Athletes and Sports Competitors

Compete in athletic events.

$62,360

Median Annual Pay

Jobs growth:

+5% projected 2024–2034

No formal educational credential

Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

Athletes and sports competitors dedicate their lives to training and performing in their chosen sports at professional, semi-professional, or elite amateur levels. They spend countless hours practicing specific skills, studying game strategies, and maintaining peak physical condition through rigorous exercise regimens and carefully planned nutrition. During competitions, they execute the techniques they've refined while adapting to opponents' strategies and making split-second decisions under intense pressure.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Health and Physical Education/Fitness(doctoral)University of Western States, OR

Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)CUNY Brooklyn College, NY

Health and Physical Education/Fitness(doctoral)University of North Carolina at Greensboro, NC

Health and Physical Education/Fitness(doctoral)United States Sports University, AL

Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)Plymouth State University, NH

Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)Saint Mary's College of California, CA

Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)Columbia University in the City of New York, NY

Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)Concordia University-Irvine, CA

Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)Central Washington University, WA

Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, TX

Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)Sul Ross State University, TX

Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)American Public University System, WV

Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)Concordia University-Nebraska, NE

Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)Northwestern University, IL

Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)American University, DC

Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)Auburn University at Montgomery, AL

Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)Ohio University-Main Campus, OH

Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)Texas Woman's University, TX

Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)East Texas A&M University, TX

Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)Georgetown University, DC

Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)University of Virginia-Main Campus, VA

Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)United States Sports University, AL

Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)Dallas Baptist University, TX

Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)Southeastern Oklahoma State University, OK

Health and Physical Education/Fitness(masters)Arkansas State University, AR

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