How much does a Riding instructor make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Riding instructor
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Riding 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 Riding instructor

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

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

A riding instructor is responsible for training and instructing students in riding and horse handling, at both beginner and advanced levels. Tasks include planning and conducting riding lessons, individual coaching, safety work, and caring for and supervising horses and equipment. The role also involves pedagogical work, adapting teaching to different ages and abilities. Riding instructors often work at riding schools, riding clubs, or private stables, primarily outdoors, which means working in varying weather conditions and engaging in physical activities.

Salary development over time

The salary for riding instructors has shown a stable and slightly positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,300 SEK per month, increasing to 34 100 SEK in 2023 and further to 34 900 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 4.8% over three years, slightly above the inflation rate for the same period. The increase can be partly explained by increased demand for qualified riding instructors, especially in larger riding schools and clubs, as well as a greater focus on safety and certified competence in the industry. Salaries are also influenced by education level and experience, with the most experienced and certified riding instructors generally earning the best salary growth.

Riding 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: 210 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 96% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on employer and geographic area

Education and qualifications

To work as a riding instructor, a solid educational background in horses and pedagogy is required, often combined with practical experience and certifications. Many complete their studies at equestrian programs at high schools, folk high schools, or vocational colleges, followed by instructor training from the Swedish Equestrian Federation. Practical experience and the ability to handle both horses and students are crucial for success in the role.

  • Formal education: High school education with a focus on horses or equivalent
  • Certification: Instructor training via the Swedish Equestrian Federation (SRL I-III)
  • Practical training: On-the-job learning and internships at riding schools or stables
  • Prerequisites: Good riding skills and theoretical knowledge of horse care and safety
  • Further education: Courses and continuing education in pedagogy and specialized areas such as adaptive riding

Many riding instructors combine teaching with competition activities or specialized courses in disciplines such as jumping or dressage. This breadth allows for unique career paths and a varied workday.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Riding instructors are often offered benefits such as free stable space for their own horse, subsidized training, wellness allowances, and opportunities for further education. Other common compensations include work shoes, work clothes, and compensation for inconvenient working hours, especially during weekends and evenings.

Competitions and challenges

The profession of riding instructor is characterized by relatively high competition, especially in urban areas where many seek employment at established riding schools and clubs. Challenges include staying updated on pedagogy and safety, as well as managing the physical demands of the work environment. It can also be difficult to find permanent positions, as many jobs are temporary or part-time. The ability to build good relationships with students and horses is crucial for long-term success. However, the demand for experienced and well-educated riding instructors remains stable, creating opportunities for those who are dedicated and motivated.

Tips for aspiring riding instructors

To succeed as a riding instructor, it is beneficial to combine a strong interest in horses with pedagogical skills and patience. Developing effective communication skills helps when teaching different age groups, while attentiveness and responsibility are essential for safety. Flexibility is helpful during schedule changes and unexpected situations, and good physical condition is important to handle practical tasks. It is recommended to gain early experience through internships and summer jobs at riding schools, and actively pursue further education and certifications to strengthen competence. Engagement and the ability to inspire others are qualities that distinguish highly valued riding instructors.

Key facts about riding instructors

  • Salary range: 27,300–39,000 SEK/month
  • Average salary: 34 900 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school or post-secondary with certification
  • Work environment: Physically demanding, mainly outdoors
  • Demand: 434 job openings within the profession (2024)

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years in the profession, riding instructors can advance to roles such as head trainer, operations manager, or specialized instructor in disciplines like jumping, dressage, or adaptive riding. There are also opportunities to start their own business or work as trainers within the Swedish Equestrian Federation. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the outlook remains stable, with continued demand for qualified riding instructors and trainers. The number of job openings within the profession is 434, indicating good prospects for those who are educated and committed.

Frequently asked questions about riding instructors

  • What is the average salary of a riding instructor?
    - The average salary is 34 900 SEK per month.
  • What are the lowest and highest salaries for riding instructors?
    - The lowest reported salary is 27,300 SEK, and the highest is 39,000 SEK per month.
  • Is there a salary gap between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn 96% of what men do within the profession.
  • What education is required to become a riding instructor?
    - High school education with a focus on horses and certification from the Swedish Equestrian Federation is recommended.
  • What is the job market like for riding instructors?
    - There are 434 job openings within the profession, indicating strong demand.
  • Do riding instructors mostly work during daytime?
    - No, working hours often vary and include evenings and weekends.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-10-01 10:38:52

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

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