- 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
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Salary progression Hockey referee
What does an Ice Hockey Referee do? – Tasks and Work Environment
An Ice Hockey Referee is responsible for leading and overseeing hockey matches at various levels, from youth teams to the elite league. Tasks include ensuring the game follows current rules, making quick and accurate decisions under pressure, and managing potential conflicts on the ice. The referee also communicates with players, coaches, and sometimes spectators to explain decisions and maintain order. The work environment is often intense and physically demanding, as referees must move quickly on the ice and stay alert throughout the match. Working hours are irregular and often include evenings and weekends.
Salary development over time
The salary for an Ice Hockey Referee has shown a steady upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,300 SEK per month, which increased to 34 900 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has continued to rise and now amounts to 36 900 SEK. This represents an increase of about 4.8% over three years. This salary development reflects increased interest and demand for professional referees within Swedish ice hockey, along with growing competition for qualified officials as the sport's popularity rises. Changes in collective agreements and improved working conditions have also contributed to this positive trend. However, differences between genders and regions still exist.
Ice Hockey Referee Salary – Complete 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/hour
- Gender Differences: Men 36 800 SEK, women 37 000 SEK (women earn 101% of men’s salary)
- Regional Differences: No specific data on regions, but variation may occur.
Education and Qualifications
The path to becoming an Ice Hockey Referee often begins at a young age and involves both theoretical and practical training. No university degree is required, but the Swedish Ice Hockey Association offers certification courses at various levels. Practical experience by officiating matches at youth and junior levels is crucial for advancement. Physical fitness, rule knowledge, and the ability to handle pressure are important for success.
- Certification Courses: Basic and advanced training via the Swedish Ice Hockey Association
- Practical Experience: Officiating matches at different levels
- Physical Requirements: Tests and ongoing fitness assessments
- Prerequisites: Good rule knowledge and some experience in the hockey environment
- Tips for Starting Out: Begin as an assistant referee to build experience
Many of Sweden's top ice hockey referees have played hockey themselves at a relatively high level before switching to officiating. Their playing background often provides an increased understanding of the game's dynamics and makes it easier to handle quick decisions and complex match situations.
Common Benefits and Compensation
In addition to the base salary, Ice Hockey Referees may receive various types of compensation such as travel allowances, per diems, and sometimes bonuses for officiating at higher levels or playoff games. Some employers also offer access to training facilities and wellness grants. Insurance coverage and opportunities for further education within the profession are common.
Competition and Challenges
Competition for the most attractive officiating assignments within hockey is fierce, especially at the elite level where only the most experienced and skilled referees are selected for the most important matches. One of the biggest challenges is managing the fast pace and psychological pressure associated with making quick and sometimes controversial decisions in front of large audiences. Physical demands and injury risks are also factors to consider. Additionally, referees may face criticism from players, coaches, and spectators, which requires mental strength and integrity. The career path can be long, often requiring many years of experience to reach the top levels.
Tips for Aspiring Ice Hockey Referees
To succeed as an Ice Hockey Referee, it is important to have strong self-confidence and high stress tolerance, as quick decisions and pressured situations are common on the ice. Good communication skills facilitate dialogue with players and coaches and reduce misunderstandings. Precision and attention to detail are crucial for correctly interpreting and applying rules in live situations. Being physically fit helps maintain focus and mobility throughout the game, while humility and a willingness to continuously improve help you accept feedback and grow in the role. Finally, having a passion for the sport and being prepared to invest time in training and practice is essential to build the experience needed to advance as a referee.
Key Facts about Ice Hockey Referees
- Education Level: Certification via the Swedish Ice Hockey Association
- Work Environment: Intense, physically demanding, and often irregular hours
- Typical Employment: Hourly employment and assignment-based
- Demand: 434 available jobs within the profession (2024)
- Gender Distribution: Women earn 101% of men's salaries
Career Paths and Future Outlook
An Ice Hockey Referee can, after several years of experience, progress to officiate higher-level matches such as national elite leagues or international tournaments. Opportunities also exist to become a referee coach or trainer within the Swedish Ice Hockey Association. After five years in the profession, many have built extensive networks and increased job security, especially those demonstrating strong leadership and rule knowledge. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that demand for trained referees in sports is expected to remain stable, with ongoing needs at youth and elite levels. The profession also offers specialization options, such as head referee or linesman, and good prospects for further education and international assignments.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ice Hockey Referees
- What is the average salary of an Ice Hockey Referee?
- The average salary for an Ice Hockey Referee is 36 900 SEK per month. - How large is the salary difference between men and women?
- Men earn 36 800 SEK while women earn 37 000 SEK, which means women earn 101% of men's salaries. - What education is required to become an Ice Hockey Referee?
- Certification through the Swedish Ice Hockey Association and practical experience are required, but no formal university degree. - What does the job market look like for Ice Hockey Referees?
- There is strong demand with 434 available jobs according to current statistics. - What are the most common benefits for Ice Hockey Referees?
- Travel allowances, per diems, wellness grants, and insurance coverage are common benefits. - How much does the highest-paid Ice Hockey Referee earn?
- The highest salary is 39,000 SEK/month for men and 36,600 SEK/month for women. - What does the salary development look like for Ice Hockey Referees?
- Salaries have increased by approximately 4.8% over the past three years.
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.
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