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 92 200 SEK in 2023. During the most recent year, 2024, the average salary rose further to 93 600 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.

Forensic doctor salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 93 600 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 98 % of men's salary (92 900 SEK vs 94 300 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 93 600 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 98 % 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.