How much does a Nurse, surgery make

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  2. Nurse, surgery
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Nurse, surgery

49 900 kr

Operating room nurses

47 600 - 56 000 kr / month

Women earn 100% of what men do.

Hälso- & sjukvård

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Nurse, surgery

Average salary 49 900 kr
Males 50 000 kr
Females 49 900 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 18 Vacant jobs ->

What does a surgical nurse do? – Tasks and work environment

A surgical nurse, also called an operating room nurse, is responsible for preparing, assisting, and post-operative care of patients during surgical procedures. Tasks include ensuring a sterile environment, assisting surgeons during operations, managing instruments and materials, and monitoring patient status before, during, and after surgery. The work environment is often intense and requires great accuracy, teamwork, and the ability to handle emergency situations. Surgical nurses mainly work in hospital operating rooms, where the pace can be high and medical demands significant.

Salary development over time

The salary for a surgical nurse has shown steady and positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 45,500 SEK per month, increasing to 48 200 SEK in 2023. The latest data from 2024 indicates a further rise to 49 900 SEK, representing a total salary increase of approximately 9.7% over three years. This growth reflects an increased demand for specialized surgical staff, as well as a general push from employers to raise wages to meet skill shortages and higher working condition requirements. The fact that salary differences between genders are negligible within the profession can also be seen as a sign of equal pay development.

Surgical nurse salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 49 900 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 47,600 SEK/month (female, private sector, post-secondary education 3 years or more)
  • Highest salary: 56,000 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education shorter than 3 years)
  • Hourly wage: 300 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Women and men practically have the same average salary (49 900–50 000 SEK/month)
  • Regional differences: Data on regional differences is limited or unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as a surgical nurse, a license as a registered nurse is required first, followed by a specialist training in surgical care. The education path involves both theoretical and practical skills development, with clinical experience often highly valued. Many employers also require specific certifications and further training in sterile technique and patient safety.

  • Nursing degree: Basic education, 3 years (bachelor's degree)
  • Specialist training in surgical care: 1 year (additional qualification)
  • License: Issued by the National Board of Health and Welfare after completing education
  • Practical training: Clinical practice included during both basic and specialist education
  • Additional courses: Opportunities for further training in anesthesia, sterilization techniques, and patient safety

Working as a surgical nurse often involves being part of a cohesive team where communication and collaboration are crucial, especially in stressful or unexpected situations. The role requires not only medical expertise but also the ability to make quick decisions and handle unforeseen events. For many, the variety and direct contact with patients are strong motivators in daily work.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Surgical nurses are often offered benefits such as night shift supplements for working at irregular hours, extra pay for on-call and standby duties, and opportunities for further training paid by the employer. Other common benefits include wellness allowances, pension contributions, and sometimes extra vacation days depending on employment agreements and workplaces.

Challenges and competition

The demand for surgical nurses is high, and forecasts indicate that the need will grow further in the coming years. Despite this, the recruitment situation can be paradoxical: there are both difficulties in finding the right skills and some turnover within the profession. Challenges often include meeting high demands for competence and resilience, with the work environment being tough due to long shifts and emergency situations. The shortage of experienced surgical nurses leads to intense competition for qualified personnel, which can impact workload and working conditions.

Tips for aspiring surgical nurses

To succeed as a surgical nurse, patience and the ability to stay calm under pressure are essential. Developing good communication skills and teamwork are crucial, as the work is team-based and requires clear dialogue with colleagues and patients. Precision and a love of structure help manage responsibilities in sterile environments and with advanced equipment. Flexibility and adaptability are valuable during rapid changes and unforeseen events in the operating room. Commitment to continuous professional development is also important, as new methods and technologies can quickly change daily routines. An empathetic attitude and sensitivity to patient needs strengthen relationships with both patients and colleagues.

Key facts about Surgical Nurse

  • Education level: Nursing degree + specialist training (4 years total)
  • Salary range: 47,600–56,000 SEK/month
  • Average salary: 49 900 SEK/month
  • Work environment: Operating room, high pace, team work
  • Demand: Great job opportunities and increasing need

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a surgical nurse can choose to deepen their expertise through further education, such as becoming an anesthesia nurse, instrument coordinator, or training supervisor within surgical operations. Other career options include leadership roles like team leader or department manager, or working in clinical education and supervision of students. According to forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service, job opportunities are plentiful, and demand is expected to increase over the next five years, especially due to retirements and increased healthcare needs. With over 375 job openings in the field, competition for skilled workers remains high, indicating good development opportunities for those pursuing this career path.

Common questions about Surgical Nurse

  • What does a surgical nurse earn?
    - A surgical nurse has an average salary of 49 900 SEK per month, with a range between 47,600 and 56,000 SEK depending on experience and employment type.
  • How to become a surgical nurse?
    - First, a license as a registered nurse (3-year university education), then a 1-year specialized training in surgical care.
  • Are there salary differences between women and men?
    - No, women and men generally have the same average salary within the profession.
  • What is the job market like for surgical nurses?
    - Projections show great opportunities for employment and increasing demand for surgical nurses in the coming years.
  • What are the duties of a surgical nurse?
    - Duties include preparing patients, assisting during surgeries, handling instruments, and monitoring patient condition.
  • What is the hourly wage for a surgical nurse?
    - The average hourly wage is 300 SEK.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 13:30:29

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Nurse, surgery is 56000 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 55200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Nurse, surgery is 47600 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 47800 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 41100 kr 42400 kr
35-44 44500 kr 46400 kr
45-54 48500 kr 51000 kr
55-64 50300 kr 52900 kr
65-68 53700 kr 57200 kr
Snitt 100% 47600 kr 49900 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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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 Nurse, surgery has the SSYK code 2231, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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