Athletes and Sports Competitors Salary by State
The national median pay for athletes and sports competitors is $66,710 a year. By state, it ranges from $39,040 in Ohio to $253,870 in New Jersey.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $26,500
- 25th percentile
- $36,790
- Median
- $66,710
- 75th percentile
- $109,880
- Top 10%
- $742,310
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 15,070 jobs.
Median pay in 18 states
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Jersey | $253,870 | +281% | $46,300 | $324,310 | 390 |
| 2 | Missouri | $172,700 | +159% | $44,340 | Not published | 670 |
| 3 | Utah | $122,800 | +84% | $30,450 | $708,320 | 340 |
| 4 | Nevada | $119,780 | +80% | $40,940 | $149,590 | 160 |
| 5 | Texas | $80,510 | +21% | $25,340 | $878,190 | 1,840 |
| 6 | California | $79,040 | +18% | $40,120 | Not published | 830 |
| 7 | Florida | $78,610 | +18% | $59,910 | $109,910 | 1,360 |
| 8 | Georgia | $77,530 | +16% | $21,920 | $766,920 | 840 |
| 9 | Kansas | $63,630 | −5% | $30,180 | $94,160 | 170 |
| 10 | Kentucky | $63,020 | −6% | $39,290 | $137,370 | Not published |
| 11 | Virginia | $61,500 | −8% | $56,130 | $67,140 | Not published |
| 12 | Pennsylvania | $57,100 | −14% | $23,220 | $165,890 | 250 |
| 13 | Louisiana | $55,890 | −16% | $23,920 | $128,320 | 440 |
| 14 | Arizona | $50,090 | −25% | $31,290 | $286,690 | 940 |
| 15 | Maryland | $48,200 | −28% | $40,460 | $130,910 | Not published |
| 16 | South Carolina | $45,720 | −31% | $18,950 | $70,910 | 280 |
| 17 | Oklahoma | $44,110 | −34% | $28,920 | $44,420 | Not published |
| 18 | Ohio | $39,040 | −41% | $24,160 | $132,660 | 590 |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Athletes and Sports Competitors salary questions
Which state pays athletes and sports competitors the most?
New Jersey, with a median of $253,870 a year (+281% vs. the national median of $66,710). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays athletes and sports competitors the least?
Ohio, with a median of $39,040 a year (−41% vs. national).
Where do most athletes and sports competitors work?
Texas has the most jobs, about 1,840, with a median of $80,510.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.