What does a psychiatrist do? – Tasks and work environment
A psychiatrist is a specialist doctor focusing on mental health and psychiatric diagnoses. Tasks include assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with everything from depression and anxiety to more severe mental conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The role also involves prescribing medication, following up on treatments, collaborating with other healthcare professionals, and meeting relatives. The work environment varies between psychiatric clinics, outpatient clinics, and sometimes forensic psychiatry. The job demands high medical competence and the ability to meet people in difficult life situations.
Salary development over time
The average monthly salary for psychiatrists has shown a clear upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 86,400 SEK. In 2023, it increased to 92 200 SEK, which is about a 6.7% rise. By 2024, the average salary has continued to rise and now stands at 93 600 SEK, representing an additional increase of approximately 1.5% from the previous year. The trend shows that the demand for specialist doctors in psychiatry, combined with complex work content and increased competence requirements, drives salaries upward. There is still a shortage of psychiatrists in large parts of the country, which also contributes to salary increases.
Psychiatrist salary – comprehensive 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 compared to 94 300 SEK)
- Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on region and employer, often higher in metropolitan areas or where there is a greater shortage of psychiatrists.
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a psychiatrist is long and demanding, involving several years of higher education and specialist training. First, a medical degree is required, followed by general internship (AT) and specialist training (ST) in psychiatry. In addition to formal education, continuous professional development and the ability to handle complex patient cases are required.
- Medical degree: 5.5 years at university
- General internship (AT): about 1.5–2 years
- Specialist training (ST) in psychiatry: about 5 years
- Licensing: Required from the National Board of Health and Welfare
- Continuing education: Ongoing throughout the professional life
- Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for medical studies (often high grades/HP results)
The psychiatry profession often involves collaboration in multidisciplinary teams where psychologists, counselors, and nurses work closely together. Those who enjoy teamwork and want to contribute to comprehensive patient solutions often thrive in this role.
Common benefits and compensations
Psychiatrists are often covered by collective agreements with good pension conditions, generous vacation policies, and opportunities for professional development and further training. Other common benefits include wellness allowances, additional insurance, and sometimes flexible hours or remote work depending on the workplace.
Competition and challenges
Demand for psychiatrists is high, and competition for positions is relatively low, especially outside metropolitan areas. At the same time, the profession presents significant challenges, both in terms of workload and the emotional responsibility involved in treating people with serious mental health issues. The recruitment situation is characterized by a shortage of qualified applicants, making many positions difficult to fill. The profession is also affected by some psychiatrists choosing part-time work or leaving the field, which further exacerbates the shortage. The work environment can be demanding with high workload but also offers opportunities for development and specialization.
Tips for those who want to become a psychiatrist
To succeed as a psychiatrist, it is good to combine analytical skills with a strong interest in mental health. An initial step is to familiarize yourself early with what the medical profession entails and prepare for the high admission requirements to medical studies. Good teamwork skills are crucial, as the work often involves collaboration with other healthcare professionals. Practice clear and attentive communication. Resilience and stress tolerance are needed during the long training period, so planning for a balance between studies and leisure is beneficial. An interest in lifelong learning is important as medical knowledge evolves, and it’s good to take initiatives for continuing education and supervision even after specialist training. Finally, developing empathy and the ability to meet people in crisis helps facilitate both treatment work and personal well-being in the role of a psychiatrist.
Key facts about psychiatrists
- Educational level: Medical degree + specialist training (about 12 years total)
- Work environment: Hospitals, outpatient clinics, forensic psychiatry
- Work form: Usually full-time, sometimes on-call and standby
- Demand: Very high, shortage of psychiatrists nationwide
- Special skills: Psychopharmacology, diagnostics, counseling techniques
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a psychiatrist can advance to senior physician, medical manager, or chief physician within psychiatry. There are also opportunities for further specialization, e.g., in child and adolescent psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, or research and teaching at universities. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, job opportunities are very good, and demand is expected to increase further over the next five years. The shortage of psychiatrists means career opportunities are broad, with many vacant positions to apply for – in the latest survey, there were 371 job openings in the field. Forecasts indicate recruitment difficulties will persist, offering good future prospects for new and experienced psychiatrists.
Common questions about psychiatrists
- What does a psychiatrist earn?
- A psychiatrist has an average salary of 93 600 SEK per month.
- How long is the education required to become a psychiatrist?
- The educational path includes a medical degree (5.5 years), internship (about 1.5–2 years), and specialist training in psychiatry (about 5 years).
- Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn on average 98% of what men do in the profession.
- In which work environments do psychiatrists work?
- They primarily work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and forensic psychiatry.
- What are the future prospects for psychiatrists?
- Demand is very high, and forecasts show continued good career opportunities.
- What is the highest and lowest salary for psychiatrists?
- The highest reported salary is 110,600 SEK/month for men and 101,500 SEK/month for women. The lowest salary is 84,600 SEK/month for men and 91,200 SEK/month for women.
- What personal qualities are important for a psychiatrist?
- Analytical ability, empathy, and teamwork skills are especially important in the profession.
