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 92 200 SEK in 2023, and now reaching 93 600 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: 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 vs. 94 300 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

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 93 600 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 98% 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).