- Salary statistics
- Handball player
Handball player
44 100 - 44 900 kr / month
Pedagogiskt arbete
Salary progression Handball player
What does a handball player do? – Tasks and work environment
A handball player trains and competes professionally in handball, both at club level and sometimes in national teams. Tasks include daily physical training, tactical reviews, participating in matches and tournaments, as well as recovery and rehabilitation. The profession requires presence at training camps, travel to away games, and close collaboration with coaches, medical teams, and teammates. The work environment is high-intensity and physical, with a strong emphasis on team spirit, discipline, and the ability to perform under pressure.
Salary development over time
The salary for handball players has increased noticeably in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,926 kronor per month, which rose to 41 300 kronor in 2023 and reached 44 900 kronor in 2024. This represents a total increase of about 40% over three years, with the largest percentage growth occurring between 2022 and 2023. This development reflects increased interest in handball in Sweden, improved sponsorship deals, and greater commercialization of the sport. Additionally, elite clubs' increased investments in international players and larger TV rights have contributed to rising salaries, especially for top-tier players.
Handball player salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 44 900 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data unavailable
- Hourly wage: 270 SEK/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
- Gender differences: Specific data on men and women is unavailable
- Regional differences: Data unavailable
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a professional handball player often starts early, with talent identification and long-term training being key factors. Formal education is uncommon, but many choose to combine high school studies with sports-oriented programs and specialized handball training. Practical experience from youth teams, district teams, and later elite clubs is crucial for reaching a professional level.
- Sports high school: 3 years, often with a focus on handball
- Specialized handball camps: Courses and training led by elite coaches
- Early club membership: Youth teams from age 7–8
- Practical/Development teams: Gradual progression through junior and farm teams
- Physical and mental training: Self-study and individual development outside team training
Many handball players have parallel careers outside of sports, such as in education or business. This is common since the active sports career rarely lasts longer than 10–15 years at the elite level.
Common benefits and compensations
Professional handball players are often offered benefits such as match-winning bonuses, wellness allowances, insurance, and access to medical support. Other common compensations include sponsorship contracts, performance-based bonuses, and educational support to facilitate career transitions after sports.
Competition and challenges
The competition within handball is tough, especially at the elite level where the number of positions is limited and performance demands are high. Injuries are a constant risk and can quickly impact both career and income. Most players also have to manage contract uncertainties, club changes, and future financial security. Success requires a combination of physical endurance, mental strength, and resilience to setbacks. The rapid development of the sport means players must continually improve their technique and game understanding to maintain their place on the team.
Tips for aspiring handball players
To succeed as a handball player, strong discipline and clear goals are important, as consistent training and recovery are crucial. Endurance and patience are needed to handle both successes and setbacks over time. Good team spirit facilitates cooperation on and off the court, and listening to coaches' instructions can significantly influence development. It’s also vital to work on physical strength and learn about injury prevention training. Networking within handball and seizing opportunities for extra training or matches increase the chances of being noticed by larger clubs. Finally, combining sports with education or work provides a solid foundation for a secure future after the active career.
Key facts about handball players
- Education level: Sports high school or equivalent, often supplemented with specialized training
- Work environment: Indoor arenas, high physical demands, and competition settings
- Work form: Team sport, often with international matches and travel
- Demand: 434 job openings in 2024
- Special skills: Tactical understanding, physical and mental endurance
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a professional handball player, roles such as team captain, assistant coach, or youth coach may become relevant. Many also choose further education in sports-related fields like physiotherapy, coaching, or sports management. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, competition remains high at the elite level, but there are good opportunities for players willing to change clubs, countries, or focus on education alongside their sport. The profession attracts many young people, but the physical demands and limited active career length make parallel career paths and education important for long-term security.
Common questions about handball players
- What is the average salary of a handball player?
- The average salary is 44 900 kronor per month for a professional handball player. - How does one become a top-level handball player?
- The path often goes through sports high schools, youth teams, and gradual progression to elite clubs. - How long is a handball player's career?
- Most have an active career at the elite level for 10–15 years, depending on health and injuries. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Specific data on gender differences is lacking, but generally salary disparities may occur within the sport. - What are the biggest challenges for handball players?
- Competition for positions, injury risks, and contract uncertainties are some of the major challenges. - What benefits are often included in the profession?
- Common benefits include bonuses, insurance, wellness allowances, and access to medical support. - What is the job market like for handball players?
- There are 434 job openings within the profession, but competition is high at the elite level.
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 Handball player has the SSYK code 3421, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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