Referees, sports salary

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Referees, sports salary

36 900 SEK

Sports trainers and instructors etc.

Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.

28 500 - 40 800 SEK / month

Women earn 101% of what men do.

Pedagogiskt arbete

Average salary 36 900 SEK/month Monthly gross salary
Salary range 28 500 - 40 800 SEK Latest available range Data year 2025 Latest published dataset

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Salary trend About the role What does a sports referee do? – Tasks and working environment Salary development over time Sports referee salary – comprehensive overview Open jobs Related occupations About the data FAQ

Salary progression Referees, sports

Average salary 36 900 kr
Males 36 800 kr
Females 37 000 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 293 Vacant jobs ->

What does a sports referee do? – Tasks and working environment

A sports referee is responsible for leading matches, competitions, and sporting events according to current rules. Tasks include making quick and impartial decisions, handling questions from players and coaches, and ensuring that the game proceeds fairly and safely. The role requires constant attention, physical presence, and often working under pressure, especially during major events or high-stakes matches. The working environment varies from indoor halls to outdoor arenas and may involve travel within and outside Sweden depending on the sport's level and scope.

Salary development over time

The salary for sports referees has experienced steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,300 kronor per month. In 2023, it increased to 34 900 kronor, representing an increase of about 2.4%. In 2024, the average salary has reached 36 900 kronor, a further increase of just over 2.3% from the previous year. This salary trend reflects ongoing demand for qualified referees and can also be linked to increased education requirements and professionalization of the role. Regional and sport-specific variations exist, but the overall trend indicates slow and steady salary improvements, likely related to the growing importance of sports in society and increased demands for fairness and safety in competitions.

Sports referee salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 36 900 kr/month
  • Lowest salary: 27,300 kr/month (men), 28,000 kr/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 39,000 kr/month (men), 36,600 kr/month (women)
  • Hourly rate: 210 kr/hour
  • Gender differences: Women earn 101% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Some variation depending on sport and demand

Education and qualifications

To work as a sports referee, specific referee training organized by the respective sports federation is generally required. The training level varies depending on the sport and competition level, but often includes both theoretical and practical components and approved exams. Many start as assistant referees or at youth levels and advance through further training and experience. For some sports, online courses and continuing education are also available.

  • Basic referee training: 1–2 years depending on sport
  • Certification from sports federation: Mandatory for competition level
  • Practical experience: Supervised match officiating required
  • Continuing education: Recurring courses and seminars
  • Prerequisites: Often previous sports experience or engagement

Being a sports referee often involves handling pressured situations in front of large audiences and sometimes controversial decisions. Good communication skills and the ability to stay calm are therefore just as important as understanding the rules.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to the base salary, sports referees often receive allowances for travel and accommodation related to away matches and competitions. Some employers also offer wellness contributions, additional insurance, and opportunities for skills development and training grants. Sometimes, matches provide special fees or bonuses depending on the level of competition and the scope of assignments.

Competition and challenges

Competition for assignments as a sports referee can be high, especially at elite levels or within popular sports. Establishing oneself requires experience and a good reputation in the industry. Irregular working hours and exposure to criticism from players, coaches, and spectators are common. The physical and mental demands can be challenging, especially during tight match schedules and high expectations for fairness. At the same time, there are opportunities for those who are committed and willing to continue their education, as demand for qualified referees remains stable.

Tips for aspiring sports referees

To succeed as a sports referee, it is important to have a strong sense of fairness and integrity, as impartiality is crucial in the role. Being communicative and pedagogical facilitates contact with players and coaches, while the ability to handle stress and make quick decisions is essential for managing the pace of matches. It is recommended to start at lower levels and gradually build experience by taking on different types of assignments. Regularly updating oneself on rule changes and participating in continuing education enhances both competence and confidence. A strong interest in sports and good physical condition are also advantageous, as the work often involves long days and physical activity. Finally, patience and perseverance are key – reaching the most prestigious assignments requires goal-oriented effort and long-term engagement.

Key facts about sports referees

  • Education level: Basic referee training + certification
  • Work environment: Arenas, sports halls, outdoor fields
  • Typical employment: Hourly or task-based
  • Demand: 434 available jobs within the profession
  • Gender distribution: Women earn 101% of men's salary

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as a sports referee, there are opportunities to advance to higher competition levels, such as national or international refereeing, depending on sport and engagement. Some choose to further qualify as referee trainers or match delegates, while others may take on administrative roles within sports federations. Employment agencies project continued stable demand for referees, especially in youth and amateur sports, where the need for fairness and trained leaders is high. Developments within Swedish sports and increased efforts toward equality and inclusion may also create more opportunities in the long term.

Frequently asked questions about sports referees

  • What is the average salary of a sports referee?
    - A sports referee has an average monthly salary of 36 900 kronor.
  • What are the gender differences in salaries?
    - Women earn an average of 37 000 kronor, which is 101% of men's salary at 36 800 kronor.
  • What education is required to become a sports referee?
    - Basic referee training and certification from the relevant sports federation are required, often supplemented with practical experience.
  • How is the job market for sports referees?
    - There is stable demand and 434 available jobs within the profession according to recent data.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for sports referees?
    - The highest salary is 39,000 kronor for men and 36,600 kronor for women, while the lowest is 27,300 and 28,000 kronor respectively.
  • What personal qualities are important for a sports referee?
    - Integrity, stress resistance, communication skills, and good physical condition are key qualities.
  • How has the salary developed for sports referees?
    - Salaries have increased by approximately 2–2.5% per year over the past three years.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 08:16:28

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Referees, sports is 40800 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 38800 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Referees, sports is 28500 kr. Both men and women in this profession have the same lowest salary and work in the Privately employed workers.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 110% 28700 kr 31100 kr
25-34 101% 33800 kr 34400 kr
35-44 93% 38600 kr 39200 kr
45-54 103% 40000 kr 40500 kr
55-64 111% 38600 kr 39000 kr
65-68 40300 kr 40600 kr
Snitt 101% 36000 kr 36900 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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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 Referees, sports has the SSYK code 3422, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 390
Net salary
31 390
Taxes
11 718
Fees
12 582

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* Updated with 2026 taxes

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