How much does a Rider make

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Rider

44 900 kr

Professional athletes

44 100 - 44 900 kr / month

Pedagogiskt arbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Rider

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What does a rider do? – Tasks and work environment

A rider works professionally by riding and training horses, often in competitions such as jumping, dressage, or eventing. The profession involves daily training of horses, preparations for competitions, as well as care and maintenance of equipment and animals. The work environment is physically demanding and mainly takes place in stables, riding halls, and on competition grounds, where workdays can be long and vary depending on the season. In addition to practical work with horses, collaboration with trainers, horse owners, and sometimes veterinarians is included to optimize the horses' performance and well-being.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salary development for riders has shown a clear increase. In 2022, the average salary was 31,926 SEK per month, which increased to 41 300 SEK in 2023 and further to 44 900 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 40.6% during the period, with a particularly sharp rise between 2022 and 2023. This development can partly be explained by increased demand for professional riders, higher status of the profession, and more competition yards and horse owners investing in qualified staff. Additionally, improved salary negotiation positions and a larger number of international competitions have contributed to raising the average salaries within the profession.

Rider salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 44 900 SEK/month
  • Lowest/Highest salary: Data unavailable
  • Hourly wage: 270 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Data unavailable
  • Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and qualifications

The path to working as a professional rider varies, but usually combines practical experience with education in horse management and riding. Formal education is available at high school level and as vocational training, supplemented with licenses and specialized courses. Besides education, extensive practice and competition merits are required to reach higher levels in the profession.

  • High school education: Agriculture program with a focus on horses (3 years)
  • Vocational training: Specialized equestrian programs (1–2 years)
  • Internship: Long-term internships at competition yards or with experienced riders
  • Licenses: Competition license from the Swedish Equestrian Federation required for competitions
  • Courses and further training: Continuing education in riding, horse care, and safety

Many riders build their networks early through internships with established trainers or at competition yards, which is often crucial for gaining access to well-merited horses and larger competition opportunities.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for riders include free access to stables, horses, and equipment, and sometimes accommodation at the facility. Many are also offered insurance, work clothing, and the opportunity to participate in competitions at the employer's expense. Bonuses may be paid for competition success or when the team’s horses perform particularly well.

Competition and challenges

The competition within the profession is high, especially at the elite level where the number of available positions is limited and results expectations are high. Many riders face tough working conditions, long working days, and physical strain, which require endurance and commitment. It is also common that personal investments in education and competition horses are necessary to succeed. The industry is also influenced by economic cycles and sponsorship opportunities, which can create uncertainty regarding employment and income.

Tips for those who want to become riders

To succeed as a rider, it is good to combine goal-orientedness with a lot of patience and physical endurance. Building contacts within the equestrian industry early on and showing engagement in training and competitions increases the chances of obtaining internships and employment in established yards. Good collaboration skills facilitate working with trainers, horse owners, and others in the team, while thoroughness and responsibility are crucial for the horses’ well-being and safety. Flexibility and the ability to handle unexpected situations are valued by employers and often decisive during competitions. Continual further education and staying updated on new training methods are also success factors. Ultimately, a strong interest in horses and the willingness to invest time and energy in the profession are necessary to build a long-term career.

Key facts about Riders

  • Average salary: 44 900 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 270 SEK/hour
  • Education pathway: High school and vocational education with internships
  • Work environment: Physically demanding, varied environments (stables, competitions, riding halls)
  • Job openings: 434 advertised positions within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a rider can advance to become a lead rider in larger stables, take responsibility for training plans, or be recruited by international competition yards. There are also opportunities to work as a trainer, riding instructor, or start their own business within the equestrian industry. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the demand for professional athletes within equestrian sports remains stable, with 434 recently advertised jobs. The future is considered relatively bright, especially for riders with proven competition experience and good references. However, digitalization and increased international competition may influence the job market in the longer term.

Common questions about Riders

  • What does a Rider earn?
    - A rider has an average salary of 44 900 SEK per month.
  • How has the salary development looked for riders?
    - The salary has increased from 31,926 SEK (2022) to 44 900 SEK (2024), corresponding to an increase of about 40%.
  • What education is required to become a rider?
    - Most commonly, a high school education with a focus on horses, along with internships and licenses from the Swedish Equestrian Federation.
  • What does the profession rider involve?
    - The profession involves daily training of horses, competitions, and extensive responsibility for animal welfare.
  • What benefits are common in the profession?
    - Access to horses, stables, equipment, sometimes accommodation, insurance, and bonuses for competition success.
  • What is the job market like for riders?
    - There are good opportunities, with 434 advertised jobs within the profession according to the latest data.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-04 20:54:24

Occupation
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 37700 kr 38100 kr
Snitt 44100 kr 44900 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 Rider has the SSYK code 3421, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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