School doctor

What does a school chief physician do? – Tasks and work environment

A school chief physician is responsible for ensuring that school health services maintain high medical quality and that students' health is prioritized in the school environment. Tasks include medical assessments, advising school nurses and staff, and collaborating with student health services, parents, and sometimes external healthcare providers. The role often involves overarching responsibility for medical guidelines, supervision, and expertise in children's and adolescents' health in educational settings. The work environment is varied and can include both office work and activities at schools, where collaboration and communication are central parts of the daily work.

Salary development over time

The salary for a school chief physician has shown stable and positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 86,400 SEK per month, increasing to 92 200 SEK in 2023. The latest data from 2024 shows an average salary of 93 600 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 8.3 % over three years. This trend reflects a continued strong demand for specialist competence in school health services and a general trend toward higher salaries in medical professions. Factors such as skills shortage, increased responsibility, and changing work requirements have contributed to this salary increase. Despite the high salary level, regional differences and disparities between genders still exist.

School chief physician salary – complete 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: 563 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 98 % of what men do
• Regional differences: Some variation may occur but detailed data is lacking

Education and qualifications

To work as a school chief physician, a long and specialized medical education is required. After completing medical school and obtaining a medical license, specialist training is undertaken, typically in pediatrics or general medicine, along with experience working with children's and adolescents' health. The position also requires good knowledge of school health regulations and often leadership or supervision experience.

• Medical degree: 5.5 years (basic medical education)
• Specialist training: 5 years (e.g., pediatrics or general medicine)
• License: Requirement for Swedish medical license
• Experience: Several years of clinical experience, preferably with a focus on children and youth
• Additional training: Courses in school health and leadership are meritorious

Common benefits and compensations

School chief physicians are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, generous vacation policies, flexitime, and opportunities for professional development. Other common compensations include wellness allowances, access to work-related training, and sometimes company cars or subsidized travel for work purposes.

Competition and challenges

The demand for school chief physicians is high, leading to good opportunities for employment but also increased requirements for competence and flexibility. The profession is characterized by recruitment difficulties, partly due to the high educational requirements and a relatively small recruitment base. Challenges include balancing medical responsibility with administrative tasks and managing complex student cases. High workload and occasional difficulties in recruiting substitutes or replacements during absences are also reported. It is important to stay updated on changes in school health legislation and guidelines.

Tips for those who want to become a school chief physician

To succeed as a school chief physician, it is beneficial to combine medical expertise with strong communication skills and a keen interest in the development of children and adolescents. Initiative and analytical skills are central, especially when evaluating and improving routines in school health. A structured approach facilitates handling both medical and administrative tasks, while attentiveness to students and staff fosters good collaboration. Early experience in pediatric and adolescent medicine, along with participation in relevant training and networks, is valuable. The ability to take responsibility and make independent decisions is crucial in difficult situations. Keeping up with research and new guidelines strengthens the professional role in the long term.

Key facts about school chief physicians

• Average salary: 93 600 SEK/month
• Educational level: Medical degree + specialist training (at least 10 years)
• Work environment: School environment and office, often varied workdays
• Demand: Very good – great opportunities for employment
• Highest salary: 110,600 SEK/month (men), 101,500 SEK/month (women)

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a school chief physician, opportunities may open for greater responsibility within school health, such as medical management or as an expert in development projects at municipal or national levels. It is also common for school chief physicians to engage in training initiatives, policy work, or research related to children's and adolescents' health. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, the future outlook for specialist doctors, including school chief physicians, is very good. Demand is expected to continue increasing over the next five years, resulting in low competition for positions and a stable job market. For those wishing to broaden their skills, opportunities exist to work on development issues within student health, take on managerial roles, or participate in national networks and working groups.

Frequently asked questions about school chief physicians

• What does a school chief physician earn?
  - A school chief physician has an average salary of 93 600 SEK per month, but the salary can vary between 84,600 and 110,600 SEK depending on experience, sector, and region.
• What education is required to become a school chief physician?
  - A medical degree, medical license, and specialist training in areas such as pediatrics or general medicine are required.
• Are there salary differences between male and female school chief physicians?
  - Yes, women earn on average 98 % of what men do within the profession.
• What do the future prospects look like for school chief physicians?
  - The job market is assessed as very good, with high demand and many available positions.
• What tasks are included in the role of a school chief physician?
  - Tasks include medical assessments, supervision, advice, and development of school health routines.
• What is the hourly wage for a school chief physician?
  - The average hourly wage is 563 SEK.
• What benefits are common for school chief physicians?
  - Benefits include occupational pension, vacation, flexitime, and wellness allowances.