Athletes and Sports Competitors
Athletes and sports competitors participate in organized athletic events across various sports and levels of competition. They train regularly, compete in games or matches, and may perform in front of audiences. Work settings include stadiums, arenas, playing fields, and other sports facilities, ranging from professional leagues to amateur competitions.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against athletes and sports competitors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves training sessions, skill development, and competitive events. Athletes may spend several hours daily practicing techniques, building strength and endurance, and studying game strategies. Competition schedules vary by sport and season, with some weeks including multiple games or events and others focused primarily on practice and conditioning.
Who this work suits
Holland code RES. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy physical competition and performing in real-world settings. You tend to be both driven by personal achievement and motivated by business or promotional aspects of sports. You respond well to structured training, measurable performance goals, and the competitive environment of organized athletics.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $79,570 | $253,870 | $294,800 | 390 |
| Missouri | $78,370 | $172,700 | $775,740 | 670 |
| Utah | $72,520 | $122,800 | $216,800 | 340 |
| Nevada | $51,130 | $119,780 | $124,130 | 160 |
| Texas | $30,120 | $80,510 | $822,000 | 1,840 |
| California | $65,780 | $79,040 | $149,490 | 830 |
| Florida | $76,820 | $78,610 | $107,600 | 1,360 |
| Georgia | $34,840 | $77,530 | $687,600 | 840 |
| Kansas | $33,930 | $63,630 | $75,720 | 170 |
| Kentucky | $46,960 | $63,020 | $80,630 | — |
| Virginia | $59,200 | $61,500 | $67,120 | — |
| Pennsylvania | $30,690 | $57,100 | $77,480 | 250 |
All 18 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Sports Conditioning Specialty Certification — American Council on Exercise
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against athletes and sports competitors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 27-2021.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.