Occupational medicine

What does an occupational physician do? – Tasks and work environment

An occupational physician is a specialist doctor focusing on work-related health and medical issues connected to work life and the environment. The main work involves investigating, diagnosing, and treating health problems arising in the work environment, as well as working preventively with employers and employees. The role also includes conducting medical assessments during rehabilitation, participating in occupational health investigations, and advising on workplace adjustments. The work environment is often clinical but can also include interventions at workplaces, authorities, and companies, which requires flexibility and good communication skills.

Salary development over time

The salary development for occupational physicians has been steadily positive over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 86,400 SEK per month, which increased to 92 200 SEK in 2023 and has further risen to 93 600 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 8.3% over the period, with a particularly clear rise between 2022 and 2023. This trend reflects an increased demand for specialist doctors in occupational medicine, with the job market characterized by a shortage of qualified personnel. The salary increase also follows the general trend among specialist doctors and reflects the high educational requirements of the profession and the growing need for expertise in work environment and health.

Occupational physician 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 (men 94 300 SEK, women 92 900 SEK)
• Regional differences: Data on regional differences is limited, but variations occur depending on employer and county.

Education and qualifications

Becoming an occupational physician requires a long and specialized education in medicine. First, a medical degree and license are needed, followed by specialist training in occupational and environmental medicine. In addition to formal education, experience in clinical work and further training in occupational health issues are often demanded. To succeed in the role, good teamwork skills and an interest in the complex relationship between work life and health are also important.

• Medical degree: 5.5 years at university/college
• Internship (AT): About 1.5–2 years
• Specialist training (ST) in occupational and environmental medicine: About 5 years
• Further training: Courses in occupational medicine, rehabilitation, and environmental medicine
• Prerequisites: University eligibility, good grades in science subjects

Common benefits and compensations

Occupational physicians are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, extra vacation days, wellness allowances, and opportunities for professional development. Many employers also provide access to flexible working hours, health insurance, and support for further training. In some cases, company cars, bonuses, or additional compensation for on-call duties may be available, especially in the public sector.

Competition and challenges

The job market for occupational physicians is characterized by high demand and a paradoxical recruitment situation, where there is a shortage of qualified specialists alongside some workforce turnover. Challenges include high demands on medical competence, ongoing continuing education, and the ability to handle complex work environment issues. Workload can be high, especially during periods of extensive occupational health investigations or large corporate health projects. Additionally, the profession requires good communication and teamwork skills, as work often involves teamwork and interaction with various stakeholders within and outside organizations.

Tips for those who want to become occupational physicians

To succeed as an occupational physician, it is good to combine analytical skills with a genuine interest in work life and health. Being attentive and able to communicate effectively with both employees and employers is important, as much of the work involves advising and collaboration. Patience and perseverance through the long educational path are crucial, while flexibility facilitates adaptation to different work environments and projects. A systematic approach and the ability to see the big picture help in investigations and assessments, while a continuous learning attitude makes it easier to stay updated in the field. Lastly, strong teamwork skills are highly valued, as the profession often involves cross-disciplinary work.

Key facts about Occupational Physicians

• Education level: Specialist doctor degree (at least 12 years including internship and specialist training)
• Work environment: Clinical and consulting, often within corporate health or hospitals
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment and increasing need
• Common work form: Full-time, often daytime but some on-call work may occur
• Special knowledge: Occupational medicine, rehabilitation, risk assessment

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an occupational physician, there are opportunities to take greater responsibility within operational management, development projects, or research in occupational medicine. Experienced occupational physicians often become medically responsible doctors or take roles as managers within corporate health services and authorities. According to the Swedish Employment Agency’s forecast, the job market for specialist doctors, including occupational physicians, is very good with many opportunities for employment and increased demand over the next five years. There are also good opportunities for international assignments and consulting within the field. The occupational group reports 375 job openings, further confirming the strong demand for expertise.

Common questions about Occupational Physicians

• What does an occupational physician earn?
  – The average salary for an occupational physician is 93 600 SEK per month.
• What are the gender differences in occupational physician salaries?
  – Women earn on average 98% of what men do, which corresponds to 92 900 SEK and 94 300 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become an occupational physician?
  – A medical degree, license, and specialist training in occupational and environmental medicine are required.
• What is the job market like for occupational physicians?
  – The job market is very good with great opportunities for employment and increasing demand in the coming years.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for occupational physicians?
  – The highest salary for a man is 110,600 SEK and for a woman 101,500 SEK. The lowest salary for men is 84,600 SEK and for women 91,200 SEK.
• What are common work environments for occupational physicians?
  – Most work within corporate health services, hospitals, or government agencies, often in clinical or consulting roles.
• What is the hourly wage for occupational physicians?
  – The average for hourly workers is 563 SEK per hour.