- Salary statistics
- Hockey referee salary
Hockey referee salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
28 500 - 40 800 SEK / month
Women earn 101% of what men do.
Pedagogiskt arbete
Related tools
Salary progression Hockey referee
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 34 900 SEK in 2023, and further to 36 900 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: 36 900 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 101% of what men do (men 36 800 SEK, women 37 000 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.
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 36 900 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 101% 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.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 110% | 28700 kr | 31100 kr |
| 25-34 | 101% | 33800 kr | 34400 kr |
| 35-44 | 93% | 38600 kr | 39200 kr |
| 45-54 | 103% | 40000 kr | 40500 kr |
| 55-64 | 111% | 38600 kr | 39000 kr |
| 65-68 | 40300 kr | 40600 kr | |
| Snitt | 101% | 36000 kr | 36900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 101% | 24700 kr | 28900 kr |
| 25-34 | 101% | 28100 kr | 31200 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 30600 kr | 33100 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 31600 kr | 33800 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 31600 kr | 33900 kr |
| 65-68 | 101% | 30700 kr | 32500 kr |
| Snitt | 102% | 27900 kr | 31100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 101% | 24700 kr | 28900 kr |
| 25-34 | 101% | 28100 kr | 31200 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 30600 kr | 33100 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 31600 kr | 33900 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 31600 kr | 33900 kr |
| 65-68 | 101% | 30700 kr | 32500 kr |
| Snitt | 102% | 27900 kr | 31100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 28800 kr | 29100 kr | |
| Snitt | 30100 kr | 31200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31400 kr | 32600 kr | |
| 25-34 | 100% | 34600 kr | 34900 kr |
| 35-44 | 93% | 39600 kr | 39900 kr |
| 45-54 | 104% | 40800 kr | 41200 kr |
| 55-64 | 115% | 39600 kr | 39800 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 37600 kr | 38000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 31400 kr | 32600 kr | |
| 25-34 | 100% | 34600 kr | 34900 kr |
| 35-44 | 93% | 39600 kr | 39900 kr |
| 45-54 | 104% | 40800 kr | 41200 kr |
| 55-64 | 115% | 39600 kr | 39800 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 37600 kr | 38000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 110% | 26800 kr | 29100 kr |
| 25-34 | 101% | 33600 kr | 34200 kr |
| 35-44 | 93% | 40300 kr | 40800 kr |
| 45-54 | 103% | 39500 kr | 39800 kr |
| 55-64 | 111% | 36800 kr | 37100 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 36000 kr | 36800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 101% | 24600 kr | 28800 kr |
| 25-34 | 101% | 27900 kr | 31100 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 29900 kr | 32800 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 31300 kr | 33700 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 31100 kr | 33700 kr |
| 65-68 | 101% | 30400 kr | 32300 kr |
| Snitt | 102% | 27300 kr | 30700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 101% | 24600 kr | 28800 kr |
| 25-34 | 101% | 27900 kr | 31100 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 29900 kr | 32800 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 31300 kr | 33700 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 31100 kr | 33700 kr |
| 65-68 | 101% | 30400 kr | 32300 kr |
| Snitt | 102% | 27300 kr | 30700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 100% | 34500 kr | 34800 kr |
| 35-44 | 93% | 41400 kr | 41600 kr |
| 45-54 | 104% | 40100 kr | 40200 kr |
| 55-64 | 115% | 37200 kr | 37400 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 37600 kr | 37800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 100% | 34500 kr | 34800 kr |
| 35-44 | 93% | 41400 kr | 41600 kr |
| 45-54 | 104% | 40100 kr | 40200 kr |
| 55-64 | 115% | 37200 kr | 37400 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 37600 kr | 37800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 110% | 29700 kr | 32200 kr |
| 25-34 | 101% | 34000 kr | 34500 kr |
| 35-44 | 93% | 37200 kr | 37900 kr |
| 45-54 | 103% | 40300 kr | 41000 kr |
| 55-64 | 111% | 40500 kr | 41100 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 36000 kr | 37000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 101% | 24800 kr | 29000 kr |
| 25-34 | 101% | 28400 kr | 31400 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 31000 kr | 33300 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 31700 kr | 33800 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 31800 kr | 33900 kr |
| 65-68 | 101% | 31100 kr | 32600 kr |
| Snitt | 102% | 28300 kr | 31400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 101% | 24800 kr | 29000 kr |
| 25-34 | 101% | 28300 kr | 31400 kr |
| 35-44 | 102% | 31000 kr | 33300 kr |
| 45-54 | 100% | 31700 kr | 33900 kr |
| 55-64 | 101% | 31800 kr | 34000 kr |
| 65-68 | 101% | 31100 kr | 32600 kr |
| Snitt | 102% | 28300 kr | 31400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 28800 kr | 29100 kr | |
| Snitt | 30100 kr | 31200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 0 kr | 34000 kr | |
| 25-34 | 100% | 34700 kr | 34900 kr |
| 35-44 | 93% | 38000 kr | 38500 kr |
| 45-54 | 104% | 41300 kr | 41900 kr |
| 55-64 | 115% | 42700 kr | 42900 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 37600 kr | 38100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 0 kr | 34000 kr | |
| 25-34 | 100% | 34700 kr | 34900 kr |
| 35-44 | 93% | 38000 kr | 38500 kr |
| 45-54 | 104% | 41300 kr | 41900 kr |
| 55-64 | 115% | 42700 kr | 42900 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 37600 kr | 38100 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 Hockey referee has the SSYK code 3422, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
-
Fun Part-Time Job: Become a Jungle Gym Leader
Sports trainers and instructors etc.
Tue, 23 Jun 2026 - 22:37 -
Riding Instructor with Operational Responsibility – Hallstavik Equestrian Club
Sports trainers and instructors etc.
Tue, 23 Jun 2026 - 22:34 -
Coaches Wanted at IBK Dalen – From Youth to Elite Level
Sports trainers and instructors etc.
Tue, 23 Jun 2026 - 21:10 -
Football Instructor at Fotbollskul – The World's Most Fun Side Job!
Sports trainers and instructors etc.
Tue, 23 Jun 2026 - 01:29 -
Leader for Knatteskutt – The Most Fun Side Job for Kids!
Sports trainers and instructors etc.
Tue, 23 Jun 2026 - 01:27
Compare salary, work tasks and job outlook in adjacent occupations to find roles with similar skills or pay levels.
-
Music educator, primary and secondary school salary
Average salary: 44 200 SEK/month • Pedagogiskt arbete
High school teachers
Compare with Hockey referee
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 02:12 -
Personal trainer, fitness salary
Average salary: 36 900 SEK/month • Pedagogiskt arbete
Sports trainers and instructors etc.
Compare with Hockey referee
Tue, 23 Jun 2026 - 23:20 -
Average salary: 34 114 SEK/month • Pedagogiskt arbete
Professional athletes
Compare with Hockey referee
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 05:51 -
Average salary: 43 100 SEK/month • Pedagogiskt arbete
Vocational subject teachers
Compare with Hockey referee
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 05:51 -
Continuing education consultant salary
Average salary: 47 600 SEK/month • Pedagogiskt arbete
Special education teachers and special educators etc.
Compare with Hockey referee
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 05:54 -
Average salary: 36 900 SEK/month • Pedagogiskt arbete
Sports trainers and instructors etc.
Compare with Hockey referee
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 05:49