What does a psychiatrist do? – Tasks and work environment
Psychiatrists are specialist doctors focusing on diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental illnesses and disorders. Their tasks include patient assessments, psychiatric investigations, prescription of medications, as well as talk therapy and crisis management. Psychiatrists often work in teams with psychologists, nurses, and social workers in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and forensic psychiatric institutions. The work environment is characterized by a high degree of responsibility and requires the ability to handle complex and sensitive situations.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, psychiatrists' salaries have shown stable and positive growth. In 2022, the average salary was 86,400 SEK per month, increasing to 92 200 SEK in 2023 and further to 93 600 SEK in 2024. This represents a total salary increase of approximately 8.3 percent over the period. This development reflects an increased demand for specialist competence in psychiatry and a general strengthening of salary levels for specialist doctors. The high level of education and the significant responsibilities involved in the profession also contribute to the positive salary development. The market's need for qualified psychiatric care has grown, influencing both salaries and recruitment opportunities.
Psychiatrists often work under stressful conditions where empathy and the ability to quickly build trust are crucial for successful treatment.
Psychiatrist salary – a complete overview
- Average salary: 93 600 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 84,600 SEK/month (male private sector employee)
- Highest salary: 110,600 SEK/month (male in the public sector with postgraduate education)
- Hourly rate: 563 SEK (based on 166 working hours/month)
- Gender differences: Women earn on average 92 900 SEK, which is 98 % of men's 94 300 SEK
- Regional differences: Data is lacking, but salary levels may vary across different parts of the country depending on demand and employers
Education and qualifications
To become a psychiatrist, a medical degree followed by specialist training in psychiatry is required. The formal education path includes several years of theoretical studies and practical experience in various medical fields, including psychiatry. Specialist competence is confirmed through licensing and specialist certification.
- Basic medical education: Medical program, approximately 5.5 years
- Specialist training in psychiatry: 5 years after medical license
- Licensing: Swedish medical license required
- Internship/Residency: General internship (AT) approximately 18–24 months
- Continuing education: Courses and further training in psychiatry and related fields
Common benefits and compensations
Psychiatrists are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, health insurance, and flexible working hours. Some employers also provide reimbursement for further education and conference participation. Public sector workplaces may have collective agreements regulating vacation, overtime compensation, and other benefits.
Competition and challenges
Despite high demand for psychiatrists, recruitment difficulties exist in certain regions, creating a paradox where employers struggle to fill positions while some psychiatrists opt for part-time work or leave the profession. Psychiatrists often face emotionally demanding situations and high workloads, which can negatively impact the work environment. The profession requires good stress resilience and the ability to balance work tasks with personal health. The competition is relatively low due to the high level of specialization.
Tips for those who want to become psychiatrists
To succeed as a psychiatrist, patience and strong empathy are important, as the profession often involves meeting people in difficult life situations. Developing good communication skills is crucial for building trustful relationships with patients and colleagues. Analytical ability is needed to make correct diagnoses and plan treatments. Being resilient under pressure facilitates handling complex and sometimes emotionally taxing situations. Finally, a desire for continuous learning is valuable, as psychiatry is a constantly evolving field with new treatment methods and research findings.
Key facts about psychiatrists
- Education level: Medical degree + specialist training (about 10 years total)
- Salary range: 84,600–110,600 SEK/month
- Work environment: Clinical healthcare setting with high responsibility
- Demand: Large with increasing national needs
- Work form: Full- or part-time, mostly employed in the public sector
Career paths and future prospects
After 3–5 years in the profession, psychiatrists can advance to senior specialists, department heads, or research positions within psychiatry. Opportunities also exist to work in forensic psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, or private practice. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service forecast, the opportunities for employment as a specialist doctor are great, and demand is expected to grow over the next five years. Despite recruitment challenges, there is a paradox where many psychiatrists work part-time or leave the profession, creating challenges but also opportunities for new practitioners.
Frequently asked questions about psychiatrists
- What does a psychiatrist earn?
- The average salary is approximately 93 600 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and sector.
- How long is the training to become a psychiatrist?
- The training takes about 10 years, including medical school and specialist training.
- Are there gender differences in psychiatrists' salaries?
- Yes, women earn on average 98 % of what men earn.
- In which work environments do psychiatrists work?
- Psychiatrists mainly work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and forensic psychiatry.
- What are the future prospects for psychiatrists?
- Job opportunities are plentiful, and demand is expected to increase in the coming years.
- What personal qualities are important for a psychiatrist?
- Empathy, stress resilience, and good communication skills are central qualities.
- Can psychiatrists work privately?
- Yes, many psychiatrists work both in the public and private sectors.
