Urologist

What does a urologist do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A urologist is a specialist doctor focusing on diseases of the urinary tract and male reproductive organs. Tasks include diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients with everything from urinary tract infections to cancers of the urinary system or prostate. The urologist often works with both surgical and medical methods, which means the work environment varies between outpatient care, surgeries, and emergency interventions at hospitals. Contact with patients occurs both in planned and urgent situations, requiring high accuracy, communication skills, and the ability to make quick decisions.

Salary development over time

The salary for urologists has shown stable and positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 86,400 SEK per month, increasing to 92 200 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the trend continued upward to 93 600 SEK per month. The total increase during this period amounts to approximately 8.3%, which is a relatively strong salary growth compared to many other healthcare professions. The increase can be explained by continued high demand for specialists, skill shortages, and increased requirements for advanced medical knowledge. Urologists belong to a professional group where competition for qualified personnel drives up wages, especially in regions with low access to specialists.

Urologist 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: 563 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 98% of what men do (92 900 SEK/month vs 94 300 SEK/month)
• Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on region and employer, with higher levels in metropolitan areas and public sector.

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a urologist is long and requires both in-depth theoretical knowledge and extensive practical experience. First, a medical degree is required, followed by specialist training in urology. The education includes theoretical studies, practical training, and continuous professional development to stay updated on medical advances and new treatment methods.

• Medical degree: 6 years at university (medical license)
• Internship (AT): 18–24 months
• Specialist training (ST) in urology: 5 years
• Practical training and supervision: Extensive hospital practice during education
• Continuing education: Ongoing participation in courses and conferences for specialists
• Prerequisites: Approved grades in science subjects for admission to medical programs

Common benefits and compensations

Urologists are often offered generous benefits such as occupational pension, extra vacation days, wellness allowances, professional development, and opportunities for research within their employment. Access to modern equipment, flexible working hours, and good opportunities for further education are also common in the profession.

Competition and challenges

The competition for specialist doctors in urology remains high, and many regions report difficulties in recruiting enough qualified personnel. High workload and the need for ongoing training can be challenging, as well as balancing clinical work, administration, and research. Urologists also need to handle ethically difficult situations, complex patient cases, and sometimes uncertainty regarding diagnosis and treatment. The work environment can be strained by staff shortages, and high demands are placed on both medical skill and teamwork.

Tips for aspiring urologists

To succeed as a urologist, it is good to combine analytical skills with a genuine interest in surgery and patient contact. Precision and stress resilience are important qualities, as the workday often involves quick decisions and complex procedures. Curiosity and a focus on continuous learning are also advantageous, as technological and medical advances quickly change work methods in urology. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues and patients, and a humble attitude to learning from experiences provides the best conditions for long-term success. Early internships and mentorships in the field can provide valuable insights and create important networks for the future.

Key facts about Urologist

• Education level: Medical degree + specialist training (at least 12 years total)
• Work environment: Hospitals, clinics, and operating rooms
• Typical work pattern: Full-time, often daytime but also on-call duties
• Demand: Very high, especially in larger cities and university regions
• Special skills: Surgery, diagnostics, and patient communication

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a urologist, there are opportunities to specialize further in areas such as urological oncology, pediatric urology, or reconstructive surgery. Roles as senior physician, researcher, or clinic director are common next steps. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that opportunities for employment as a specialist are large in the coming five years, and demand is expected to increase further. The recruitment situation is characterized by difficulties in finding qualified personnel, which suggests continued favorable conditions and good career opportunities. Currently, there are 375 job openings in the field, highlighting the need for new urologists in the job market.

Common questions about Urologist

• What does a urologist earn?
  - A urologist has an average salary of 93 600 SEK per month.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn 98% of what men do within the profession.
• How long is the training to become a urologist?
  - The training takes at least 12 years (medical degree, internship, and specialist training).
• What workplaces can a urologist work at?
  - Common workplaces include hospitals, private clinics, and university clinics.
• What are the future prospects?
  - Demand for urologists is expected to increase, and the job market is considered very good.
• What are the main challenges in the profession?
  - High workload, need for ongoing education, and complex patient cases are typical challenges.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a urologist?
  - The highest salary is 110,600 SEK and the lowest is 84,600 SEK per month.