Creative & Media
Athletes and Sports Competitors
Compete in athletic events.
Median salary (BLS)
$66,710
10th–90th percentile (BLS)
$27k – $742k
Job outlook
+6% (faster than average)
AI exposure
Plan a path to Athletes and Sports Competitors
Education
Typical entry: No degree required
Plan my path to this →How to qualify
EstimateCost to qualify
$0–$150
Time to qualify
6 mo
Renewal
—
- 1
High school diploma or GED
CourseExpected by most employers; if you need the GED, test fees run $0–$150 depending on the state.
$0–$150 · 3 months · varies by state source
- 2
On-the-job training
ExperienceEmployer-provided and typically paid — days to a few months for most no-degree roles.
Cost varies · 3 months source
Estimated typical U.S. route for "Athletes and Sports Competitors" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.
Typical progression
Junior Athletes and Sports Competitors
Entry / Junior
$26,500
~2 yrs to advance
Athletes and Sports Competitors
Established
$66,710
~3 yrs to advance
Senior Athletes and Sports Competitors
Senior
$404,510
Key skills
A typical day
- •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.
Fields of study
Any field
Top colleges for Creative & Media
Explore all- University of Southern California12% admit · $86,000 grad pay
- New York University12% admit · $84,000 grad pay
- Northwestern University7% admit · $95,000 grad pay
- University of Chicago5% admit · $91,000 grad pay
Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.