedic surgeon, there are opportunities to specialize further in areas such as spinal surgery, prosthetic surgery, or pediatric orthopedics. Career paths also include research, teaching, or leadership roles such as department head or medical director. Forecasts from the Swedish Employment Service indicate that job prospects for orthopedic surgeons are very good nationwide, and demand is expected to increase further over the next five years. Beyond clinical work, there are opportunities to participate in international collaborations, medical technology development, and expert assignments within authorities or industry organizations. Currently, there are 375 job openings in the profession, highlighting the strong recruitment need.
Frequently asked questions about orthopedic surgeons
- What is the average salary of an orthopedic surgeon?
- The average salary for an orthopedic surgeon is 98 000 SEK per month. - How long is the training to become an orthopedic surgeon?
- The path to becoming an orthopedic surgeon takes approximately 12 years, including medical degree, internship, and specialization. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn on average 99% of what men do in the profession. - Where do orthopedic surgeons mainly work?
- Most work at hospital orthopedic clinics and specialist outpatient clinics. - What are the future prospects for orthopedic surgeons?
- Demand is very high and expected to increase over the next five years. - What are the common benefits?
- Common benefits include occupational pension, wellness allowance, extra vacation, and overtime pay. - What is the highest and lowest salary for an orthopedic surgeon?
- The highest salary is 110,600 SEK (men) and 101,500 SEK (women), while the lowest is 84,600 SEK (men) and 91,200 SEK (women).
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 Orthopedic surgeon has the SSYK code 2211, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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