What is the average salary of an osteopath?

An osteopath has an average salary of 37,044 kronor per month.

How long is the education to become an osteopath?

The education typically lasts 3–4 years at university or equivalent.

Is certification required to work as an osteopath in Sweden?

No, but membership in a professional organization is recommended.

What is the job market like for osteopaths?

There are 375 job openings within the profession, but the outlook is uncertain according to the Swedish Public Employment Service.

Where do osteopaths most often work?

Most work in private practices or clinics, often as self-employed.

What are the most common job tasks?

Assessing, treating, and preventing musculoskeletal problems using manual techniques.

Are there regional differences in salaries for osteopaths?

Reliable statistics on regional salary differences for osteopaths are lacking.

Osteopath

37 044 kr

Chiropractors and naprapaths etc.

37 168 - 37 044 kr / month

Hälso- & sjukvård

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Osteopath

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What does an osteopath do? – Tasks and work environment

Osteopaths work to prevent, diagnose, and treat issues in the musculoskeletal system, such as muscles, joints, and bones. The profession is based on a holistic view that considers the patient's lifestyle, posture, and any injuries. Treatment is primarily performed manually through techniques such as mobilization, massage, and joint manipulation. Osteopaths meet patients of all ages and often work in private clinics, but may also be employed in complementary medicine clinics. The work environment involves close patient contact, varied workdays, and responsibility for both assessment and follow-up of treatments.

Salary development over time

The salary of osteopaths has been relatively stable over the past three years with a slight positive trend. In 2022, the average salary was 36,592 kronor per month, which increased to 36 890 kronor in 2023 and further to 37 044 kronor in 2024. The total increase over three years amounts to just over 1.2 %, representing a modest but steady rise. Salary levels have been influenced by factors such as demand for manual therapeutic professions and the education level of osteopaths. The market is relatively small, contributing to slow but stable salary growth as the profession gains recognition and demand for preventive care increases.

Osteopath salary – comprehensive overview

Average salary: 37 044 kr/month
Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
Hourly wage: 223 kr/hour
Gender differences: Data not available
Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as an osteopath, extensive education in manual medicine and anatomy is required. In Sweden, there are a few educational pathways at university or college level, often with international accreditation. The education combines theoretical studies with practical training and usually concludes with a professional degree. Further training and certifications are common, especially for those who want to run their own practice or specialize in a particular area.

Formal education: Osteopathic program (3–4 years, full-time)
Certification: Licensing is not required in Sweden, but membership in a professional organization is recommended
Practical training: Extensive practical training included in the education
Continuing education: Courses and workshops in specialized fields
Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for higher education

Osteopaths often work with patients seeking alternatives to traditional healthcare, which requires strong communication skills and understanding of different lifestyles. Many build long-term relationships with their patients and often see entire families through various life stages.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Typical benefits for osteopaths may include flexible working hours, wellness allowances, and opportunities for further training. For self-employed practitioners, there is also the possibility to control workload and income levels, while employed osteopaths often receive occupational pensions and insurance through their employer.

Competition and challenges

The competition within osteopathy is affected by the relatively small size of the profession in Sweden and the fact that it is not yet regulated as a licensed healthcare profession. This can pose challenges in establishing oneself in the market, especially in areas with many other manual therapists such as naprapaths and chiropractors. Building a patient base takes time and perseverance, and continuous further education is necessary to keep up with new research and treatment methods. Limited awareness of the profession among the public and healthcare providers can also impact opportunities for collaboration and referrals.

Tips for aspiring osteopaths

To succeed as an osteopath, it is beneficial to combine a genuine interest in people's health with the ability to build trust and long-term relationships. Good communication skills facilitate interactions with patients from diverse backgrounds, while analytical skills are important for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans. Attention to detail and patience are essential, as treatments often require careful observation and long-term work. Flexibility and curiosity are also advantageous, as the profession is constantly evolving with new methods. Networking with other therapists and participating in continuing education can provide valuable insights and enhance skills. Lastly, entrepreneurship skills are important if you plan to start your own practice, as marketing and financial management become part of everyday work.

Key facts about osteopaths

Education level: 3–4 years at university or equivalent
Work environment: Private practice or clinic
Typical employment: Self-employed or employed at private clinics
Demand: 375 job openings in 2024
Special skills: Manual medicine and holistic perspective

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, osteopaths can choose to deepen their expertise in areas such as pediatric osteopathy, sports medicine, or ergonomics. It is also common for osteopaths to further their education and offer lectures, training, or supervision to other therapists. The outlook is difficult to predict according to the Swedish Public Employment Service, as the profession is relatively small and part of a broader occupational group with varying regional demand. However, the number of available jobs indicates some demand for skills in Sweden. Driven individuals with a desire to develop can create niche practices or work across disciplines within the healthcare sector.

Frequently asked questions about osteopaths

What is the average salary of an osteopath?
- An osteopath has an average salary of 37 044 kronor per month.
How long is the education to become an osteopath?
- The education typically lasts 3–4 years at university or equivalent.
Is certification required to work as an osteopath in Sweden?
- No, but membership in a professional organization is recommended.
What is the job market like for osteopaths?
- There are 375 job openings within the profession, but the outlook is uncertain according to the Swedish Public Employment Service.
Where do osteopaths most often work?
- Most work in private practices or clinics, often as self-employed.
What are the most common job tasks?
- Assessing, treating, and preventing musculoskeletal problems using manual techniques.
Are there regional differences in salaries for osteopaths?
- Reliable statistics on regional salary differences for osteopaths are lacking.

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-13 07:42:35

Occupation

Salary distributed by age and sector

* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.

Salary per sector

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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 Osteopath has the SSYK code 2271, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

How much does a Osteopath make