- Salary statistics
- Thoracic Surgeon salary
Thoracic Surgeon salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
89 800 - 117 800 SEK / month
Women earn 99% of what men do.
Hälso- & sjukvård
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Salary progression 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 93 600 SEK, corresponding to a rise of just over 6.7%. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 98 000 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: 98 000 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 99% of men's salary (97 300 SEK/month vs. 98 700 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
Thoracic surgery is one of the most technically advanced and fastest-developing surgical fields, with continuous innovations such as robot-assisted heart surgery. The rapid development means that continuous learning and adaptability are crucial for success in the profession.
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: 98 000 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 99% 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 98 000 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 99% 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.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 80100 kr | 84700 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 85700 kr | 90300 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 96600 kr | 101800 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 98300 kr | 102700 kr |
| 65-68 | 97% | 103100 kr | 105900 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 93300 kr | 98000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 80400 kr | 85800 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 85900 kr | 91400 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 94500 kr | 100700 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 99500 kr | 104800 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 103400 kr | 106700 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 92900 kr | 98500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 94% | 90400 kr | 91800 kr |
| 45-54 | 91% | 96300 kr | 97300 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 99500 kr | 103200 kr |
| 65-68 | 73% | 125700 kr | 128000 kr |
| Snitt | 87% | 97800 kr | 99800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 80400 kr | 85900 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 85800 kr | 91400 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 94500 kr | 100700 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 99500 kr | 104800 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 102900 kr | 106200 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 92900 kr | 98500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 119% | 84900 kr | 85600 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 106600 kr | 107300 kr |
| 55-64 | 93200 kr | 94100 kr | |
| Snitt | 113% | 94900 kr | 95600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 119% | 84900 kr | 85600 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 106600 kr | 107300 kr |
| 55-64 | 93200 kr | 94100 kr | |
| Snitt | 113% | 94900 kr | 95600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 80600 kr | 85900 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 84600 kr | 89900 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 96700 kr | 103600 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 97500 kr | 102900 kr |
| 65-68 | 97% | 104200 kr | 107300 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 93100 kr | 98700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 80700 kr | 86900 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 86400 kr | 93200 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 95300 kr | 103200 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 100100 kr | 106600 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 105100 kr | 109100 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 94000 kr | 100900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 94% | 92700 kr | 95900 kr |
| 45-54 | 91% | 101600 kr | 104600 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 103700 kr | 108600 kr |
| 65-68 | 73% | 138500 kr | 141900 kr |
| Snitt | 87% | 105600 kr | 109300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 80700 kr | 86900 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 86300 kr | 93200 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 95200 kr | 103200 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 100000 kr | 106500 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 104400 kr | 108300 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 93900 kr | 100800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 119% | 79000 kr | 79400 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 105700 kr | 106400 kr |
| Snitt | 113% | 89200 kr | 89800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 119% | 79000 kr | 79400 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 105700 kr | 106400 kr |
| Snitt | 113% | 89200 kr | 89800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 79600 kr | 83400 kr |
| 35-44 | 101% | 86700 kr | 90600 kr |
| 45-54 | 97% | 96600 kr | 100400 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 99100 kr | 102500 kr |
| 65-68 | 97% | 101200 kr | 103600 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 93500 kr | 97300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 80100 kr | 84600 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 85400 kr | 90000 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 93900 kr | 98500 kr |
| 55-64 | 96% | 98900 kr | 102800 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 100900 kr | 103100 kr |
| Snitt | 95% | 92000 kr | 96300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 94% | 89200 kr | 89800 kr |
| 45-54 | 91% | 94600 kr | 95000 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 96400 kr | 99300 kr |
| 65-68 | 73% | 103500 kr | 103900 kr |
| Snitt | 87% | 93800 kr | 94800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 97% | 80200 kr | 84700 kr |
| 35-44 | 97% | 85400 kr | 90000 kr |
| 45-54 | 96% | 93800 kr | 98600 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 99000 kr | 102900 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 100800 kr | 103100 kr |
| Snitt | 96% | 91900 kr | 96300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 119% | 93100 kr | 94100 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 107100 kr | 107800 kr |
| 55-64 | 99900 kr | 101100 kr | |
| Snitt | 113% | 100600 kr | 101600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 119% | 93100 kr | 94100 kr |
| 45-54 | 101% | 107100 kr | 107800 kr |
| 55-64 | 99900 kr | 101100 kr | |
| Snitt | 113% | 100600 kr | 101600 kr |
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 Thoracic Surgeon has the SSYK code 2211, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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