Plan B
Athletes and Sports Competitors
What They Do
Athletes and sports competitors participate in organized, officiated sporting events to entertain spectators.
Work Environment
Athletes and sports competitors may work irregular schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. They typically work more than 40 hours per week for several months during their particular sports season. They frequently work outside, so they may be exposed to all weather conditions.
How to Become One
No formal educational credential is typically required to become an athlete or sports competitor. Athletes must have athletic talent and an extensive knowledge of their sport. They typically get such knowledge through years of practice and experience at lower levels of competition.
Pay
The median annual wage for athletes and sports competitors was $62,360 in May 2024.
Job Outlook
Employment of athletes and sports competitors is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,100 openings for athletes and sports competitors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Similar Occupations
Coaches, Scouts, Recreation Workers, Fitness Trainers and Instructors, Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials.