Image that illustrates Sports coach

Sports coach

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 coach

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

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

A sports coach is responsible for planning, leading, and developing training sessions across various sports for children, youth, and adults at different levels. Tasks include designing training programs, analyzing performance, providing technical and tactical instructions, and motivating and supporting athletes. Sports coaches often work in sports clubs, schools, sports academies, or private companies, and the work environment varies between indoor gyms, outdoor facilities, and sometimes office settings for administrative tasks. The profession often involves working evenings and weekends, especially during competition seasons and training camps.

Salary development over time

The salary development for sports coaches has been steadily positive over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,300 SEK, increasing to 34 100 SEK in 2023, and further to 34 900 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total increase of about 4.8% over three years. Salaries have risen slightly faster than inflation, indicating a strong demand for competent coaches in both community sports and the private sector. The trend is partly explained by increased interest in sports and health in society, as well as the professionalization of coaching roles across various sports. Gender differences remain, with women earning approximately 96% of men's salaries in the profession.

Sports coach 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
  • Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on region and employer

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a sports coach varies depending on the sport and level, but often requires specialized education in sports and leadership. It is common to combine formal studies with practical experience, and many coaches build their skills through further training and certifications. For certain sports, approved courses from respective sports federations are required.

  • Sports education: High school or post-secondary education in sports, 1–3 years
  • Certifications: Coaching license or equivalent from sports federations
  • Practical experience: Internships or trainee periods within clubs or teams
  • Prerequisites: Often experience as an active athlete
  • Further training: Courses and workshops for leadership and training science

Many sports coaches build long-term relationships with athletes and teams, often acting as mentors both on and off the field. Personal engagement and the ability to inspire can significantly impact individual and team development.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to base salary, sports coaches are often offered perks such as wellness allowances, access to training facilities, travel and per diems for competitions, and opportunities for further education. In some cases, bonuses and performance-based compensation are also available, especially in elite sports.

Competition and challenges

The job market for sports coaches is competitive, especially for the most sought-after positions in elite sports and larger clubs. Many work on temporary or part-time contracts, which can lead to financial insecurity. Challenges also include irregular working hours, the need for continuous professional development, and a high level of personal commitment. Additionally, managing both individual and group challenges, as well as motivating and creating a sense of security for athletes, are essential. Despite this, the profession attracts many due to the opportunity to influence and develop people in sports.

Tips for aspiring sports coaches

To succeed as a sports coach, it is helpful to be dedicated, pedagogical, and flexible. Strong engagement helps motivate both athletes and yourself through challenging periods. Pedagogical skills facilitate communication and make it easier to adapt instructions to different individuals and groups. Flexibility is key, as working hours often vary and tasks can change rapidly. Building a network within the sports community is also important for internships and future job opportunities. Continuously furthering your education and staying updated on training science and leadership increases chances for development and higher salary. Finally, patience and the ability to handle both successes and setbacks are crucial for long-term success in the profession.

Key facts about sports coaches

  • Education level: High school or post-secondary sports education
  • Work environment: Sports facilities, schools, and clubs
  • Employment type: Often temporary or part-time employment
  • Demand: 434 job openings in Sweden (2024)
  • Gender distribution: Small but clear salary differences between men and women

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a sports coach can advance to roles such as head coach, sports director, or specialized instructor in a particular sport. It is also common to move into administrative roles like club manager or development officer. Future prospects are good, especially in youth sports and the health sector, where demand for trained coaches is increasing. According to the Employment Service, competition is moderate, and job opportunities are stable provided one has the right education and experience.

Frequently asked questions about sports coaches

  • What does a sports coach earn?
    - An sports coach has an average monthly salary of 34 900 SEK, but the salary varies depending on experience, gender, and employer.
  • How does one become a sports coach?
    - The common path is a high school or post-secondary education in sports, complemented by certifications from sports federations and practical experience.
  • Are there significant salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 96% of what men do within the profession.
  • Which workplaces hire sports coaches?
    - Sports clubs, schools, private training facilities, and sports academies are common employers.
  • What are the future prospects for sports coaches?
    - Demand is stable and there were 434 job openings in Sweden during 2024.
  • What education is required to become a sports coach?
    - At least a high school education with a focus on sports, often supplemented with federation-specific courses and certifications.

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

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