How much does a Handball referee make

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Handball referee

34 900 kr

Sports trainers and instructors etc.

27 300 - 39 000 kr / month

Women earn 96% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Handball referee

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

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

A handball referee is responsible for leading and overseeing matches at various levels, from youth teams to elite leagues. Tasks include applying the rules, making quick and impartial decisions, and managing situations with players, coaches, and spectators. The referee must be constantly attentive, have good physical condition, and communicate clearly. The work environment is often dynamic and challenging, with matches that can be intense and require quick adjustments. Work is usually conducted in sports halls, sometimes involving travel to different locations depending on the match schedule and competition level.

Salary development over time

The salary for handball referees has shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,300 SEK, increasing to 34 100 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has further risen to 34 900 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 4.8% over the three-year period. The driving factors behind this development include increased demand for qualified referees, growing interest in handball nationally, and efforts to improve working conditions and attract more people to the profession. The salary trend also reflects greater professionalism within the sport, where the referee role has gained more significance and status.

Handball 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 (average): 210 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 96% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Data varies, but metropolitan areas tend to offer slightly higher salaries

Education and qualifications

To work as a handball referee, no university degree is required, but completion of referee training through the Swedish Handball Federation is necessary. The training includes both theoretical and practical components, focusing on rule knowledge and match management under supervision. Many start officiating at youth levels and progress to higher leagues over time.

  • Referee training via the Swedish Handball Federation: Basic and advanced courses, usually 1–2 days
  • Certifications: Ongoing education and license renewal required for higher levels
  • Practical experience: Match officiating under the supervision of experienced referees
  • Prerequisites: Often a background as a player or handball experience is recommended
  • Tips: Engagement in a local handball club can facilitate entry into refereeing

Many referees develop impressive skills in handling stressful situations and communicating clearly, even during strong emotional outbursts on the court. These skills can be invaluable outside sports and are highly valued by employers in other industries.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Handball referees are often compensated for travel related to matches and sometimes receive per diems for away games. Some clubs or federations offer access to training facilities, further education courses, and mentorship opportunities with more experienced referees. Match fees vary depending on the level and geographic area.

Competition and challenges

The job market for handball referees is competitive, especially at higher levels where the number of matches and positions are limited. New referees often start at youth or district levels and work their way up through experience and training. One of the main challenges is managing criticism from players, coaches, and spectators, requiring mental strength and integrity. Physical endurance is also crucial, as handball matches are fast-paced, and referees must be constantly present. Working conditions can vary by region and club, and many referees combine the role with other employment.

Tips for aspiring handball referees

To succeed as a handball referee, it is helpful to have a strong sense of justice and decisiveness under pressure. Good communication skills assist in explaining decisions and managing discussions on the court, fostering respect from players and coaches. Flexibility is important, as matches may involve travel and varying working hours, and quick adaptation to different game situations is a valuable asset. Being attentive and detail-oriented makes it easier to interpret the rules correctly and act swiftly. Patience and a desire for continuous development are also essential, as the referee role requires both experience and ongoing training.

Key facts about handball referees

  • Education level: Referee training via the Swedish Handball Federation
  • Work environment: Sports halls and arenas, often during evening and weekend matches
  • Work form: Part-time, extra work, or alongside other employment
  • Demand: 434 available jobs within the profession according to the Swedish Employment Agency
  • Special skills: Rule knowledge and good physical condition

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a handball referee, there are opportunities to officiate at higher series such as the Swedish Allsvenskan or Elitserien, and even participate in international tournaments. Some referees become instructors or trainers for new referees within the Swedish Handball Federation. According to the Swedish Employment Agency, demand remains stable with 434 available jobs, indicating good future prospects for those establishing themselves in the role. Long-term, experience as a referee can also open doors to leadership roles within sports organizations or federations.

Frequently asked questions about handball referees

  • What does a handball referee earn?
    - A handball referee has an average salary of 34 900 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience and level.
  • What education is required to become a handball referee?
    - Referee training via the Swedish Handball Federation, often combined with practical experience and ongoing courses.
  • Are there gender differences in salary for handball referees?
    - Yes, women earn on average 96% of what men do within the profession.
  • What is the job market like for handball referees?
    - There is strong demand, with 434 available jobs according to current statistics.
  • What are the main challenges in the profession?
    - Managing stressful situations, criticism, and staying updated with rule changes are some of the main challenges.
  • Can you work full-time as a handball referee?
    - Most work part-time or alongside other employment, but at the elite level, full-time positions can exist.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-11 09:32:18

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Handball 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 Handball 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 Handball 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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