- Salary statistics
- Competition riders
Competition riders
44 100 - 44 900 kr / month
Pedagogiskt arbete
Salary progression Competition riders
What does a Competition Rider do? – Tasks and Work Environment
Competition riders work professionally riding horses in various disciplines such as show jumping, dressage, or eventing at national and international levels. Their tasks include daily training of horses, participating in competitions, and collaborating with trainers, veterinarians, and horse owners. Horse and equipment care, as well as planning training and travel for competitions, are also part of their daily routine. The working environment is physically demanding, often outdoors, and involves early mornings and weekend work, especially during competition seasons. Safety is important as the work involves large animals and fast-paced activities.
Salary Development Over Time
The salary development for competition riders has been notably positive over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,926 SEK per month, increasing to 41 300 SEK in 2023—a rise of approximately 29%. One year later, in 2024, the average salary reached 44 900 SEK, which is an increase of nearly 9% compared to the previous year. The trend indicates a growing demand for skilled competition riders, likely driven by increased focus on professional horse management, more international competitions, and rising interest in equestrian sports. The salary trend also reflects increased competition and professionalization within the profession.
Competition Rider Salary – Complete Overview
- Average salary: 44 900 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data unavailable
- Hourly rate: 270 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: No statistics available
- Regional differences: No reliable data
Education and Qualifications
The path to becoming a competition rider is built on a combination of practical experience, riding training, and competition merits. Formal education can be supplemented with courses or certifications, but long-term training and practical horse handling are often decisive. Many start early with riding school and proceed to specialized programs at high schools or folk high schools, as well as internships or traineeships within the equestrian sport.
- High school education: Agricultural program with a focus on horse management (3 years)
- Certifications: Swedish Equestrian Federation licenses and competition licenses
- Internship: Working at riding schools, competition stables, or as an equine assistant
- Courses: Specialized courses in riding techniques, horse knowledge, and safety
- Prerequisites: Several years of riding experience, competition experience is an advantage
Many competition riders combine their active sports career with training young horses or giving lessons to amateurs. This provides additional income and an opportunity to broaden their expertise in equestrian sports.
Common Benefits and Compensation
Benefits for competition riders can include free stable space, sponsored travel to competitions, access to professional equipment, and insurance coverage for injuries and accidents. In some cases, bonuses are provided for competition success, and further training opportunities are available through collaborations with trainers or clubs.
Competition and Challenges
The profession of competition rider is characterized by fierce competition both nationally and internationally. The number of professional competition spots is limited, and many must combine their sport with other activities to ensure a stable income. The physical and mental demands are high, and the risk of injuries is significant. Additionally, investments in horses, equipment, and travel impose financial requirements on practitioners. Networking and contacts within the industry are often crucial for success.
Tips for Aspiring Competition Riders
To succeed as a competition rider, it is important to combine goal-orientedness and perseverance with a strong passion for horses and the sport. Gaining broad practical experience early through work in stables and participating in competitions is vital, as is developing a careful and responsible attitude towards horse welfare. Networking and collaborations can open doors to new opportunities, so social skills and openness to feedback are valuable qualities. Constantly striving to improve, both as a rider and horse person, is key to long-term success. Flexibility and resilience help when competitions and travel involve irregular hours and quick changes. Finally, patience and understanding that results and recognition often come after many years of hard work are essential.
Key Facts about Competition Riders
- Average salary: 44 900 SEK/month
- Hourly rate: 270 SEK
- Education level: High school + specialized courses
- Work environment: Physically demanding, often outdoors, with irregular hours
- Job vacancies in the profession: 434 positions (2024)
Career Paths and Future Outlook
After three to five years as a competition rider, there are opportunities to advance to head groom, trainer, or stable manager. Some choose to focus on their own business in horse training or sales, while others can continue their careers internationally. Forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicate that demand for professional athletes in equestrian sports remains relatively stable, partly driven by continued interest in horse riding in Sweden. The ability to establish oneself and achieve higher salaries depends largely on competition results, networking, and self-promotion as a rider.
Frequently Asked Questions about Competition Riders
- What does a Competition Rider earn?
- The average salary is 44 900 SEK per month, with an hourly rate of around 270 SEK. - Is formal education necessary to become a Competition Rider?
- High school education with a focus on equestrianism is common, but practical experience and competition merits are most important. - What is the work environment like for a Competition Rider?
- The work is physically demanding, often outdoors, with irregular hours. - Are there many job openings for Competition Riders?
- A total of 434 vacancies were recorded in our latest survey. - What are the key personal qualities?
- Goal-orientedness, patience, responsibility, and good teamwork skills are essential for success. - What are the future prospects?
- Demand is stable but competition is tough, and success depends heavily on competition results and networking.
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 Competition riders has the SSYK code 3421, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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