How much does a Hockey referee make

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Hockey 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 Hockey referee

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

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

A hockey referee is responsible for enforcing the rules and ensuring fair play during ice hockey games. Tasks include leading the match, making quick decisions regarding rule violations, issuing penalties and goals, and communicating clearly with players and coaches. Referees often work in teams on the ice, and the work environment is physically demanding with high pace and rapid movements. Matches can be held at amateur or elite levels, which means varying workloads and hours, often in the evenings and on weekends.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the average salary for a hockey referee has increased steadily. In 2022, the average salary was 33,300 SEK per month, rising to 34 100 SEK in 2023, and further to 34 900 SEK in 2024. This development corresponds to an increase of just over 4.8% during the period. The salary increase reflects a growing demand for qualified referees but may also be due to higher requirements for training and experience in the profession. Variations in salary development can also be influenced by regional differences and the sector of the employer, with private employers often offering higher salaries than public ones. Despite a relatively stable influx of new referees, demand continues to be strong, contributing to positive salary growth.

Hockey 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: Salaries may vary depending on where in the country the work is performed, with slightly higher wages in metropolitan areas and for referees at higher levels.

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a hockey referee often begins with a basic referee training course organized by the Swedish Ice Hockey Association or a similar organization. The training combines theory and practice, providing knowledge about rules, match management, and physical requirements. To advance to higher levels, additional certifications and practical experience from matches at various levels are often required.

  • Basic referee training: 1–2 days or weekend course
  • Further training/certification: Progressively completed based on experience and number of matches officiated
  • Practice: Officiating youth and junior leagues to gain experience
  • Physical requirements: Good physical condition and regular testing
  • Prerequisites: Interest in ice hockey and basic understanding of the game

Being a hockey referee is not just about officiating matches – many referees build strong networks within the sport and develop leadership skills that are valuable outside the ice rink. Experience handling pressured situations and making quick decisions can open doors to other roles within sports.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Hockey referees often receive compensation for travel and accommodation for away games, as well as access to referee equipment and insurance covering potential injuries during matches. Some employers also offer wellness allowances and opportunities for further training through the ice hockey association or the employer.

Competition and challenges

The job market for hockey referees is competitive, especially at the elite level where the number of positions is limited. Challenges in the profession include high pace, physical endurance requirements, and the ability to handle pressured situations with quick decisions. Referees are often subject to criticism from players and spectators, which demands high mental strength and integrity. To reach the highest levels, continuous further education and regular evaluation of officiating performance are required. Despite this, there are good opportunities for dedicated and knowledgeable individuals, especially within youth and recreational activities.

Tips for aspiring hockey referees

To succeed as a hockey referee, it’s important to combine an interest in ice hockey with good physical fitness and stress resilience. Decisiveness and the ability to stand firm in your judgments even under pressure are crucial, while communication skills help in interactions with players and coaches. Gaining experience by officiating many matches at different levels provides valuable insights and increases chances of advancement. Precision in following the rules and a willingness to continue learning are essential for development in the role. Handling criticism and staying calm are qualities appreciated both on and off the ice. Finally, teamwork and humility are important, as referees often work in teams and need to trust each other’s judgments.

Key facts about hockey referees

  • Educational requirements: Basic referee training, further training required for higher levels
  • Work environment: Ice rinks, often evening and weekend work
  • Typical employment form: Hourly employment or assignments
  • Demand: 434 available jobs in 2024
  • Special skills: Rule interpretation, quick decision-making, physical endurance

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a hockey referee, there are opportunities to officiate at higher leagues such as J20 National or HockeyAllsvenskan, and for the most experienced, even SHL. Some referees progress to become referee coaches or trainers within the federation. The Public Employment Service assesses that demand for qualified referees remains good, especially within youth and recreational activities, where the need for engaged leaders is high. Digitalization and new training methods also make it easier to combine refereeing with other work, broadening career opportunities further.

Frequently asked questions about hockey referees

  • What is the salary of a hockey referee?
    - The average salary for a hockey referee is 34 900 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience and level.
  • How do you become a hockey referee?
    - By completing a basic referee training course organized by the Swedish Ice Hockey Association and gaining experience by officiating matches at various levels.
  • What personal qualities are required?
    - Good physical condition, decisiveness, stress resistance, and communication skills are important qualities.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 96% of what men do in the profession.
  • What does the job market look like for hockey referees?
    - There is a stable demand, with 434 available jobs in 2024.
  • What are common benefits?
    - Travel allowances, insurance, and access to referee equipment are common benefits.
  • Can the referee profession be combined with other work?
    - Yes, many hockey referees work part-time or have officiating as a side job alongside other employment.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-11 12:17:41

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