- Salary statistics
- Forensic pathologist salary
Forensic pathologist salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
89 800 - 117 800 SEK / month
Women earn 99% of what men do.
Hälso- & sjukvård
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Salary progression Forensic pathologist
What does a forensic doctor do? – Tasks and work environment
A forensic doctor is a specialist physician who conducts medical examinations for legal purposes. Tasks include autopsies, forensic medical examinations, and providing medical opinions in connection with criminal investigations. The forensic doctor often collaborates with the justice system, police, and other authorities to clarify circumstances surrounding deaths or injuries. The work environment is characterized by high professionalism and may involve work in laboratories and courtrooms. The job requires precision as well as the ability to handle both technical and emotionally demanding situations.
Salary development over time
Forensic doctors have experienced stable and positive salary growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 86,400 SEK per month, which increased to 93 600 SEK in 2023. During the most recent year, 2024, the average salary rose further to 98 000 SEK, corresponding to a total increase of approximately 8.3 percent over the three-year period. This development can be explained by increased demand for specialist competence in forensic medicine and a general salary adjustment within the specialist doctor group. The market's need for forensic doctors, combined with high education levels and specialist status, helps keep salaries high and continuing to rise.
A forensic doctor needs not only medical knowledge but also a good understanding of law and the ability to communicate complex information to non-medical actors.
Forensic doctor salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 98 000 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 84,600 SEK (male, private sector employee)
- Highest salary: 110,600 SEK (male, public sector)
- Hourly wage: 563 SEK (based on 166 working hours/month)
- Gender differences: Women earn 99 % of men's salary (97 300 SEK vs 98 700 SEK)
- Regional differences: Data unavailable but may vary depending on workplace and sector
Education and qualifications
The pathway to becoming a forensic doctor includes a basic medical degree and a specialist training in forensic medicine. The qualifications require both medical expertise and knowledge of legal processes. The specialist training is extensive and includes theoretical studies as well as practical experience in forensic medicine.
- Medical education: Basic medical degree, approximately 5.5 years
- Specialist training: Forensic medicine, about 5 years after medical license
- Certifications: Specialist certificate in forensic medicine
- Practical training: Clinical service and forensic medicine internships
- Prerequisites: Medical degree and license
Common benefits and compensations
Forensic doctors are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, and health insurance. Compensation for overtime and on-call duties is common, as well as opportunities for further training and skill development. In some cases, travel allowances or other work-related compensations may be provided depending on the workplace.
Competition and challenges
The profession as a forensic doctor is competitive but also characterized by a paradox where recruitment difficulties coexist with some unemployment or part-time work within the specialist doctor group. The work environment can be physically and mentally demanding, with high demands for accuracy and the ability to handle difficult situations. Collaboration with the justice system and good communication skills are essential. Specialist competence is in demand but requires long training and ongoing development.
Tips for those who want to become a forensic doctor
To succeed as a forensic doctor, it is beneficial to have strong analytical skills and attention to detail, as the profession requires precision in medical and legal assessments. It is also important to handle stress well and work under pressure, as tasks are often time-critical and emotionally challenging. Good communication skills facilitate cooperation with the justice system and other authorities, which is central to the role. Engaging in continuous learning and specialization is necessary to stay updated on developments in forensic medicine. Patience and empathetic ability are also important, as the work often involves meetings with relatives and handling difficult situations.
Key facts about forensic doctors
- Education level: Medical degree + specialist training in forensic medicine (approximately 10 years total)
- Salary range: 84,600–110,600 SEK/month
- Work environment: Clinical and forensic settings, often combined with legal contexts
- Demand: High and expected to increase according to the Swedish Public Employment Service forecasts
- Hourly wage: Approximately 563 SEK for hourly employment
Career paths and future prospects
After 3–5 years as a forensic doctor, there are opportunities to advance to senior specialist roles or move into leadership positions within forensic departments. Some choose to work as consultants or in academic research. The Public Employment Service's forecasts show that demand for specialist doctors, including forensic doctors, is high and expected to increase over the next five years. Despite recruitment challenges, job opportunities are considered good, making the profession an attractive choice for doctors interested in forensic medicine.
Common questions about forensic doctors
- What does a forensic doctor earn?
- The average salary is approximately 98 000 SEK per month with variations depending on experience, sector, and gender. - What education is required to become a forensic doctor?
- A medical degree followed by specialist training in forensic medicine is required. - Are there gender differences in salary?
- Yes, women earn on average 99 % of men's salaries within the profession. - What is the work environment like for forensic doctors?
- The work takes place in clinical and forensic environments with high demands for accuracy and professionalism. - Is it difficult to find a job as a forensic doctor?
- Demand is high and expected to increase, but there are also recruitment challenges within the specialist doctor group. - What personal qualities are important?
- Attention to detail, stress resilience, good communication skills, and empathy are important qualities. - What are the highest and lowest salaries?
- The highest salary is 110,600 SEK for men and 101,500 SEK for women. The lowest salary is 84,600 SEK for men and 91,200 SEK for women.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 80100 kr | 84700 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 85700 kr | 90300 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 96600 kr | 101800 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 98300 kr | 102700 kr |
| 65-68 | 97% | 103100 kr | 105900 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 93300 kr | 98000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 80400 kr | 85800 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 85900 kr | 91400 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 94500 kr | 100700 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 99500 kr | 104800 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 103400 kr | 106700 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 92900 kr | 98500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 94% | 90400 kr | 91800 kr |
| 45-54 | 91% | 96300 kr | 97300 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 99500 kr | 103200 kr |
| 65-68 | 73% | 125700 kr | 128000 kr |
| Snitt | 87% | 97800 kr | 99800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 80400 kr | 85900 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 85800 kr | 91400 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 94500 kr | 100700 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 99500 kr | 104800 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 102900 kr | 106200 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 92900 kr | 98500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 119% | 84900 kr | 85600 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 106600 kr | 107300 kr |
| 55-64 | 93200 kr | 94100 kr | |
| Snitt | 113% | 94900 kr | 95600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 119% | 84900 kr | 85600 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 106600 kr | 107300 kr |
| 55-64 | 93200 kr | 94100 kr | |
| Snitt | 113% | 94900 kr | 95600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 80600 kr | 85900 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 84600 kr | 89900 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 96700 kr | 103600 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 97500 kr | 102900 kr |
| 65-68 | 97% | 104200 kr | 107300 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 93100 kr | 98700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 80700 kr | 86900 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 86400 kr | 93200 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 95300 kr | 103200 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 100100 kr | 106600 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 105100 kr | 109100 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 94000 kr | 100900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 94% | 92700 kr | 95900 kr |
| 45-54 | 91% | 101600 kr | 104600 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 103700 kr | 108600 kr |
| 65-68 | 73% | 138500 kr | 141900 kr |
| Snitt | 87% | 105600 kr | 109300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 80700 kr | 86900 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 86300 kr | 93200 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 95200 kr | 103200 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 100000 kr | 106500 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 104400 kr | 108300 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 93900 kr | 100800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 119% | 79000 kr | 79400 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 105700 kr | 106400 kr |
| Snitt | 113% | 89200 kr | 89800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 119% | 79000 kr | 79400 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 105700 kr | 106400 kr |
| Snitt | 113% | 89200 kr | 89800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 79600 kr | 83400 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 86700 kr | 90600 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 96600 kr | 100400 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 99100 kr | 102500 kr |
| 65-68 | 97% | 101200 kr | 103600 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 93500 kr | 97300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 80100 kr | 84600 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 85400 kr | 90000 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 93900 kr | 98500 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 98900 kr | 102800 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 100900 kr | 103100 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 92000 kr | 96300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 94% | 89200 kr | 89800 kr |
| 45-54 | 91% | 94600 kr | 95000 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 96400 kr | 99300 kr |
| 65-68 | 73% | 103500 kr | 103900 kr |
| Snitt | 87% | 93800 kr | 94800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 80200 kr | 84700 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 85400 kr | 90000 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 93800 kr | 98600 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 99000 kr | 102900 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 100800 kr | 103100 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 91900 kr | 96300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 119% | 93100 kr | 94100 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 107100 kr | 107800 kr |
| 55-64 | 99900 kr | 101100 kr | |
| Snitt | 113% | 100600 kr | 101600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 119% | 93100 kr | 94100 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 107100 kr | 107800 kr |
| 55-64 | 99900 kr | 101100 kr | |
| Snitt | 113% | 100600 kr | 101600 kr |
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 Forensic pathologist has the SSYK code 2211, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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