What does a pediatrician do? – Job responsibilities and work environment
Pediatricians are specialized doctors who provide medical care for children and adolescents from infancy to adolescence. Their responsibilities include diagnosing, treating, and following up on various health conditions in children, as well as advising parents and guardians. The environment is often clinical and can vary between children's wards, clinics, and emergency departments where quick decisions and accuracy are crucial.
Pediatrician salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 93 600 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 84,600 SEK (male, privately employed official)
- Highest salary: 110,600 SEK (male, public sector, post-secondary education 3 years+)
- Lowest salary women: 91,200 SEK
- Highest salary women: 101,500 SEK
- Hourly wage: 563 SEK (based on 166 working hours/month)
- Gender differences: Women earn on average 98 % of men's salary
- Regional differences: Available data is lacking, but salaries may vary depending on region and employer
Pediatricians often work in interdisciplinary teams that include nurses, psychologists, and social workers, which requires good collaboration and communication skills.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, the salary for pediatricians has increased from 86,400 SEK in 2022 to 93 600 SEK in 2024, representing a total increase of approximately 8.3%. Between 2022 and 2023, there was a more modest increase of about 6.7%, followed by a smaller increase of 1.5% from 2023 to 2024. This salary development reflects a strong demand for specialist physicians in pediatric medicine, where market needs and a lack of qualified professionals drive up salary levels. The educational requirement and high specialization also contribute to maintaining a stable salary development. The trend indicates a continued positive salary development considering the forecast of increasing demand for specialist physicians.
Education and qualifications
The educational path to becoming a pediatrician is long and requires specialization after basic medical training. Qualifications include specialist training in pediatric medicine and often additional certifications related to child health.
- Medical degree: Approximately 5.5 years at university
- Specialist training in pediatrics: 5 years after medical degree
- Practical training: General service (AT) and specialist service (ST)
- Certifications: Specialist certificate in pediatrics required
- Prerequisites: Basic medical education and medical license
- Tips for choice: Choose a university with a strong medical faculty and good opportunities for clinical practice in pediatric medicine
Common benefits and compensations
Pediatricians are usually offered benefits such as occupational pension, health insurance, and opportunities for further education. Many employers also offer flexible working hours and support for work-life balance, which is important in a profession with high workloads and responsibilities.
Competition and challenges
The competition in pediatrics is relatively high due to the long training period and specialized skills required. At the same time, challenges arise in the form of workload and recruitment difficulties in certain regions. The balance between high demand and challenges in retaining staff creates a paradox where employers struggle with both recruitment and turnover. Managing stress and keeping up with medical advancements are important aspects of the profession.
Tips for those who want to become a pediatrician
To succeed as a pediatrician, it is beneficial to have a strong ability to handle stress and work methodically, as the profession often requires quick and accurate decisions in pressured situations. Good communication skills are essential for explaining complex medical information in an understandable way to both children and parents. Empathy is another important trait that helps build trust and security in interactions with patients. It is also valuable to be curious and willing to continuously update one's medical knowledge to meet new treatment methods and guidelines. Building a professional network during education and in the workplace can facilitate career development and provide support in the professional role.
Key facts about pediatricians
- Education level: Medical degree + specialist training (total of about 10 years)
- Salary range: 84,600–110,600 SEK/month
- Work environment: Clinical environment, often in teams
- Demand: High and expected to increase
- Work form: Employment in public and private sectors
Career paths and future prospects
After 3–5 years as a pediatrician, there are opportunities to further specialize in areas such as neonatology, pediatric neurology, or pediatric oncology. Some choose to move on to leadership roles in healthcare or research. According to the Labor Market Agency's forecasts, job prospects are considered good with an increased demand for specialist physicians in healthcare. Despite recruitment difficulties, the need for pediatricians is expected to rise nationally in the coming years, opening up good career opportunities.
Frequently asked questions about pediatricians
- What does a pediatrician earn?
- A pediatrician earns an average of 93 600 SEK per month with an hourly wage of approximately 563 SEK.
- How long is the education to become a pediatrician?
- The education includes about 5.5 years for a medical degree plus 5 years of specialist training in pediatrics.
- Are there gender differences in salary?
- Yes, women earn on average 98 % of men's salary in the profession.
- What work environments do pediatricians work in?
- Pediatricians primarily work in hospitals, children's clinics, and emergency departments in team-based environments.
- What is required to become a specialist physician in pediatrics?
- Licensed physician with completed specialist training and certification in pediatric medicine.
- What are the future prospects for pediatricians?
- Job opportunities are considered large with an expected increase in demand over the next five years.
- What benefits are common for pediatricians?
- Common benefits include occupational pension, health insurance, and opportunities for further education.
