Arts, design, media and sports
Athletes and sports competitors
Compete in athletic events.
Median pay
$66,710
Growth to 2035
+6%
about as fast as average
Openings a year
2,200
Time to qualify*
12 months
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Athletes and sports competitors
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- No formal educational credential
- On-the-job training
- Long-term on-the-job training
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Athletes and sports competitors: 65% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
Also called: Baseball Pitcher · Baseball Player · Basketball Player · Golf Professional · Hockey Player · Major League Baseball Player · Minor League Baseball Player · Professional Athlete
Outlook and AI
Athletes and sports competitors held 22,900 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 24,100 by 2035 (+6%, about as fast as average; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
- Athletes and sports competitors vs. Coaches and scouts
- Athletes and sports competitors vs. Umpires, referees, and other sports officials
- Athletes and sports competitors vs. Exercise trainers and group fitness instructors
- Athletes and sports competitors vs. Amusement and recreation attendants
- Athletes and sports competitors vs. Athletic trainer
- Athletes and sports competitors vs. Training and development specialists
- Athletes and sports competitors vs. Self-enrichment teacher
- Athletes and sports competitors vs. Career/technical education teachers, secondary school
- Athletes and sports competitors vs. Dancer
- Athletes and sports competitors vs. Musicians and singers