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Arts, Design, Media, and Sports

Athletes and Sports Competitors

Compete in athletic events.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Athletes and Sports Competitors
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Median pay

$62,360
Median annual pay for Athletes and Sports Competitors.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

5.5%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

2,100
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

19,100
Estimated U.S. employment for Athletes and Sports Competitors in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+1,000
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

No formal educational credential
Typical additional preparation: Long-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Speaking
  2. 2Active Listening
  3. 3Critical Thinking
  4. 4Monitoring
  5. 5Reading Comprehension
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Administration and Management
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Customer and Personal Service
  4. 4Personnel and Human Resources
  5. 5Communications and Media
  6. 6Education and Training

Abilities

  1. 1Oral Comprehension
  2. 2Oral Expression
  3. 3Problem Sensitivity
  4. 4Stamina
  5. 5Static Strength
  6. 6Dynamic Strength

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Enterprising
  3. 3Social
  4. 4Conventional
  5. 5Artistic
  6. 6Investigative

Work styles

  1. 1Achievement Orientation
  2. 2Perseverance
  3. 3Self-Confidence
  4. 4Stress Tolerance
  5. 5Self-Control
  6. 6Dependability

Work activities

  1. 1Getting Information
  2. 2Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  3. 3Analyzing Data or Information
  4. 4Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  5. 5Performing General Physical Activities
  6. 6Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Work context

  1. 1Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  2. 2Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
  3. 3Level of Competition
  4. 4Contact With Others
  5. 5Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  6. 6Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

Representative tasks

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

Software and tools

Adobe Photoshop · hot technologyFacebook · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyOracle PeopleSoft · hot technologyEmail softwareMotion analysis softwareTwitterWeb browser softwareYouTube

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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