How much does a Elite judges make

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Elite judges

34 900 kr

Sports trainers and instructors etc.

27 300 - 39 000 kr / month

Women earn 96% of what men do.

Pedagogiskt arbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Elite judges

Average salary 34 900 kr
Males 35 700 kr
Females 34 200 kr
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What does an Elite Referee do? – Tasks and work environment

Elite referees are responsible for leading and overseeing competitions at the highest national and international levels within sports. The work involves interpreting and applying rules, making quick and impartial decisions, and ensuring matches are conducted fairly and safely. Elite referees often work in teams with assistant referees and are in constant contact with players, coaches, and officials. The work environment is physically demanding and varies from arenas and sports halls to outdoor venues, often under pressurized and public conditions.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, Elite referees have experienced stable salary growth. In 2022, the average salary was 33,300 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 34 100 SEK in 2023 and further to 34 900 SEK in 2024. This represents a total salary increase of approximately 4.8% during the period. The salary increase has been slightly higher than inflation and reflects an increased demand for qualified referees as sports become more professionalized. The market's need for experienced referees and a growing number of matches at the elite level have contributed to this positive trend.

Elite referee salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 34 900 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 27,300 SEK/month (male, private sector, up to 2-year gymnasium education)
  • Highest salary: 39,000 SEK/month (male, private sector, up to 2-year gymnasium education)
  • Highest salary (female): 36,600 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary (female): 28,000 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 210 SEK/hour
  • Gender pay gap: Women earn 96% of what men do (women: 34 200 SEK, men: 35 700 SEK)

Education and qualifications

To work as an Elite Referee, a combination of extensive practical experience from lower levels and completed training within the sports federation framework is usually required. The educational path is often stepwise and includes both theoretical and practical components, such as physical tests and regular refresher courses. It is crucial to stay updated on rule changes and refereeing techniques.

  • Referee training via sports federation: Basic and advanced courses in multiple stages
  • Certification: Approved national and sometimes international referee exams
  • Practical experience: Several years of experience in lower divisions
  • Physical tests: Regular fitness tests and medical check-ups
  • Continuing education: Ongoing courses and rule updates

Many elite referees combine their officiating duties with other work or studies, especially in sports where refereeing is seasonal. The flexibility to manage multiple roles requires good planning skills and stamina.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Elite referees are often reimbursed for travel and accommodation related to matches, as well as per diems for longer assignments. In addition to the base salary, bonuses may be paid for international matches and special tournaments. Many employers also provide insurance and regular health checks as part of employment terms.

Competition and challenges

The competition for the most attractive assignments in elite refereeing is high, as the number of positions is limited and performance and impartiality requirements are strict. The demands for physical and mental sharpness mean constant pressure to perform at the top, while referees often have to handle criticism from players, coaches, and the public. Another challenge is staying updated on rule changes and acting quickly and correctly under pressure. The referee's role is often exposed, requiring integrity and stress management skills.

Tips for those who want to become an Elite Referee

To succeed as an Elite Referee, it is good to combine attentiveness and decisiveness with a genuine interest in sports rules and development. It is recommended to get involved in officiating at the local level early to build experience and create a network within the sport. Continuing education and participating in referee meetings demonstrate commitment and increase the chances of being selected for larger matches. Physical endurance is essential, so regular training should be a natural part of daily life. The ability to communicate clearly and handle conflicts professionally is also crucial for advancing to an elite level.

Key facts about Elite Referees

  • Educational level: Stepwise referee training via sports federation
  • Work environment: Arenas, sports halls, and outdoor venues
  • Typical work form: Seasonal, often combined with other work
  • Demand: 434 job openings within the profession according to latest data
  • Special skills: Rule knowledge, physical endurance, and conflict resolution

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an Elite Referee, opportunities may open for international assignments, instructor roles, or mentoring younger referees. Some choose to specialize in specific sports or work with referee training within federations. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate continued stable demand, especially in major sports where the number of matches and events is increasing. Roles can develop into leadership positions within referee organizations or federations, where experience at the elite level is highly valued.

Frequently asked questions about Elite Referees

  • What does an Elite Referee earn?
    - An Elite Referee has an average salary of 34 900 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience, gender, and employment type.
  • How do you become an Elite Referee?
    - The path involves referee training through sports federation courses, practical experience at lower levels, and passing a referee exam.
  • What are the biggest challenges for Elite Referees?
    - High competition, demands for physical and mental sharpness, and the ability to handle pressured situations.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 96% of what men do within the profession.
  • What benefits are offered to Elite Referees?
    - Common benefits include travel allowances, per diems, insurance, and health check-ups.
  • What are the future outlooks?
    - Demand is stable with several hundred job openings within the profession, especially in major sports.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 11:35:19

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Elite judges is 39000 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Private sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 36600 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Elite judges is 27300 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 28000 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 108% 25500 kr 27800 kr
25-34 90% 32100 kr 33000 kr
35-44 92% 37400 kr 37900 kr
45-54 103% 38800 kr 39200 kr
55-64 100% 38300 kr 39100 kr
Snitt 96% 33900 kr 34900 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 Elite judges has the SSYK code 3422, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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