How to become athletes and sports competitorseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter
Median annual pay
$66,710
25th–75th pct. $36,790–$109,880
Top pay (est.)
$965,000
Top 10% $742,310
Pay in 5 years
$78,300est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$92,000est.
$79,100–$106,800
Outlook score
73/100
★★★★☆ Good
AI replacement risk
25%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
+5.5%
2,200 openings / yr
How to become athletes and sports competitors
Typical education
No formal educational credential
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Long-term on-the-job training
A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.
Skills, education and requirements for Athletes and Sports Competitors
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Performing General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsProcessing InformationCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesAnalyzing Data or InformationDeveloping Objectives and Strategies
Important abilities
StaminaDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthGross Body CoordinationOral ExpressionStatic Strength
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
Career path and how to earn more as athletes and sports competitors
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.
Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.