Athletes and Sports Competitors
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
The core of the job is competing under the rules of a sport, then studying what went well and what did not so the next outing is better. Regular practice fills most days, often under coaches or athletic trainers, with work on skills, fitness, nutrition plans, and the equipment the sport uses. Before events, instructions come from coaches and staff; afterward, performance is discussed. Some of the work is public, such as speaking with the media, giving speeches, or appearing at charity events for a team or club. It suits people who like hard physical training, measured competition, and adjusting their own performance over time.
Typical education: Less than a High School Diploma
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$66'710
Median Wage Market Position
$66'710
What you might do
- Compete in athletic events under official rules
- Practice under coaches to sharpen your skills
- Stay fit through training and nutrition plans
- Study your last contest and adjust your approach
- Keep your sport's equipment in working order
- Speak for your team at media or charity events
Skills that matter
- Reviewing strengths after each competition
- Keeping sport equipment ready for play
- Taking coaches' instructions before events
- Changing tactics after spotting weaknesses
- Coordinating play with teammates
- Speaking for the club at public events
AI & the future of this role
Elite athletic performance depends on physical skill, split-second judgment, and live competition that machines cannot replicate. Audience demand for human contests is likely to keep this work highly resilient even as training tools improve.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details