Athletes and sports competitors
SOC Code: 27-2021Also known as:
All Terrain Vehicle Racer (ATV Racer), Archer, Athlete, Automobile Racer (Auto Racer), Barrel Racer
Median Annual Salary
$62,360
+5.5% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
19K
Current Jobs
What Athletes and sports competitors Do
Compete in athletic events.
💰 Salary
$62,360
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+5.5%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Long-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
19,100
Projected Employment (2034)
20,200
Related Careers
Coaches and scouts
$45,920 •
+6.4% growth
Umpires, referees, and other sports officials
$38,820 •
+5.7% growth
Athletic trainers
$60,250 •
+11.1% growth
Amusement and recreation attendants
$30,490 •
+3.4% growth
Exercise trainers and group fitness instructors
$46,180 •
+11.9% growth
Top Skills Required
Speaking
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Coordination
Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Assess performance following athletic competition, identifying strengths and weaknesses and making adjustments to improve future performance.
- Maintain equipment used in a particular sport.
- Attend scheduled practice or training sessions.
- Maintain optimum physical fitness levels by training regularly, following nutrition plans, or consulting with health professionals.
- Participate in athletic events or competitive sports, according to established rules and regulations.
- Exercise or practice under the direction of athletic trainers or professional coaches to develop skills, improve physical condition, or prepare for competitions.
- Receive instructions from coaches or other sports staff prior to events and discuss performance afterwards.
- Represent teams or professional sports clubs, performing such activities as meeting with members of the media, making speeches, or participating in charity events.
- Lead teams by serving as captain.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Less than High School
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Athletes and sports competitors
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a athletes and sports competitors:
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General
12,633 degrees awarded •
387 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Athletes and sports competitors
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become athletes and sports competitors.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletes and sports competitors make?
The median annual salary for athletes and sports competitors is $62,360.
What education do athletes and sports competitors need?
Most athletes and sports competitors positions require a no formal educational credential.
Common degree programs include Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General.
Is becoming athletes and sports competitors a good career choice?
Athletes and sports competitors is projected to see +5.5% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 2,100 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for athletes and sports competitors?
Top colleges for aspiring athletes and sports competitors include
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, William & Mary, Emory University, The University of Texas at Austin.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to athletes and sports competitors?
Athletes and sports competitors may also be known as: All Terrain Vehicle Racer (ATV Racer), Archer, Athlete, Automobile Racer (Auto Racer), Barrel Racer, Baseball Pitcher, Baseball Player, Basketball Player, Bass Fisher, Bicycle Racer, Bicyclist, Billiard Player, BMX Rider (Bicycle Motocross Rider), Bodybuilder, Bowler, Boxer, Bull Rider, Cage Fighter, Car Racer, College Athlete.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.