How to become an athletes and sports competitor

Compete in athletic events.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

What athletes and sports competitors do

• 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.
• Exercise or practice under the direction of athletic trainers or professional coaches to develop skills, improve physical condition, or prepare for competitions.
• Represent teams or professional sports clubs, performing such activities as meeting with members of the media, making speeches, or participating in charity events.

Skills that matter most

• Speaking
• Active Listening
• Critical Thinking
• Monitoring
• Reading Comprehension
• Active Learning
• Learning Strategies
• Writing

Is athletes and sports competitor a good career?

On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 31% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• New Jersey $253,870
• Missouri $172,700
• Utah $122,800
• Nevada $119,780
• Texas $80,510

Athletes and Sports Competitors salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.