The salary expectations are based on the player’s ability as well as the leagues budget level. The leagues with a larger audience base will pay much more then a small town team with a arena that hold less then 5,000 spectators. Here is an example of what you could earn:
EUROPE
(Salaries in US Dollars based on August 1, 2023)
Austria – ICEHL Salary Expectations $ 27,376 – $109, 504
Teams of the ICEHL (Austria, Slovenia)
League Website: https://www.ice.hockey/
Salaries are TAX FREE. Hockey Players should have experience in a minimum of ECHL or NCAA Div.1 to be given a chance.Teams would prefer AHL experience.
Austria – ALPS League Salary Expectations $13,140 to $27,376
Teams of the ALPS (Austria, Slovenia, Italy)
Belarus Extraliga – Salary Expectation $21,900 to $32,851
Czech Extraliga – Salary Expectations $30,000 to $200,000
Czech Division 1 – Salary Expectations $15,000 to $25,000
Denmark Metal Ligaen – Salary Expectation $16,425 to $38,326 Tax Free
Finland Liiga – Salary Expectations $43,801 to $169,731 Tax Free
Finland Mestis – Salary Expectations $10,950 Tax Free
France Ligue Magnus – Salary Expectations $16,435 to $71,177 Tax Free
Germany DEL 1 – Salary Expectations $43,801 to $301,136 Tax Free
Germany DEL 2 – Salary Expectations $21,900 to $65,702 Tax Free
Germany Oberliga – Salary Expectations $13,140 to $60,227 Tax Free
Hungary and Romania Erste Liga – Salary Expectations $21,900 to $49,276
Norway Get Ligaen – Salary Expectations $21,900 to 71,177 Tax Free
Poland Polska Hokej Liga – Salary Expectations $16,425 to $49,276
Russia KHL – Salary Expectations $70,000 to $1,600,000
Russia VHL – Salary Expectations $20,000 to $55,000
Slovakia Extraliga – Salary Expectation $27,376 to $87,603
Sweden SHL – Salary Expectations $87,603 to $317,561 Tax Free
Sweden Allsvenskan – Salary Expectations $21,900 to $82,128 Tax Free
Switzerland NLA – Salary Expectations $108,504 to $492,768 Tax Free
Switzerland NLB – Salary Expectations $38,326 to $82,128 Tax Free
UK – EIHL – Salary Expectations $15,264 to $50,882
KHL – Russia $70,000 to $1.6 million
Swiss NLA – $100,000 to $500,000
Sweden SHL – 55,000 to 275,000
ASIA
Japan, South Korea and China – Asia Hockey Salary Expectations $35,000 to $200,000
NORTH AMERICA
National Hockey League – $750,000 to $13,000,000
East Coast Hockey League ECHL – $25,000 Average
American Hockey League AHL – $55,000 to $120,000
Southern Professional Hockey League – $250 to $400 per week plus living expenses and housing
Quebec LNAH – Average pay is $350 per game
All figures are USD based. Leagues not listed usually provide Room & Board with the possibility of working a job.
Some lower leagues may have a small salary, varies based on team and country, but don’t expect to make a lot, mostly a life experience.
The top leagues in Europe look at a players career stats. You need to have decent stats from the NHL, AHL or ECHL top be considered for the top leagues in Europe.
The 2nd Division teams in Europe require AHL, ECHL experience.
The 3rd Division teams will look at top NCAA, USPORTS, CHL Junior players with good stats.
The lower leagues will allow some players to play depending on their import rules.
You need to build your career in the ECHL or AHL to move onto the Paying jobs in European Hockey.
Exceptions to some of the rules do occur if you have the ability to obtain a countries passport or citizenship due to your parents or grandparents place of origin.
Without a Agent it is very difficult to earn a decent spot on a European Team. Do your homework and we hope to help.
