Athletes and Sports Competitors Salary 2025: $66,710 Median, Top Earners Over $742K
The median salary for Athletes and Sports Competitors is $66,710, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean wage hits $206,180 — roughly $32 per hour — but the range is vast: the bottom 10% earn around $26,500, while the top 10% pull in over $742,310. That spread reflects the difference between minor-league and part-time athletes versus elite professionals in major sports. About 15,070 people hold this occupation nationwide.
How much Athletes and Sports Competitors earn
Median annual pay for Athletes and Sports Competitors is $66,710. The top earners — the 90th percentile — make $742,310 or more, driven by star players in professional leagues. The bottom tenth earn $26,500 or less, often in lower-tier sports or part-time roles.
Average hourly earnings are estimated at $32, but this masks wide variation. Most athletes are paid per game or per season, not by the hour. The mean annual wage of $206,180 is heavily skewed by high-end salaries.
Pay by state
New Jersey tops the list at $253,870 average annual wage, followed by Missouri at $172,700 and Utah at $122,800. Nevada ($119,780) and Texas ($80,510) round out the top five. On the lower end, South Carolina averages $45,720, Oklahoma $44,110, and Ohio $39,040.
State figures reflect where teams are headquartered and the mix of sports. New Jersey benefits from proximity to New York's major league teams and high-profile venues. Ohio's low average may relate to a higher share of minor-league or collegiate athletes.
There is no single educational path. Most athletes start young, often by age 8–12 in organized sports, and progress through high school and college teams. About 60% of professional athletes have a bachelor's degree, but it's not required — raw talent and performance matter more.
Certifications are rare in this field. Instead, athletes obtain agents, participate in drafts or tryouts, and build a track record. The typical entry is after college graduation, but some bypass college entirely (e.g., baseball players drafted out of high school).
- Start early: join school or club teams, specialize by age 14–16.
- Compete at college level (NCAA, NAIA) or junior leagues.
- Get noticed: attend combines, showcases, or hire an agent.
- Sign a professional contract — often after a draft or free agent tryout.
Job outlook
Employment of Athletes and Sports Competitors is projected to grow 5.5% from 2024 to 2034 — faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,100 openings per year are expected, mostly to replace workers who retire or leave the field.
Growth is driven by expansion of professional sports leagues, esports inclusion, and media rights deals increasing team revenues. However, competition remains intense: millions of athletes aim for roughly 15,000 slots.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary of an athlete in 2025?
The national median salary is $66,710, per BLS. Mean wage is $206,180. Top earners exceed $742,310.
What state pays athletes the most?
New Jersey pays the highest average at $253,870, followed by Missouri ($172,700) and Utah ($122,800).
How do you become an athlete?
Start in youth sports, progress through high school and college competition, get scouted, and sign a professional contract. A college degree helps but isn't mandatory.
What is the job growth for athletes?
Employment is projected to grow 5.5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than average, with about 2,100 openings yearly.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Athletes and Sports Competitors data.