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  1. Occupations
  2. Athletes and Sports Competitors

Athletes and Sports Competitors

Compete in athletic events.

SOC: 27-2021.00

Common Job Titles

  • Baseball Player
  • Golf Professional
  • Hockey Player
  • Race Car Driver

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • Hands-onExecute precisely sport-specific physical techniques and movements during competitive athletic events under high-pressure conditions.
    Proficient
  • MindsetIntegrate teamwork principles with individual performance goals while building cohesive team dynamics and supporting fellow competitors.
    Proficient
  • Hands-onCoordinate complex physical movements using sport-specific equipment including specialized tools, apparatus, and training devices.
    Proficient
  • Hands-onPerform efficiently conditioning and strength training routines using fitness equipment and training apparatus to maintain peak physical condition.
    Proficient
  • KnowledgeEvaluate personal performance metrics and competition outcomes using video analysis and motion tracking technology to identify improvement areas.
    Proficient
  • MindsetBalance competitive drive with sportsmanship and professional conduct when interacting with media, fans, and the public during and after competitions.
    Proficient
  • KnowledgeDevelop personalized training objectives and competition strategies in collaboration with coaching staff to optimize athletic performance.
    Proficient
  • KnowledgeAnalyze performance data and game conditions to make real-time tactical decisions during competition.
    Developing
  • KnowledgeApply strategic game plans and competitive tactics adapting to opponents' strengths and weaknesses in dynamic competition environments.
    Developing
  • MindsetEngage with coaches, trainers, and support staff to receive feedback and implement performance improvement recommendations.
    Developing

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Athletes and Sports Competitors (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

14,370

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $24,960. 25th percentile: U.S. $36,750. 50th percentile: U.S. $62,360. 75th percentile: U.S. $130,770. 90th percentile: U.S. $239,200. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$24,960
10% of workers earn the following or more$239,200+
Workers on average earn$259,750

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Administration and Management3.7/5
  • English Language3.7/5
  • Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
  • Personnel and Human Resources3.4/5
  • Communications and Media3.3/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Facebook
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle PeopleSoft

Technology Skills

  • Email software
  • Motion analysis software
  • Twitter
  • Web browser software
  • YouTube

Tools & Equipment

  • Badminton rackets
  • Balance beams
  • Baseball catching gloves
  • Bicycle motocross BMX bikes
  • Bowling balls
  • Boxing gloves
  • Competition javelins
  • Competition sailboats
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment

Related Occupations

Occupations with similar skills and knowledge requirements

Most Similar

  • Coaches and Scouts 27-2022.00
  • Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials 27-2023.00
  • Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors 39-9031.00
  • Training and Development Specialists 13-1151.00
  • Amusement and Recreation Attendants 39-3091.00

Moderately Similar

  • Athletic Trainers 29-9091.00
  • Self-Enrichment Teachers 25-3021.00
  • Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School 25-2032.00
  • Dancers 27-2031.00
  • Musicians and Singers 27-2042.00

Related

  • Animal Trainers 39-2011.00
  • Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1194.00
  • Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners 39-3012.00
  • Training and Development Managers 11-3131.00
  • Fitness and Wellness Coordinators 11-9179.01
  • Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School 25-2023.00
  • Gambling Managers 11-9071.00
  • Recreation Workers 39-9032.00
  • Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers 33-9092.00
  • Sports Medicine Physicians 29-1229.06

Related Programs

Education programs that prepare you for this occupation

  • Associate's DegreeSport and Recreation ManagementIssuer: Paris Junior College
  • Associate's DegreeKinesiology or Public HealthIssuer: Paris Junior College
  • Master's DegreeKinesiology and Recreation AdministrationIssuer: North Carolina Central University
  • Bachelor's DegreeCoaching (BA)Issuer: Averett University
  • Bachelor's DegreeHEALTH AND HUMAN PERFORMANCEIssuer: The University of Tennessee-Martin
  • Bachelor's DegreeHealth and Physical EducationIssuer: University of West Florida
  • CertificateAthletic Coaching in Secondary EducationIssuer: Connors State College
  • Bachelor's DegreeSport and Wellness StudiesIssuer: Winston-Salem State University
  • Master's DegreeKinesiology (MS)Issuer: Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
  • Associate's DegreeAAS Exercise Health Sciences - Fitness AdministrationIssuer: Arapahoe Community College