How much does a Football referee make

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Football referee

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 Football referee

Average salary 34 900 kr
Males 35 700 kr
Females 34 200 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 115 Vacant jobs ->

What does a football referee do? – Tasks and work environment

A football referee is responsible for leading and supervising football matches at various levels, from youth leagues to elite matches. Tasks include following and applying the rules, making quick decisions under pressure, managing players and coaches, and ensuring the match is conducted fairly and safely. The work is usually outdoors on football fields and involves both physical and mental exertion. Referees often work evenings and weekends and travel regularly to different venues, which requires flexibility and good physical condition.

Salary development over time

Football referees have experienced stable salary growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,300 SEK per month, increasing to 34 100 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the salary has continued to rise to 34 900 SEK, which represents an increase of approximately 4.8% over the period. This positive trend is linked to increased demand for referees as Swedish football grows and more matches are played at various levels. Union negotiations and investments in referee training have also positively influenced salary development. Despite the increase, salary levels remain relatively uniform across the country, although some regional differences may occur depending on the level and region.

Football referee salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 34 900 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 27,300 SEK/month (men), 28,000 SEK/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 39,000 SEK/month (men), 36,600 SEK/month (women)
  • Hourly wage: 210 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 96% of what men do (men 35 700 SEK, women 34 200 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Slight variations, but higher salaries in metropolitan areas and at elite levels

Education and qualifications

To work as a football referee, completion of referee training through the Swedish Football Association is generally required, often combined with practical experience from playing or officiating at lower levels. Formal education is not mandatory, but courses, certifications, and further training are important for advancement. Many start as assistant referees and progress to higher levels through additional training and good performance.

  • Basic referee course: 1–2 days, arranged by the football association
  • Advanced training/certification: Annual refresher courses for different levels
  • Practical experience: Match officiating at youth and district levels
  • Prerequisites: Basic football knowledge and good physical ability
  • Tip: Engagement in local clubs provides valuable experience and networks

Many football referees have a background as players, which provides a deeper understanding of the game and players' perspectives. This experience can be a significant advantage in interpreting situations on the field and often leads to increased respect from both players and coaches.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Referees often receive reimbursement for travel and per diems for matches outside their hometown. Other common benefits include free or subsidized referee equipment, access to training facilities, and opportunities for further education and certifications funded by the association. Larger matches or tournaments may also include higher match fees and bonuses.

Competition and challenges

Competition for refereeing assignments is often intense at higher levels, where experience and good references are crucial to securing the most attractive matches. At the same time, there is a shortage of trained referees at lower levels, which can provide faster career progression for those committed and eager to develop. Challenges in the profession include not only physical endurance but also managing stressful situations, sometimes facing harsh criticism, and making impartial decisions under time pressure. Continuing development and staying updated on rule changes are essential for long-term success.

Tips for those who want to become a football referee

To succeed as a football referee, it is important to combine high stress tolerance with the ability to make quick decisions under pressure. Attention to detail is a key trait, as referees must monitor rules and situations throughout the match. Being communicative and clear in leadership helps prevent conflicts and fosters respect on the field. Engagement in local football, such as officiating youth matches, provides valuable experience and networks that can lead to more and larger assignments. Physical endurance and regular training are necessary because referees often run several kilometers per match. Flexibility and willingness to work evenings and weekends are also crucial, as matches rarely occur during regular office hours. Finally, maintaining an open attitude to feedback and a desire for continuous improvement are vital for long-term career development.

Key facts about football referees

  • Education level: Basic course via football association, annual refresher courses
  • Work environment: Outdoors, often evenings and weekends
  • Work form: Hourly or assignment-based
  • Demand: 434 job openings in the profession according to latest data
  • Special skills: Deep rule knowledge and good physical ability

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a football referee, opportunities include advancing to higher divisions or specializing as assistant referees, fourth officials, or referee observers. Those demonstrating particular skill may receive assignments in national elite leagues or international matches. According to the Swedish Employment Service, future prospects are good, especially due to the ongoing shortage of trained referees in Swedish sports. The profession also offers opportunities to take on leadership roles within referee education or work administratively within sports associations. With a few years of experience, it also becomes easier to combine refereeing with other roles in sports or education.

Common questions about football referees

  • What does a football referee earn?
    - The average salary is 34 900 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 210 SEK.
  • How do you become a football referee?
    - It requires completed referee training through the football association and match practice at lower levels.
  • Are there differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn 96% of what men do, with an average salary of 34 200 SEK compared to men's 35 700 SEK.
  • What are the working hours of a football referee?
    - Work often takes place in evenings and on weekends, involving travel to different arenas.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - Demand is good with 434 job openings and opportunities for advancement.
  • Do you need to be physically fit?
    - Yes, good stamina and endurance are required since referees run a lot during matches.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries?
    - Highest salary is 39,000 SEK (men), 36,600 SEK (women). Lowest salary is 27,300 SEK (men), 28,000 SEK (women).

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-11 02:06:21

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Football referee 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 Football referee 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 Football referee has the SSYK code 3422, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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