Athletes and Sports Competitors

SOC code 27-2021 · O*NET-SOC 27-2021.00 · Little to some preparation needed

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Athletes and Sports Competitors pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$66,710

a year

Hourly

—

per hour

10th$26,500Median$66,71090th$742,310

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$206,180

— per hour

Middle 50%

$36,790 – $109,880

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$26,500 – $742,310

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

15,070

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $26,500; —/hr
25th percentile: $36,790; —/hr
Median percentile: $66,710; —/hr
75th percentile: $109,880; —/hr
90th percentile: $742,310; —/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+5%

Growing faster than average

19,100

jobs in 2024

20,200

projected for 2034

About 1,100 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What do athletes and sports competitors do?

Compete in athletic events.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Assess performance following athletic competition, identifying strengths and weaknesses and making adjustments to improve future performance.
Maintain equipment used in a particular sport.
Attend scheduled practice or training sessions.
Maintain optimum physical fitness levels by training regularly, following nutrition plans, or consulting with health professionals.
Participate in athletic events or competitive sports, according to established rules and regulations.
Exercise or practice under the direction of athletic trainers or professional coaches to develop skills, improve physical condition, or prepare for competitions.
Receive instructions from coaches or other sports staff prior to events and discuss performance afterwards.
Represent teams or professional sports clubs, performing such activities as meeting with members of the media, making speeches, or participating in charity events.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold less than a high school diploma — 35% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Less than a High School Diploma35%
Bachelor's Degree24%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)23%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree9%

Common questions

How much does an athletes and sports competitors earn?

The national median is $66,710 a year. The full range runs from $26,500 at the 10th percentile to $742,310 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become an athletes and sports competitors without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Is athletes and sports competitors in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 5% between 2024 and 2034 — growing faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Speaking3.9/5
Active Listening3.8/5
Critical Thinking3.8/5
Monitoring3.3/5
Reading Comprehension3.1/5
Active Learning3.0/5

Knowledge areas

Administration and Management3.7/5
English Language3.7/5
Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
Personnel and Human Resources3.4/5
Communications and Media3.3/5
Education and Training3.2/5
Sales and Marketing3.2/5
Mathematics3.1/5

Transferable strengths: Coordination, Judgment and Decision Making, Social Perceptiveness, Persuasion.