What does a rehabilitation doctor do? – Tasks and work environment
A rehabilitation doctor assesses, treats, and monitors patients who need rehabilitation after injuries, illnesses, or disabilities. Tasks include medical evaluations, coordination of rehabilitation teams, and individual planning to optimize recovery and quality of life. Many rehabilitation doctors work in hospitals, specialist clinics, or rehabilitation centers, often collaborating closely with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and psychologists. The work environment is characterized by interdisciplinary teamwork, high pace, and continuous contact with patients and relatives.
Salary development over time
The salary development for rehabilitation doctors has been positive 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 2024, the average salary has continued to rise and now stands at 93 600 SEK per month. The total increase during this period is approximately 8.3%, reflecting the increased demand for specialist doctors in rehabilitation. Salaries have been influenced by market needs and the high level of education and clinical competence required for the profession. The demand for specialists, combined with difficulties in recruiting enough qualified candidates, has driven up salaries in the field.
Rehabilitation doctor 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 (average): 563 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 98% of what men do (92 900 SEK/month vs. 94 300 SEK/month)
- Regional differences: No specific data available
Education and qualifications
To work as a rehabilitation doctor, a long and specialized educational path is required. It starts with medical education, followed by licensure, and then five years of specialization in rehabilitation medicine. The training is demanding, involving both theoretical studies and extensive clinical practice, with high requirements for medical competence and teamwork skills.
- Medical education: 5.5 years (basic medical program)
- Licensure: Swedish medical license after internship (AT)
- Specialist training: 5 years of residency (ST) in rehabilitation medicine
- Practical training: Clinical service and supervised practice during education
- Additional courses: Further training in pain rehabilitation, neurology, or orthopedics can be advantageous
Rehabilitation doctors are often key figures in interdisciplinary teams where both medical and psychosocial aspects of the patient's life are considered. It is one of the few medical professions where a holistic view of the patient is central, and long-term relationships with patients and relatives are common.
Common benefits and compensations
Employment as a rehabilitation doctor often includes generous benefits such as extra vacation days, professional development, wellness allowances, and occupational pension. Some employers also offer flextime, remote work for administrative tasks, and special insurances. Compensation for on-call and standby duties is also common.
Challenges and competition
The profession of rehabilitation doctor is characterized by a paradoxical labor market. While there is high demand and many available positions, it is challenging to find enough qualified applicants. Competition for spots in specialist training is fierce, and the long educational path requires perseverance. The workload can be substantial, especially during periods with many patients and complex care needs. There are also ongoing requirements to stay updated on new treatment methods and legislation, which can be demanding for many professionals.
Tips for aspiring rehabilitation doctors
To succeed as a rehabilitation doctor, it is beneficial to have strong empathy and an interest in long-term patient contacts. Good teamwork skills facilitate the work, as the profession involves much collaboration with other disciplines. It is also important to be resilient and goal-oriented, given the demanding education and daily work. For those who are analytical and enjoy solving complex problems, the profession is well-suited, especially since many patients have multifaceted needs. Being communicative and pedagogical is a big advantage, as motivating patients and explaining treatment plans are common tasks. Openness to further education and a willingness to acquire new knowledge facilitate career development. Finally, flexibility and adaptability in meeting patients from diverse backgrounds and with varying rehabilitation needs are valuable qualities.
Key facts about Rehabilitation Doctors
- Average salary: 93 600 SEK/month
- Educational path: Medical degree + 5 years of specialist training
- Job market: Great opportunities, 375 job openings in the field
- Gender differences: Women earn 98% of men's salary
- Specialty area: Rehabilitation medicine
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a rehabilitation doctor, there are opportunities to take on greater responsibility within clinical practice, such as medical management or department head. Some choose to deepen their research or combine clinical work with university teaching. Forecasts from the Employment Service show that job opportunities are plentiful, and demand for rehabilitation specialists is expected to increase over the next five years. However, recruiting enough qualified personnel remains a challenge, indicating continued good future prospects for the profession.
Frequently asked questions about Rehabilitation Doctors
- What is the salary of a rehabilitation doctor?
- The average salary is 93 600 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience, gender, and employment type.
- How does one become a rehabilitation doctor?
- It requires medical education, licensure, and five years of specialist training in rehabilitation medicine.
- Are there gender differences in salary?
- Yes, women earn on average 98% of men's salary (92 900 SEK/month vs. 94 300 SEK/month).
- What are the highest and lowest salaries for rehabilitation doctors?
- The highest salary is 110,600 SEK and the lowest is 84,600 SEK per month.
- What is the job market like?
- The job market is very good with great opportunities and increased demand.
- What benefits are offered?
- Common benefits include extra vacation days, professional development, wellness allowances, occupational pension, and flextime.
- What personal qualities are important in this profession?
- Empathy, teamwork skills, endurance, flexibility, and analytical ability are key personal traits.
