What does a forensic pathologist do? – Tasks and work environment
A forensic pathologist is a specialist doctor focused on investigating causes of death and injuries in connection with legal processes. Tasks include conducting forensic autopsies, analyzing injuries, and providing expert opinions in legal contexts. The forensic pathologist often collaborates with police, prosecutors, and other justice system actors to contribute medical knowledge to criminal investigations. The work environment is clinical and laboratory-based, with elements of office work and court appearances.
Salary development over time
The salaries of forensic pathologists have shown positive 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 and further to 93 600 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total salary increase of approximately 8.3 percent during the period. The increase can partly be explained by the high demand for specialist doctors in forensic medicine and the sector's requirements for advanced education and specialist competence. The market's need for qualified forensic pathologists and recruitment challenges have thus contributed to strong salary development.
Forensic pathologists often need to combine medical expertise with legal knowledge, making the profession unique among specialist doctors.
Forensic pathologist salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 93 600 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 84,600 SEK/month (male, private employed)
- Highest salary: 110,600 SEK/month (male, public sector, postgraduate education 3+ years)
- Hourly wage: 563 SEK (based on 166 working hours/month)
- Gender differences: Women earn on average 98% of men's salaries
- Regional differences: Information is lacking, but salary levels can vary depending on workplace and region
Education and qualifications
To become a forensic pathologist, a specialist medical education with a focus on forensic medicine is required. The profession demands high medical competence, analytical ability, and legal understanding. The specialist training is often followed by practical experience within forensic medical institutions.
- Basic medical education: Medical degree (5.5 years)
- Specialist training: Forensic medicine, usually 5 years of specialist training after medical degree
- Internship/trainee: Clinical service and supervised specialist practice
- Prerequisites: Medical degree and licensure as a doctor
- Additional courses: Legal education in forensic medicine can be advantageous
Common benefits and compensations
Forensic pathologists are often offered benefits such as collective pension schemes, occupational pension, and health insurance. Many employers in the public sector also provide flexible working hours and opportunities for professional development. Travel and overtime pay may occur depending on the workplace and duty roster.
Competition and challenges
The profession of forensic pathologists is characterized by a paradoxical recruitment situation where demand is high, yet filling positions can be difficult. Challenges include high requirements for specialization and the psychologically demanding work environment, which may involve autopsies and forensic investigations. At the same time, the job market for forensic pathologists is relatively stable with good prospects.
Tips for aspiring forensic pathologists
To succeed as a forensic pathologist, it is beneficial to have strong analytical skills and a meticulous work approach, as details are often crucial in forensic investigations. An interest in both medicine and law facilitates understanding of the profession's complexity. Patience and mental resilience are important qualities, as the tasks can be emotionally demanding. Building good collaborations with colleagues and justice actors is also central to contributing effectively to investigations. Finally, continuous further education is necessary to stay updated in both medical and legal fields.
Key facts about forensic pathologists
- Educational level: Specialist doctor with specialist training in forensic medicine
- Salary range: 84,600–110,600 SEK/month
- Work environment: Clinical and forensic laboratory environment
- Work form: Specialist doctor with both practical and theoretical tasks
- Demand: High with increasing needs over five years
Career paths and future prospects
After 3–5 years in the profession, a forensic pathologist can advance to senior specialist, researcher positions, or leadership roles within forensic institutions. Opportunities also exist to work as an expert witness or in teaching roles. The Public Employment Service's prognosis estimates that the demand for specialist doctors, including forensic pathologists, will increase nationally. Despite recruitment difficulties, job opportunities are expected to be good, and there are currently approximately 375 job openings in the specialist doctor field.
Common questions about forensic pathologists
- What does a forensic pathologist earn?
- The average salary is approximately 93 600 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and employment type.
- What education is required to become a forensic pathologist?
- Medical degree followed by specialist training in forensic medicine.
- Are there significant gender differences in salary?
- No, women earn on average 98% of men's salaries.
- What is the work environment like for forensic pathologists?
- It is clinical and laboratory-based with elements of legal assignments.
- Is it difficult to find a job as a forensic pathologist?
- No, demand is high and the prognosis indicates increasing needs.
- Can forensic pathologists work in both public and private sectors?
- Yes, both government and private employers hire forensic pathologists.
- What personal qualities are important in this profession?
- Precision, analytical skills, and mental resilience are central.
