Thoracic Surgeon

What does a thorax surgeon do? – Tasks and work environment

A thorax surgeon is a specialist doctor with expertise in surgical procedures in the chest, including the heart, lungs, and major vessels. Their common tasks include advanced operations such as heart transplants, bypass surgeries, and treatment of congenital heart defects. Thorax surgeons often work in teams alongside anesthesiologists, operating room nurses, and other healthcare personnel. The work environment is characterized by a fast pace, advanced technical equipment, and high demands for precision, especially since many procedures are life-saving and require quick but well-considered decisions. The work is primarily performed at larger hospitals and university hospitals where advanced cardiac surgery is conducted, and on-call duties are common.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for thorax surgeons has shown a clear upward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 86,400 SEK per month. The following year, it increased to 92 200 SEK, corresponding to a rise of just over 6.7%. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 93 600 SEK, an increase of approximately 1.5% from the previous year. This salary trend reflects both the high demand for specialist competence in thorax surgery and the increasing complexity of tasks. A shortage of experienced thorax surgeons combined with high responsibility contributes to continued salary growth. The salary increases can also be attributed to general investments in specialist doctors within the public sector and increased competition for experienced surgeons.

Thorax surgeon 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 men's salary (92 900 SEK/month vs. 94 300 SEK/month)
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary slightly depending on region and employer, with higher salaries typically in metropolitan areas and university hospitals.

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a thorax surgeon is long and requires both theoretical and practical training. After completing medical school, several years of specialist training follow, focusing on surgical skills and in-depth knowledge of cardiac and thoracic surgery. In addition to formal education, continuous further training and often participation in international courses or conferences are necessary to stay updated with medical advances.

• Medical degree: 5.5 years of university studies
• Internship (AT): approximately 1.5–2 years
• Specialist training (ST) in thoracic surgery: approximately 5 years
• Additional education: Often international courses and conferences within the field
• Prerequisites: University entrance qualification with a focus on natural sciences

Common benefits and compensations

Thorax surgeons are often covered by generous benefits such as occupational pension, health insurance, paid further education, and extra vacation weeks. Other common compensations include on-call allowances, overtime pay, and sometimes opportunities for research grants or training stipends. Working at university hospitals can also provide access to advanced equipment and opportunities to participate in international collaborations.

Competition and challenges

The demand for thorax surgeons is high, and the job market is assessed as very good, but entering the profession is long, and competition for training positions is fierce. Challenges in the profession include a high pace, long working hours, and the great responsibility involved in performing life-saving procedures. The recruitment situation is paradoxical: while there is a significant shortage of trained thorax surgeons, the workload is high, and many leave the profession or reduce their working hours. Success requires both resilience and the ability to handle stressful situations, as well as a strong interest in medical development and teamwork.

Tips for those who want to become a thorax surgeon

To succeed as a thorax surgeon, it is beneficial to have strong analytical skills and resilience, as the training path is long and tasks demanding. It is important to develop an early interest in natural sciences and medicine, and to be meticulous in both studies and practical work. Good teamwork skills are essential since work often occurs in multidisciplinary teams, and the ability to communicate clearly under pressure enhances patient safety and job satisfaction. Engagement in continuous education and technological innovation is vital, as the field develops rapidly. Empathy and the ability to handle difficult conversations with patients and relatives are also central. Seeking mentorship and networking within the field can provide valuable insights and support throughout your career.

Key facts about thorax surgery

• Average salary: 93 600 SEK/month
• Salary range: 84,600–110,600 SEK/month
• Training duration: approximately 12 years (including specialist training)
• Job market: Great opportunities and high demand
• Gender difference: Women earn 98% of men's salary

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a thorax surgeon, opportunities open for further specialization in areas such as transplantation, pediatric cardiac surgery, or advanced minimally invasive surgery. Some choose an academic path involving research and teaching, while others move into leadership roles such as department head or chief physician. Projections from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicate that the need for specialist doctors—including thorax surgeons—will increase in the coming years, and the job market nationally is assessed as very good. At the same time, the profession’s high demands mean recruitment challenges remain, which suggests continued strong demand and good development opportunities. For those wishing to combine clinical work with research or innovation, many pathways are available, especially at university hospitals and in international collaborations.

Frequently asked questions about thorax surgery

• What is the average salary of a thorax surgeon?
  - A thorax surgeon has an average salary of 93 600 SEK per month.
• How long is the training required to become a thorax surgeon?
  - Approximately 12 years, including medical school, internship, and specialist training.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 98% of what men do in the profession.
• What are the future prospects for thorax surgeons?
  - The job market is very good, and demand is expected to increase over the next five years.
• Which workplaces hire thorax surgeons?
  - Mainly university hospitals and larger regional hospitals with advanced heart and lung surgery.
• What is the highest salary for a thorax surgeon?
  - The highest recorded salary is 110,600 SEK per month for men and 101,500 SEK per month for women.
• What is the work environment like?
  - The pace is high, technology is advanced, and work often takes place in teams in operating rooms.