- Salary statistics
- Ice hockey player
Ice hockey player
44 100 - 44 900 kr / month
Pedagogiskt arbete
Salary progression Ice hockey player
What does a hockey player do? – Tasks and work environment
A hockey player works professionally in playing hockey, either in club teams, national teams, or at an international level. The tasks revolve around training, matches, tactical preparation, and teamwork. Training sessions are often physically demanding and include both on-ice practice and off-ice fitness training. During matches, the player is responsible for following the coach’s instructions, collaborating with the team, and performing at the highest level under pressure. The work environment is intense and mainly takes place in ice rinks, but travel, hotel stays, and public appearances are a natural part of the profession.
Salary development over time
The salary for hockey players has shown a clear upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,926 kronor per month, increasing to 41 300 kronor in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 44 900 kronor, which corresponds to an increase of approximately 40 percent over three years. This salary development can be linked to increased interest in hockey, improved sponsorship agreements, and greater investments in Swedish elite sports. The demand for skilled players has also increased, contributing to higher salaries in both national and international leagues. At the same time, there are significant individual variations depending on experience, club, and league level.
Hockey player salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 44 900 kr/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Varies greatly depending on club and league level, no exact figure available
- Hourly wage: 270 kr/hour
- Gender differences: We lack salary data specifically for men, we lack salary data specifically for women
- Regional differences: Salary levels can vary between different parts of the country and internationally
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a professional hockey player often starts at a young age with training at local clubs and sports high schools. There are no formal requirements for higher education, but talent, goal-orientedness, and hard work are essential. Many combine sports education at the high school level with club activities, and most have played at the junior level before reaching the elite series or international level.
- Sports high school with hockey profile: 3 years
- Junior activities in clubs: Parallel to high school studies
- Talent selections and try-outs: Often required to reach elite level
- Physical and technical training: Ongoing throughout the career
- Engagement and discipline: Important personal qualities
Many hockey players engage in social projects and youth activities alongside their careers. This can strengthen team spirit and personal development, and often opens doors to future job opportunities outside of sports.
Common benefits and compensation
Hockey players often have access to benefits such as free equipment, health insurance, rehabilitation for injuries, and bonuses linked to performance and team results. Other common compensations can include per diems for travel, sponsored accommodations, and opportunities for further education within or outside the sport.
Competition and challenges
The competition for spots in professional hockey teams is very fierce, both in Sweden and internationally. Only a small proportion of those who start playing hockey reach the elite level, and the path requires great sacrifice and discipline. The risk of injuries is high, which can affect both career length and income. Additionally, there is significant pressure to constantly perform and develop to keep one's place on the team. Besides physical demands, high mental strength and the ability to handle setbacks are required.
Tips for those who want to become a hockey player
To succeed as a hockey player, it is good to combine strong goal-orientedness with discipline in both training and everyday life. Being a team player and having good communication skills facilitates cooperation on and off the ice. Endurance and patience are crucial, especially when dealing with setbacks and long-term commitments. Flexibility and adaptability are needed to handle different training environments and playing styles. Finally, openness to feedback and the desire to constantly improve can make a big difference in your career’s success.
Key facts about hockey players
- Educational level: High school education with sports profile is most common
- Work environment: Ice rinks, travel, and public events
- Work form: Team-based, often with international elements
- Demand: 434 job openings within the profession in Sweden
- Special skills: Physical and mental training at an elite level
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a professional hockey player, there are opportunities to take on leadership roles within the team, such as captain or assistant captain. Many continue in the sport as coaches, sports managers, or youth leaders after their active playing careers. Some choose to work in scouting or player development, while others move on to entirely new industries using their network and experience. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, demand remains stable with 434 job openings within the profession, but competition for the most attractive positions is fierce. Future prospects are influenced by sports results and changes in the sports economy.
Frequently asked questions about hockey players
- What does a hockey player earn?
- The average salary for a hockey player is 44 900 kronor per month. - How does one become a hockey player?
- Most commonly, starting at a young age via a hockey club, attending a sports high school, and playing in junior teams. - Are there salary differences between regions?
- Yes, salary levels can vary between different parts of the country and internationally. - What benefits are common for hockey players?
- Common benefits include free equipment, health insurance, and performance bonuses. - What is the work environment like for a hockey player?
- The work environment is physically demanding and mainly takes place in ice rinks, with many travels and matches. - How long is an average career as a hockey player?
- Career length varies but is often between 10 and 15 years depending on injuries and performance. - What qualities are important for success?
- Goal-orientedness, discipline, team spirit, and good physical ability are crucial.
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 Ice hockey player has the SSYK code 3421, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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