Athletes and Sports Competitors
Compete in athletic events.
Also called: All Terrain Vehicle Racer (ATV Racer), Archer, Athlete, Automobile Racer (Auto Racer), Barrel Racer, Baseball Pitcher
Median pay
$66,710
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$26,500 – $742,310
People employed
15,070
Holland code
RES
Realistic · Enterprising · Social
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 2.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 3.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Long hours on your feet
- Tight deadlines are common
Athletes and Sports Competitors pay by state
Annual median pay by state (18 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What athletes and sports competitors do
- 01Assess performance following athletic competition, identifying strengths and weaknesses and making adjustments to improve future performance.
- 02Maintain equipment used in a particular sport.
- 03Attend scheduled practice or training sessions.
- 04Maintain optimum physical fitness levels by training regularly, following nutrition plans, or consulting with health professionals.
- 05Participate in athletic events or competitive sports, according to established rules and regulations.
- 06Exercise or practice under the direction of athletic trainers or professional coaches to develop skills, improve physical condition, or prepare for competitions.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Communications and Media
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Achievement Orientation
- Self-Control
- Stress Tolerance
- Perseverance
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 4 years, up to and including 6 years.
- On-the-job training: none or short demonstration.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from athletes and sports competitors
- Gambling Managers71% · +40%
- First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers68% · −4%
- Food Service Managers68% · +4%
- Flight Attendants68% · −5%
- Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors65% · −13%
Change into athletes and sports competitors
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Animal Trainers75% · $39,990
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants72% · $32,150
- Baristas68% · $31,200
- Flight Attendants68% · $63,580
- Food Service Managers68% · $69,390
Majors that lead here
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.