Athletes and Sports Competitors

Median salary, education path, job outlook, and related careers — based on U.S. labor data.

What a Athletes and Sports Competitors does

Train and compete in organized sports at professional, collegiate, or amateur levels to entertain audiences and pursue athletic excellence. They dedicate themselves to their sport through rigorous practice, conditioning, and competition.

Education & path

The typical entry point is a high school diploma. No degree required — short-term training or on-the-job learning.

Estimated cost of that path: No degree cost. Estimates only — actual cost varies widely by school and financial aid; payback assumes ~20% of income applied.

Related careers

• Coaches and Scouts — $47,320/yr
• Media Technical Directors/Managers — $90,360/yr
• Talent Directors — $90,360/yr
• Producers and Directors — $90,360/yr
• Media Programming Directors — $90,360/yr