Image that illustrates Sports instructor

Sports instructor

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 Sports instructor

Average salary 34 900 kr
Males 35 700 kr
Females 34 200 kr

What does a sports instructor do? – Tasks and work environment

A sports instructor is responsible for planning, leading, and developing training sessions for individuals and groups across various sports. Tasks range from instructing beginners to coaching more advanced participants, focusing on improving technique, fitness, and team spirit. The instructor designs exercise programs, analyzes performance, and provides ongoing feedback to participants. The work often takes place in sports halls, gyms, swimming pools, or outdoor facilities, and can include day, evening, and weekend shifts. Flexibility and the ability to work with people of different ages and backgrounds are often required.

Salary development over time

The salary for a sports instructor has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,300 SEK per month, increasing to 34 100 SEK in 2023, representing an approximate 2.4% increase. The positive trend continued in 2024 when the average salary reached 34 900 SEK, a further 2.3% increase. The total salary increase from 2022 to 2024 is therefore about 8%. This development can be linked to increased demand for qualified instructors, higher education requirements, and a growing interest in health and leisure activities in society. Regional differences and the employer sector may, however, influence individual salary development.

Sports instructor 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 men's salary (men 35 700 SEK, women 34 200 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Salaries vary depending on region and employer

Education and qualifications

To work as a sports instructor, a high school education with a focus on sports or health is usually required, supplemented with various courses and certifications depending on the sport. Practical experience and involvement in community sports are advantageous. Many employers also value pedagogical skills and social competence.

  • High school education: Sports program or equivalent (3 years)
  • Specialized instructor courses: Examples include SISU Sports Education, Swedish Gymnastics Federation
  • Certifications: Often require first aid and CPR certification
  • Practical experience: Internships or work as a leader in sports clubs are recommended
  • Prerequisites: Experience in own sports practice and good social skills

Many sports instructors choose to specialize in a particular sport or target group, such as children, seniors, or people with disabilities. This can lead to increased job satisfaction and new career opportunities.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to the base salary, sports instructors are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, subsidized training memberships, and opportunities for further education. Some employers also provide compensation for unsocial hours, work clothing, and insurance. Access to modern equipment and well-equipped facilities is common within the profession.

Competition and challenges

Competition for positions as a sports instructor varies depending on region and sport. In larger cities and popular sports, competition can be fierce, while demand exceeds supply in smaller towns or niche sports. One of the main challenges is to combine pedagogical skills with technical competence and to engage participants. Workload can be high during peak seasons. Success requires flexibility and resilience.

Tips for aspiring sports instructors

To succeed as a sports instructor, it’s important to combine strong pedagogical skills with a genuine interest in physical activity. Being attentive and communicative helps tailor training programs to individual needs, while patience and perseverance are key to motivating participants over time. Good leadership facilitates group training and helps create a safe and inspiring environment. Continual professional development and staying updated on new training methods provide competitive advantages. Social skills and teamwork are crucial for building relationships with participants and colleagues. Finally, flexibility is valuable, as working hours often vary and may include evenings and weekends.

Key facts about Sports Instructor

  • Education level: High school education supplemented with instructor courses
  • Work environment: Sports facilities, gyms, schools, and outdoor environments
  • Typical work form: Group and individual training, often varying hours
  • Demand: 434 available jobs according to current statistics
  • Special skills: Pedagogy, leadership, first aid/CPR

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience, a sports instructor can move into more specialized roles, such as head coach, trainer, or activity manager within a sports club. Further education in coaching or sports pedagogy opens opportunities within schools or as a sports consultant. According to forecasts from the Employment Service, the outlook is good, especially for instructors with broad skills and specialization in in-demand sports. There are also opportunities to start your own business as a personal trainer or wellness instructor.

Common questions about Sports Instructor

  • What is the salary of a Sports Instructor?
    - A sports instructor has an average salary of 34 900 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience, education, and employer.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 96% of what men do in the profession.
  • What education is required to become a sports instructor?
    - High school education with a focus on sports or health, supplemented with instructor courses and certifications are common requirements.
  • What are the future prospects for the profession?
    - The outlook is good, with 434 available jobs according to current statistics.
  • What is the lowest and highest salary for a sports instructor?
    - The lowest salary is 27,300 SEK and the highest is 39,000 SEK per month, depending on gender, education, and sector.
  • What benefits are usually offered?
    - Common benefits include wellness allowances, training opportunities, and compensation for unsocial hours.
  • Are there opportunities for career development?
    - Yes, after a few years, you can advance to roles such as head coach, trainer, or start your own business.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Sports instructor 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 Sports instructor 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
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 Sports instructor has the SSYK code 3422, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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