Social medicine

What does a social mediciner do? – Tasks and work environment

A social mediciner is a specialist doctor focusing on how social, economic, and environmental factors affect public health. Their tasks include analyzing and preventing societal health issues, developing public health programs, and evaluating the effects of various healthcare interventions. The work often involves collaboration with authorities, municipalities, and other stakeholders to improve health conditions at the population level. Social medics primarily work within regions, universities, and research environments but can also have roles within government agencies and international organizations where broad medical expertise and analytical skills are essential.

Salary development over time

The salary for social medics has shown a clear upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 86,400 SEK per month, increasing to 92 200 SEK in 2023 and continuing to rise to 93 600 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 8.3% over the period. The salary increase can be linked to the high demand for specialist doctors in healthcare and the increasing complexity of tasks. The shortage of experienced social medics and the need for societal analytical competence contribute to raising salary levels. Additionally, employer efforts to retain and recruit specialist skills have positively impacted salary development.

Social mediciner 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 difference: Women earn 98% of what men do (men: 94 300 SEK, women: 92 900 SEK)
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on region and employer, but specific figures are not provided.

Education and qualifications

To work as a social mediciner, a long and thorough educational path with several formal steps is required. The basic education consists of a medical degree followed by internship (AT) and specialist training (ST) in social medicine. In addition to formal requirements, experience in public health work and societal analysis is often meritorious. Skills development through courses and research is common in the profession.

• Medical degree: 5.5 years
• Internship (AT): approx. 1.5–2 years
• Specialist training (ST) in social medicine: approx. 5 years
• Meritorious: Experience in public health science, epidemiology, and societal analysis
• Skills development: Courses, conferences, and research within social medicine

Common benefits and compensations

Social medics are usually covered by collective agreements that include benefits such as occupational pension, extra vacation days, and generous health insurances. Other common benefits include skills development, wellness grants, and opportunities for research or educational leave. In some employments, flexible working hours and remote work options may also be offered, especially in research and analysis roles.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a social mediciner is relatively low, but the role requires a specific combination of medical and social science skills. The recruitment situation is characterized by difficulties in finding experienced specialists, which can lead to high workload for existing staff. Challenges in the profession include staying updated on societal developments, managing complex health issues, and working across sectors. Additional challenges include requirements for research and publication activities for those in academia and navigating politically driven environments. At the same time, high demand offers good opportunities for development and influence within the health sector.

Tips for those wanting to become a social mediciner

To succeed as a social mediciner, it’s good to combine analytical sharpness with a genuine interest in society. Curiosity and a constant desire to learn more about public health, statistics, and social structures facilitate both studies and future work. Precision and patience are valuable traits, as tasks often require long-term effort and the ability to see connections at the population level. Collaboration skills and good communication are crucial since the role involves much contact with colleagues and external stakeholders. Being willing to think innovatively and drive change is also important, especially when developing new public health projects or influencing political decisions.

Key facts about social medics

• Average salary: 93 600 SEK/month
• Salary range: 84,600–110,600 SEK/month
• Education level: Specialist medical degree (approx. 12 years total)
• Work environment: Public sector, universities, authorities
• Demand: Very high, 375 job openings within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as a social mediciner, there are good opportunities for further development within research, leadership, and policy work. Many choose to deepen their expertise in epidemiology, work as managers within public health units, or take roles as experts in national and international projects. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast, the job market is very favorable, with great opportunities for employment and an expected increase in demand over the next five years. The recruitment situation is characterized by a shortage of experienced specialists, further strengthening future prospects. Opportunities for academic careers, government agencies, or international organizations are also common, with room for own research projects and development work within the profession.

Common questions about social medics

• What does a social mediciner earn?
  - The average salary for a social mediciner is 93 600 SEK per month.
• How has the salary development looked for social medics?
  - The salary has increased from 86,400 SEK (2022) to 93 600 SEK (2024), which corresponds to an increase of just over 8%.
• What education is required to become a social mediciner?
  - Medical degree, internship (AT), and then specialist training in social medicine (total approx. 12 years).
• Are there gender pay differences?
  - Yes, women earn 98% of what men do within the profession.
• What are the future prospects for social medics?
  - Demand is very high and expected to increase further over the next five years.
• Where do social medics usually work?
  - Most commonly in the public sector, universities, authorities, and international organizations.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries?
  - Highest salary is 110,600 SEK (men), 101,500 SEK (women); lowest salary is 84,600 SEK (men), 91,200 SEK (women).