How much does a Karate instructor make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Karate instructor
Image that illustrates Karate instructor

Karate instructor

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 Karate instructor

Average salary 34 900 kr
Males 35 700 kr
Females 34 200 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 115 Vacant jobs ->

What does a Karate instructor do? – Tasks and work environment

A Karate instructor trains and educates students in karate, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Responsibilities include planning and leading training sessions, instructing in technique, safety, and discipline, as well as motivating and developing participants' physical and mental abilities. The instructor also adapts exercises based on age and skill level and creates a safe and inclusive environment in the dojo. Work is usually in the evenings and on weekends, and can include both children’s and adults’ groups.

Salary development over time

The salary for Karate instructors has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,300 SEK per month, rising to 34 100 SEK in 2023 and further to 34 900 SEK in 2024. This increase corresponds to a total salary growth of approximately 4.8% over the period, with an annual growth rate of just over 2%. Key drivers behind this positive trend include increased demand for qualified instructors, greater awareness of the health benefits of martial arts, and a growing interest in organized recreational sports among both children and adults. Differences in education and experience can also affect salary levels within the profession.

Karate instructor 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 (average): 210 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Women earn 96% of what men do (men: 35 700 SEK, women: 34 200 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Salaries may vary slightly depending on region and club size

Education and qualifications

To work as a Karate instructor, a combination of personal training background, instructor courses, and certifications from recognized karate associations is usually required. Formal education can vary, but most clubs prefer instructors to have completed specific training programs and documented experience in leading groups. Practical experience and pedagogical skills are highly valued, especially when working with children and youth.

  • Formal instructor training: Swedish Karate Federation’s training courses (levels 1–3), 1–3 years
  • Certifications: Grading certificates (minimum black belt), instructor license from the federation
  • Practical experience: Assisting experienced instructors and leading own sessions under supervision
  • Prerequisites: Several years of personal training, competition or club merits
  • Continuing education: Participation in seminars, workshops, and judging courses

Many Karate instructors also engage voluntarily and contribute to the club’s development outside training sessions, for example by organizing competitions or working with youth activities. This fosters a strong community and provides valuable experiences beyond teaching.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensation

Karate instructors are often offered various benefits such as free training fees, access to club equipment, and reimbursement for training or travel related to competitions and camps. Some clubs also offer wellness allowances, part-time employment options, or bonuses linked to the club’s success and student numbers.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a Karate instructor can vary depending on region and club size. Larger cities have more clubs but also more applicants with high competence and experience. Challenges in the profession include staying updated on new training methods, managing different age groups and skill levels, and creating a safe environment for all students. Physical demands and the risk of strain injuries are also factors to consider. Additionally, work often occurs in the evenings and on weekends, which can impact work-life balance.

Tips for aspiring Karate instructors

To succeed as a Karate instructor, genuine passion for sport and pedagogy is important. Good communication skills facilitate teaching techniques and rules to different age groups, and patience is essential for supporting students through successes and setbacks. Flexibility and the ability to adapt training plans to the group’s needs strengthen the instructor role, while leadership and a sense of responsibility help create a safe environment in the dojo. Continuing education and networking with other trainers can also provide new perspectives and inspiration. Finally, maintaining your own training enjoyment often influences students positively and contributes to a positive atmosphere in the club.

Key facts about Karate instructor

  • Education level: Instructor training and black belt required
  • Work environment: Dojo, sports halls, and sometimes outdoor settings
  • Typical work arrangement: Part-time, often evenings and weekends
  • Demand: 434 job openings in 2024 within the profession
  • Special skills: Pedagogy, leadership, and discipline

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Karate instructor, opportunities open to advance to head coach, club manager, or to oversee larger training groups and competitions. Some choose to specialize in judging, coaching for competitions, or starting their own clubs. Forecasts from the Employment Service and current job ads indicate a steady need for instructors in martial arts, especially in growing cities and areas with high youth activity. Future prospects are considered good, with continued interest in karate and other martial arts, as well as increased investments in sports clubs and wellness activities.

Frequently asked questions about Karate instructor

  • What does a Karate instructor earn?
    - A Karate instructor has an average salary of 34 900 SEK per month.
  • How to become a Karate instructor?
    - Usually requires a black belt, instructor training, personal training experience, and leading groups.
  • Are there gender differences in salary?
    - Yes, women earn on average 96% of what men do within the profession.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - There is a steady demand for Karate instructors, with 434 job openings in 2024.
  • Do Karate instructors work full-time or part-time?
    - Many work part-time, often evenings and weekends, but full-time positions are also available.
  • What education is required?
    - Instructor training through the Swedish Karate Federation and certification for a black belt are common.
  • What influences a Karate instructor’s salary?
    - Factors such as experience, education level, region, and club size can influence the salary.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-11 23:25:35

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Karate instructor 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 Karate instructor 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
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
Register an account before you can comment

To write a comment you need to create an account.

Default Avatar

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 Karate instructor has the SSYK code 3422, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

Search salary statistics for occupation
8000 kr
<-|->
90000 kr
Vacant jobs
Show more
Similar occupations
Latest posts
  • Public Opinion - Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Public Opinion

    Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35
  • National Debt - The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    National Debt

    The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00
Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

With our Swedish tax calculator, you can easily calculate your after-tax income (net salary).

Swedish Church Member

* Updated with 2025 taxes

Explore more topics