Consultant

What does a senior consultant do? – Tasks and work environment

A senior consultant holds the ultimate medical responsibility within their specialty at hospitals or larger healthcare facilities. Tasks include leading and coordinating medical work, making critical decisions about patient care, mentoring junior doctors, and participating in clinical development activities. Often, patient care is combined with administrative duties such as evaluating treatment outcomes and attending management meetings. The work environment is characterized by a fast pace, complex cases, and high demands on teamwork and communication. Senior consultants typically work daytime hours but may also have on-call duties as needed.

Salary development over time

Senior consultants have experienced positive salary growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 86,400 SEK per month, increasing to 92 200 SEK in 2023 and reaching 93 600 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to an approximate salary increase of 8.3% over three years, slightly above the average for specialists overall. Factors driving this development include high demand for experienced doctors and increased requirements for specialist competence and leadership within healthcare. The salary trend also reflects regional competition for experienced senior consultants and the generally strained staffing situation in Swedish healthcare.

Senior consultant salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 93 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 84,600 SEK/month (male, private sector employee)
• Highest salary: 110,600 SEK/month (male, government sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Average salary for women: 92 900 SEK/month
• Average salary for men: 94 300 SEK/month
• Women earn: 98% of what men do
• Lowest salary for women: 91,200 SEK/month
• Highest salary for women: 101,500 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 563 SEK

Education and qualifications

Becoming a senior consultant requires a lengthy and goal-oriented educational path. It begins with basic medical training, followed by licensing and specialization in a medical field. After several years of professional experience and often additional training, a doctor can be awarded the title of senior consultant, which entails both medical and administrative responsibilities.

• Medical education: 6 years (basic training leading to medical degree)
• Internship (AT): approximately 2 years
• Specialist training (ST): 5 years in chosen specialty
• Licensing: Required after AT
• Several years of experience: After completing ST, often at least 2–3 years working as a specialist doctor
• Leadership training: Recommended for managerial roles

Common benefits and compensations

Senior consultants often have access to attractive benefits such as extra vacation days, pension contributions, professional development, wellness allowances, and health insurance. In some regions, on-call pay, overtime compensation, and research time may also be included in employment terms. The scope of benefits varies between employers and regions.

Competition and challenges

The job market for senior consultants is generally very good, but the profession is characterized by high competition for the most attractive positions in certain specialties and regions. Challenges often include high workload, complex cases, and responsibility for both patients and staff. Recruitment difficulties are common, especially in rural areas and in shortage specialties, which can lead to increased workload for existing staff. Rapid medical advancements require continuous professional development and adaptability. Additionally, high demands are placed on leadership skills and the ability to handle stressful and ethically challenging situations.

Tips for those wishing to become a senior consultant

To succeed as a senior consultant, it’s beneficial to have a goal-oriented mindset and a strong interest in medical development. Good organizational skills facilitate daily work, as responsibilities often span both medical and administrative tasks. A communicative and attentive attitude is important for mentoring junior colleagues and collaborating in teams. The ability to make quick, well-founded decisions is needed in acute situations, while analytical thinking is essential for complex cases. Flexibility and openness to change provide advantages in a profession where knowledge and technology are constantly evolving, and an empathetic approach is crucial for building trust with patients and colleagues.

Key facts about senior consultants

• Education level: Medical degree + specialist training (at least 13 years)
• Work environment: Hospitals, health centers, and clinics with high responsibility
• Work arrangement: Full-time, often daytime but also on-call
• Demand: Very high, especially in certain specialties
• Vacant positions: 375 within the profession (May 2024)

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the role of senior consultant, there are opportunities to advance to medical director, operations manager, or take responsibility for larger research and development projects. Many senior consultants also engage in teaching or international collaborations. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that job opportunities remain very good, with an expected increase in demand over the next five years. Despite recruitment challenges and high workloads, the profession is attractive due to career development opportunities and influence over the future of healthcare. Currently, there are 375 vacant positions for specialists, further highlighting the need for experienced senior consultants.

Frequently asked questions about senior consultants

• What does a senior consultant earn?
  - A senior consultant has an average salary of 93 600 SEK per month, with variation depending on region, specialty, and experience.
• How does one become a senior consultant?
  - The path involves medical education, licensing, specialist training, and several years of experience as a specialist doctor.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn approximately 98% of what men do within the profession.
• What is the job market outlook for senior consultants?
  - Projections show that job opportunities are very good, with demand expected to increase in the coming years.
• What are the biggest challenges in the profession?
  - High responsibility, workload, recruitment difficulties, and continuous learning are some of the main challenges.
• What benefits are typically offered?
  - Common benefits include extra vacation days, pension contributions, wellness allowances, and opportunities for professional development.