Sports consultant

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

A sports consultant works to develop and support sports activities, often on behalf of sports federations, clubs, or municipalities. Tasks include advising, project management, leader training, and administrative support. They also coordinate and develop sports projects, work on recruiting leaders and participants, and contribute to increased inclusion and gender equality in sports. The work environment varies between office work, field visits, and meetings with organizations, which means a dynamic everyday life with lots of contact with both volunteer and professional actors.

Salary development over time

The salary for a sports consultant has shown steady and positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,300 SEK per month, increasing to 34 100 SEK in 2023 and further to 34 900 SEK in 2024. This represents an increase of approximately 4.8% during the period. This development reflects an increased demand for expertise in the sports sector, especially in connection with initiatives on public health and grassroots sports. Market needs for qualified consultants, along with higher requirements for education and project management, have contributed to pushing salaries upward. Despite this, salary levels remain relatively equal between genders, although differences still exist.

Sports consultant salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 34 900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 27,300 SEK/month (male, private sector, pre-secondary education)
• Highest salary: 39,000 SEK/month (male, private sector, secondary education, up to 2 years experience)
• Highest salary for women: 36,600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary for women: 28,000 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 210 SEK
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 96% of what men do (men: 35 700 SEK, women: 34 200 SEK)

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a sports consultant usually involves post-secondary education in sports science, pedagogy, or similar fields. Many employers value experience from voluntary engagement in sports organizations, and additional courses in project management or leadership are advantageous. Internships or trainee positions are common and can be a good entry into the profession.

• Formal degree: Bachelor's degree in sports science, pedagogy, or related fields (3 years)
• Certifications: Courses in project management, leadership, or club management
• Internship: Commonly through voluntary engagement or internships during studies
• Prerequisites: High school diploma, often with a focus on sports or society
• Tips for choosing: Engage early in sports organizations to build networks and practical experience

Common benefits and compensations

Sports consultants are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, and flexible working hours. Other common compensations include professional development, extra vacation days, and opportunities to participate in internal and external training or conferences. Travel for work may also be included depending on assignments.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a sports consultant is relatively high, especially in metropolitan areas and larger sports federations where many seek attractive employers. A challenge is that the profession requires both broad administrative skills and strong social abilities, while tasks can be very varied and sometimes involve evening or weekend work. Success requires good ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, as well as inspiring and engaging others. It is also common for employers to seek documented experience from sports organizations, which can be a hurdle for younger applicants.

Tips for aspiring sports consultants

To succeed as a sports consultant, it is good to be communicative and attentive, which facilitates collaboration with volunteer leaders and organization boards. Strong engagement and the ability to motivate others are crucial, especially when managing projects and creating participation in groups. Being organized and structured helps manage multiple tasks and administrative routines. Flexibility and initiative are also important qualities, as tasks often vary and evolve over time. It is recommended to build networks within sports organizations early and take advantage of internship or project opportunities. Continuing education in leadership and project management provides a competitive edge. Finally, demonstrating an understanding of sports' role in society and being able to adapt your working methods to different target groups is advantageous.

Key facts about Sports Consultants

• Education level: Bachelor's degree (3 years) is most common
• Work environment: Combination of office work and field visits
• Typical working arrangement: Full-time with flexible hours
• Demand: 434 job openings within the profession according to the latest data
• Gender distribution: Nearly equal, but some salary differences remain

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as a sports consultant, there are good opportunities to advance to roles such as organizational developer, project manager, or manager within sports federations and clubs. Some choose to specialize in areas like youth sports, gender equality, or international collaborations. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate continued stable demand, especially considering societal investments in public health and inclusion. The relatively high turnover in sports organizations and a broad field of work make the job market favorable, even though competition for attractive positions is noticeable. For those who are flexible and eager to develop within the sports sector, many development opportunities exist.

Frequently asked questions about Sports Consultants

• What does a sports consultant earn?
  - The average salary for a sports consultant is 34 900 SEK per month, but variations occur depending on experience and employer.
• How does one become a sports consultant?
  - Most commonly, a bachelor's degree in sports science or pedagogy, along with experience from sports organizations.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 96% of what men do within the profession.
• What are the duties of a sports consultant?
  - Advising, project management, training, and development work within sports organizations.
• What is the job market like for sports consultants?
  - The demand is good, with 434 available positions according to the latest data.
• What education is required to become a sports consultant?
  - A post-secondary education, most often a bachelor's degree in sports or pedagogy, is most common.