What is the salary of a Athlete and Sports Competitor?

The typical salary range is $43,652 - $87,304 per year.

Creative, Arts, & ExpressionGrowingBright Outlook

Athlete and Sports Competitor

Operational-level

Also known as: All Terrain Vehicle Racer (ATV Racer), Archer, Athlete, Automobile Racer (Auto Racer)

Creative, Arts, & ExpressionBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As an Athlete and Sports Competitor, you dedicate yourself to training and performing in athletic events. You spend your days honing your skills, often working closely with coaches and teammates in practices and competitions. You'll communicate frequently, listen actively to feedback, and use critical thinking to strategize during events. Much of your work takes place outdoors, facing different weather conditions, and involves constant self-monitoring and learning to improve your performance. This career suits someone highly motivated, disciplined, and passionate about competition.

AthleticsSports PerformanceCompetitive SportsProfessional AthleteKinesiologySports ScienceHealth & WellnessPhysical EducationCreativeMedia

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies

Adobe Photoshop Facebook Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Word Oracle PeopleSoft

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Bright Outlook

O*NET flags this career as a Bright Outlook occupation: grows rapidly over the next decade.

Projected growth

+5.5%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

2,200

per year (US)

Jobs today

22,900

in 2025 → 24,100 (2035)

Typical entry education

No formal educational credential

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication

High

Working in a team

High

Contact with others

High

Freedom to make decisions

High

Time pressure

High

Time spent sitting

Low

Working outdoors

High

Indoor, climate-controlled

Moderate

Dealing with customers

Moderate

Level of competition

High

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Growing Job Market

The job outlook for Athletes and Sports Competitors is strong, with about 2,200 openings expected each year through 2035. Employment is projected to increase by 5.5%, which is considered rapid growth. While a high school diploma is typical, professional success often leads to a median annual wage of around $66,710. Many athletes eventually transition into roles like coaching or sports analysis.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Amateur Athlete
Student Athlete
Youth Competitor

Athlete and Sports Competitor

Where it can lead

Sports Coach
Sports Analyst
Sports Commentator

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will significantly impact athletes by revolutionizing training, performance analysis, and injury prevention through personalized data insights. It will optimize technique, predict injury risks, and inform real-time strategic decisions, pushing the boundaries of human athletic potential and competitiveness. This will create a future where data-driven adaptation is key to success.

Salary

$66,710

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position