- Salary statistics
- Car driver, competition
Car driver, competition
44 100 - 44 900 kr / month
Pedagogiskt arbete
Salary progression Car driver, competition
What does a racing driver do? – Tasks and working environment
A racing driver is responsible for operating competition vehicles at the highest possible level, often under extreme conditions, with a strong focus on precision, reaction ability, and technical understanding. Tasks include driving during races, test runs, preparatory training, and collaborating with mechanics, engineers, and team leaders to optimize vehicle performance. The working environment is diverse and can involve modern race tracks, challenging rally stages, or city races, often with high safety requirements and significant performance pressure.
Salary development over time
Salaries for racing drivers have shown a noticeable increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,926 SEK per month, which increased to 41 300 SEK in 2023 and reached 44 900 SEK in 2024. This development corresponds to a total salary increase of approximately 40% during the period. Behind this trend is an increased demand for professional racing drivers, higher sponsor revenues in motorsport, and a professionalization of the industry, where technical knowledge and specialized training are becoming increasingly important. More competitions and growing interest from the public and industry have further elevated salary levels.
Racing driver salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 44 900 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 31,926 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 44 900 SEK/month
- Hourly rate: 270 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: No separate data for men or women
- Regional differences: Not specified
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a racing driver is often individual and can start at a young age through go-karting or similar youth competitions. Formal education is uncommon, but racing licenses, advanced driving training, and technical understanding are essential for success. Practical experience and a broad network within motorsport are highly valued, as is the ability to attract sponsors and collaborate with teams.
- Racing license: Required and obtained through national or international motorsport organizations
- Advanced driving training: Specialized courses for racing and rally
- Experience: From youth series, go-karting, or as a test driver
- Technical knowledge: Understanding of vehicles and safety systems
- Networking: Contacts in the industry are often crucial for career start
Many professional racing drivers start their careers in childhood through go-karting or local motorsport, which not only develops driving skills but also builds important industry relationships. Understanding teamwork and strategy is often just as important as the driving itself in a racing situation.
Common benefits and compensations
Racing drivers often have access to benefits beyond their base salary, such as sponsorship deals, performance bonuses, travel allowances, and access to technically advanced vehicles. Some teams also offer insurance, personal training support, and opportunities to compete internationally, providing a broad and stimulating workday.
Competition and challenges
The competition in racing is very intense, and the number of positions at the professional level is limited. Besides performing at the top, significant financial support or sponsorship is often needed to get started in the career. Risk of injury and high pressure are constant factors, requiring mental strength and resilience. New technical solutions and increased safety demands continuously challenge drivers, while the path to the most prestigious races is long and requires perseverance.
Tips for aspiring racing drivers
To succeed as a racing driver, it is good to develop patience and a strong desire to train regularly, as continuous practice is essential for refining skills. Building a network within motorsport can open doors to new opportunities, and a strong competitive instinct helps maintain motivation during setbacks. Technical interest is also important, as understanding the car's functions and collaborating with mechanics can influence race results. Being resilient under pressure is an advantage, as racing often involves intense moments requiring quick decisions. Finally, humility and team spirit facilitate collaboration with the team, which is crucial for long-term success.
Key facts about Racing Drivers
- Education level: Racing license and specialized driving training
- Work environment: International racing circuits and varied environments
- Demand: 434 job openings within the profession
- Employment type: Project-based or seasonal employment
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the industry, a racing driver can advance to more prestigious teams, participate in international championships, or take on roles as a test driver or instructor. Opportunities also exist to transition into technical roles within motorsport or work on developing new racing vehicles. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, demand remains stable, with numerous available positions and good prospects for advancement for those who build experience and networks. The future looks bright for dedicated drivers willing to invest time and resources into their careers.
Frequently asked questions about Racing Drivers
- What does a racing driver earn?
- The average salary is 44 900 SEK per month, with an hourly rate of 270 SEK. - What education is required to become a racing driver?
- A racing license from motorsport organizations and advanced driving training are central requirements. - What is the working environment like for a racing driver?
- It varies between racing circuits, rally stages, and international competitions, often with high safety standards. - Are there good future prospects in this profession?
- Yes, demand is considered stable with several available positions within the profession. - What personal qualities are important?
- Competitiveness, technical interest, stress resilience, and team spirit are crucial. - How quickly can the salary increase?
- Salary development has been strong in recent years, with an increase of about 40% over three years.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 37700 kr | 38100 kr | |
| Snitt | 44100 kr | 44900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 37700 kr | 38100 kr | |
| Snitt | 44100 kr | 44900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 37700 kr | 38100 kr | |
| Snitt | 44100 kr | 44900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 39900 kr | 40500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 39900 kr | 40500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 39900 kr | 40500 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 Car driver, competition has the SSYK code 3421, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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