- Salary statistics
- Athlete
Athlete
44 100 - 44 900 kr / month
Pedagogiskt arbete
Salary progression Athlete
What does an athlete do? – Tasks and work environment
An athlete is a professional participant in sports and competitions, often specialized in a specific sport. Tasks revolve around training, competitions, and preparations to perform at the highest level. Daily routines include physical training sessions, tactical reviews, matches or competitions, as well as recovery and rehabilitation. The work environment varies depending on the sport, but includes sports facilities, arenas, gyms, and outdoor settings. Athletes often collaborate with coaches, medical teams, and other specialists to optimize performance and health.
Salary development over time
The salary for athletes has shown a marked upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,926 kronor per month, increasing to 2023 with 41 300 kronor – a rise of approximately 29%. In 2024, there was a further increase to 44 900 kronor per month, which corresponds to about 8.7% growth from the previous year. This positive salary development can largely be explained by increased commercialization, larger sponsorship revenues, and growing interest in professional sports. Competition for talented players and media coverage have also contributed to higher earnings in the profession. However, salary levels vary greatly depending on the sport, success level, and individual contracts.
Athlete salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 44 900 kr/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Varies greatly depending on sport and level
- Hourly wage: 270 kr/hour (based on 166 hours/month)
- Gender differences: No specific data available
- Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on sport's popularity and sponsorship opportunities in different regions
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming an athlete varies depending on the sport, but most start early with organized training and competitions. Formal education is rarely a requirement; focus is on talent development, specialized training, and experience from competitive environments. Many athletes attend sports high schools or specialized programs and can supplement with further education in areas such as training science or sports psychology.
- Sports education: Sports high schools or specialized sports programs (3 years)
- Elite focus: Long-term club or association membership with competition background
- Individual training plans: Customized programs by coaches and experts
- Supplementary courses: Training science, sports medicine, and nutrition
- Practical experience: Participation in national and international competitions
Many athletes combine their active careers with roles as role models, speakers, or ambassadors for various organizations. This not only broadens their professional identity but also opens doors for new career paths after their active sports career.
Common benefits and compensation
In addition to base salary, various forms of bonuses, competition prizes, and sponsorship income are common. Many athletes also have access to healthcare, training facilities, travel, and support from medical and psychological experts. In some cases, insurance, accommodation, and equipment are included as part of the compensation package.
Competition and challenges
The competition within the profession is very intense, and performance and development demands are constant. Many athletes face challenges such as injuries, demanding competition schedules, and the need to deliver results within short timeframes. Careers are often limited in duration, making future planning essential. Balancing training, competition, and private life can be difficult, and reaching the top requires significant sacrifice and determination.
Tips for aspiring athletes
To succeed as an athlete, it’s important to have a strong desire to develop and the stamina to train intensively over time. Discipline and goal orientation help manage both successes and setbacks. It’s also crucial to collaborate with coaches, teammates, and experts to maximize training outcomes. Mental strength, the ability to handle pressure, and focus during competitions are key qualities. Being flexible and open to learning, such as listening to feedback and adjusting training, can provide competitive advantages. Finally, building a strong network and planning for life after active sports from the start is wise.
Key facts about Athlete
- Education level: Usually high school sports education, focus on practical experience
- Work environment: Varies between arenas, gyms, and outdoor settings
- Work form: Individual or team-based, often project- or season-oriented
- Demand: A total of 434 available jobs within the profession according to current job statistics
- Special skills: Physical ability, tactics, mental training, and recovery
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years, an athlete may have established themselves at national or international levels, opening opportunities for higher salaries, sponsorship deals, and larger competitions. Many choose to continue as coaches, sports leaders, or experts in their field after their active career. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, demand remains stable, but competition for the most attractive positions remains very fierce. The number of available jobs in the profession is 434, indicating good opportunities for those with the right skills and motivation.
Common questions about Athlete
- What is the average salary of an athlete?
- An athlete has an average monthly salary of 44 900 kronor. - How has the salary development looked for athletes?
- Salaries have increased significantly over the past three years, from 31926 kronor in 2022 to 44 900 kronor in 2024. - What education is required to become an athlete?
- Most often, no formal university education is required, with focus on sports high schools, specialized training, and competition merits. - What work environments do athletes work in?
- The work environment varies, but includes arenas, gyms, training facilities, and outdoor settings depending on the sport. - Are there differences in salary between regions?
- Yes, salaries can vary depending on the sport's popularity and sponsorship opportunities in different parts of the country. - What are the future prospects for the profession?
- The outlook is good for those with the right skills and drive, but competition is fierce.
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 Athlete has the SSYK code 3421, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
-
Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest
Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35 -
The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden
Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00