- Salary statistics
- Footballer
Footballer
44 100 - 44 900 kr / month
Pedagogiskt arbete
Salary progression Footballer
What does a football player do? – Tasks and work environment
A football player trains and competes at an elite level, both individually and in teams, to perform at the highest possible level within the sport. Tasks include regular physical training, tactical preparation, participation in matches, as well as attending press conferences and sponsor events. The profession often involves travel, varying working hours, and a high physical and mental pace. The work environment includes both indoor and outdoor activities, and players work closely with coaches, medical staff, and other team members to optimize performance and prevent injuries.
Salary development over time
The salary for football players has changed significantly in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,926 kronor per month, which increased to 41 300 kronor in 2023 and further to 44 900 kronor in 2024. This represents an increase of approximately 40% over a three-year period, which is considerably higher than many other professions. The rapid salary growth can partly be explained by increased commercial interest in Swedish football, more TV rights, and higher audience revenues. Additionally, competition for talent has increased, pushing salaries higher among the most prominent players. However, salary distribution varies greatly, with the highest salaries often found in the biggest clubs and international leagues.
Football player salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 44 900 kr/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Varies greatly depending on club and level
- Hourly wage: 270 kr
- Gender differences: We lack salary data specifically for men, we lack salary data specifically for women
- Regional differences: Salary levels vary between regions and clubs, with higher salaries in larger cities and elite clubs
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a football player often starts at a young age through club sports and specialized football high schools. Formal educational requirements are absent, but many combine high school education with sports specialization and participate in club academies. Physical ability, game understanding, and team spirit are crucial for success, and many players also have opportunities for internships through trial matches or trainee periods in larger clubs.
- Football high school: 3 years at high school level with sports specialization
- Club’s academy program: Varies in length, often starting from a young age
- Trial/trainee: Opportunities for internships in elite clubs
- Prerequisites: Good physical capacity and game understanding
- Tips: Early club start and continuous training are recommended
Many football players develop strong leadership skills and learn to handle pressure at a young age, which often becomes an asset even after their sports career. Experience from team play and international environments opens doors to careers in coaching, sports management, and media.
Common benefits and compensation
Football players often have access to benefits such as wellness allowances, health insurance, meal allowances, sponsorship contracts, and sometimes housing support. Travel, training camps, and equipment are usually paid for by the club, and some players have bonus agreements linked to performance and team results.
Competition and challenges
The competition within professional football is very fierce, with many young players vying for a limited number of spots at the elite level. Injuries, loss of form, and contract uncertainties are common challenges. Only a small proportion reach the top leagues and very high salaries, while many combine sports with other employment. Job security is often low, with short-term contracts and high demands for continuous development and performance. Handling media and public pressure becomes a natural part of daily life for those who want to succeed in the profession.
Tips for those who want to become a football player
To succeed as a football player, it is good to develop discipline and goal-orientedness early, as training and performance require continuous effort over several years. Endurance and patience are important, as the road to the elite level is often marked by setbacks and tough competition. Working on team spirit and communication skills strengthens both on-field cooperation and relationships with coaches and teammates. Flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to new tactics and roles are valuable in daily work. Finally, taking care of physical and mental health through good routines and recovery creates the foundation for a long and sustainable career.
Key facts about Football Players
- Education level: No formal requirements, but often football high school or club academy
- Work environment: Outdoors and indoors, often travel and irregular hours
- Typical employment: Employment with club, often fixed-term contracts
- Demand: 434 job openings within the profession in Sweden
- Special skills: Tactics, physical capacity, game understanding
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, football players can advance to team captain, become key players in their club, or get opportunities to play abroad. Many continue into coaching roles, scouting, sports management, or media work after their active career. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, competition remains high, but the number of job postings (434 available jobs) indicates ongoing demand, especially in larger clubs and youth levels. Future prospects are influenced by club finances, audience interest, and developments within Swedish and international football. Opportunities increase with good performances, networks, and self-marketing skills.
Frequently asked questions about Football Players
- What does a football player earn?
- A football player has an average salary of 44 900 kronor per month in Sweden. - How do you become a football player?
- The path often goes via football high schools, club academies, and trial matches in clubs. - Is education required to become a football player?
- There are no formal educational requirements, but sports-oriented high schools and academies are common. - What is the work environment like for football players?
- The work environment is characterized by physical activity, travel, and varying working hours. - What benefits does a football player receive?
- Common benefits include wellness allowances, health insurance, and sponsorship contracts. - Are there salary differences between regions?
- Yes, salaries are often higher in larger cities and elite clubs compared to smaller towns. - What career options are available after an active playing career?
- Coaching, sports management, scouting, and media work are common paths.
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 Footballer has the SSYK code 3421, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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