- Salary statistics
- Professional athlete
Professional athlete
44 100 - 44 900 kr / month
Pedagogiskt arbete
Salary progression Professional athlete
What does a professional athlete do? – Tasks and work environment
A professional athlete dedicates themselves to training, competing, and developing their physical and technical abilities within a specific sport. Tasks include regular physical training, strategic preparation for competitions, collaboration with coaches and teammates, and participating in national and international events. The work environment is often characterized by high physical demands, travel, and intense periods of performance under pressure. The profession requires discipline, focus, and the ability to handle both successes and setbacks.
Salary development over time
The salary for professional athletes has shown a clear upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,926 SEK per month, rising to 41 300 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary reached 44 900 SEK, corresponding to an increase of approximately 37 percent over two years. This development can be linked to increased commercialization of sports, larger sponsorship revenues, and a growing audience, all positively impacting compensation levels. At the same time, performance and marketing demands are rising, making salary increases often tied to success and visibility within the sport. The salary trend also reflects a general professionalization within the sports sector, where more individuals are fully committed to their careers.
Many professional athletes build their careers on early specialization but often supplement with education in sports science or leadership to prepare for life after their competitive career.
Professional athlete salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 44 900 SEK/month
- Lowest/highest salary: No specific data available
- Hourly wage: 270 SEK (based on 166 hours/month)
- Gender differences: No specific data available
- Regional differences: Information not available
Education and qualifications
The educational path for a professional athlete is often individual and can vary depending on the sport’s requirements. The career often begins with youth training at club level, followed by specialized training and participation in competitions at higher levels. Many supplement with education in sports science, physiology, or coaching to strengthen their skills and prepare for future career opportunities.
- Formal degrees: Sports education at high school and university levels (1–3 years)
- Certifications/courses: Specialized coaching and leadership courses
- Internship/trainee: Practical experience through clubs and sports organizations
- Prerequisites: Early specialization and high physical capacity
- Tips for choosing: Select education programs that combine theory and practice within your sport
Common benefits and compensations
Benefits for professional athletes can include sponsorship contracts, travel allowances, nutrition and training support, and access to medical and physiotherapy services. Compensation may also include performance-based bonuses and prize money. Many also have access to training facilities and specialized resources through their clubs or organizations.
Competition and challenges
The competition within the profession is very intense and requires athletes to perform at a high level continuously to maintain their positions. Injuries and physical strain are common challenges that can affect career length and success. Additionally, mental strength is required to handle pressure, expectations, and often uneven income levels. Balancing training, competition, and recovery is crucial for long-term sustainability in the profession.
Tips for aspiring professional athletes
To succeed as a professional athlete, it’s important to develop strong discipline and patience, as success often requires long-term hard work. Having goal-oriented motivation and continuously working to improve technique and fitness are key. It’s also valuable to be adaptable and open to feedback for development. Building a network within the sports world and collaborating with coaches and mentors can open doors and provide support throughout your career. Finally, mental strength plays a vital role in managing both successes and setbacks.
Key facts about professional athletes
- Education level: Varies from high school sports programs to university degrees in sports science
- Salary range: Approximately 31,926–44 900 SEK/month
- Work environment: Physically demanding and performance-oriented with high demands on training and recovery
- Work form: Individual and team-based training and competition
- Demand: High competition with about 434 job openings within the profession
Career paths and future prospects
After 3–5 years as a professional athlete, career paths may lead to roles such as coach, trainer, sports leader, or specialized instructor. Some choose to further their education in sports science or health to broaden their opportunities. The employment service indicates that demand for practitioners and related services is stable, with particular needs in team sports and individual sports with a large audience. Digitalization and new training methods also create new opportunities within the profession and related fields.
Common questions about professional athletes
- What does a professional athlete earn?
- The average salary is approximately 44 900 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of about 270 SEK. - What education is required to become a professional athlete?
- There is no fixed education, but many supplement with sports education at high school or university level. - What is the work environment like for a professional athlete?
- It is physically demanding and characterized by training, competition, and often travel. - Are there regional differences in salaries?
- There is no available data on regional salary differences within the profession. - How competitive is the profession?
- The competition is very fierce and requires high performance and mental strength. - What career opportunities are available after an active sports career?
- Opportunities include roles as a coach, trainer, or in sports-related education and leadership.
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 Professional athlete has the SSYK code 3421, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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