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Athlete or Sports Competitor

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What is an Athlete or Sports Competitor?

Example of Athlete Job Compete in athletic events.

List of Athlete Job Duties

  • Assess performance following athletic competition, identifying strengths and weaknesses and making adjustments to improve future performance.
  • Receive instructions from coaches or other sports staff prior to events and discuss performance afterwards.
  • Participate in athletic events or competitive sports, according to established rules and regulations.
  • Attend scheduled practice or training sessions.
  • Exercise or practice under the direction of athletic trainers or professional coaches to develop skills, improve physical condition, or prepare for competitions.
  • Maintain optimum physical fitness levels by training regularly, following nutrition plans, or consulting with health professionals.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as an Athlete?

Below is a list of the skills most Athletes and Sports Competitors say are important on the job.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

  • Sumo Wrestler
  • Sulky Driver
  • BMX Rider (Bicycle Motocross Rider)
  • Bicycle Racer
  • Automobile Racer (Auto Racer)

Job Demand for Athletes and Sports Competitors

There were about 11,800 jobs for Athlete or Sports Competitor in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 7.6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 900 new jobs for Athlete or Sports Competitor by 2026. There will be an estimated 1,700 positions for Athlete per year.

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The states with the most job growth for Athlete are Utah, Colorado, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Idaho, Alaska, or Minnesota. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Do Athletes and Sports Competitors Make A Lot Of Money?

Athletes and Sports Competitors make between $19,040 and $208,000 a year.

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Athletes and Sports Competitors who work in Colorado, California, or Texas, make the highest salaries.

How much do Athletes and Sports Competitors make in different U.S. states?

State Annual Mean Salary
California $125,160
Colorado $183,110
Connecticut $67,800
Florida $76,870
Georgia $67,760
Kansas $67,380
Kentucky $40,600
Maryland $50,250
Massachusetts $63,700
Michigan $52,680
Missouri $72,590
Nebraska $67,930
Nevada $89,730
New Jersey $65,430
New York $102,930
Pennsylvania $48,710
Rhode Island $68,630
South Carolina $36,260
Texas $130,580
Utah $69,660
Washington $78,370

What Tools & Technology do Athletes and Sports Competitors Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Athletes and Sports Competitors may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Web browser software
  • Email software
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
  • Facebook
  • Oracle PeopleSoft
  • YouTube
  • Twitter
  • Motion analysis software

How do I Become an Athlete?

What education is needed to be an Athlete or Sports Competitor?

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How Long Does it Take to Become an Athlete?

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Athletes and Sports Competitors Sector

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Below are examples of industries where Athletes and Sports Competitors work:

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References:

Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Michael Ellis via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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