Athletes and Sports Competitors Salary in the United States
Median annual wage: $66,710 · Median hourly: — · Employment: 15,070
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $26,500 | — |
| 25th | $36,790 | — |
| Median | $66,710 | — |
| 75th | $109,880 | — |
| 90th | $742,310 | — |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 27-2021
- Total U.S. employment: 15,070
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
What this means
Across the United States, 15,070 athletes and sports competitors are employed (— per 1,000 jobs), making this a mid-sized occupations in the national economy.
Athletes and Sports Competitors Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | — | — | — | 330 |
| Arizona | $50,090 | — | -24.9% | 940 |
| California | $79,040 | — | +18.5% | 830 |
| Colorado | — | — | — | 340 |
| Connecticut | — | — | — | 50 |
| Florida | $78,610 | — | +17.8% | 1,360 |
| Georgia | $77,530 | — | +16.2% | 840 |
| Illinois | — | — | — | 310 |
| Indiana | — | — | — | 390 |
| Kansas | $63,630 | — | -4.6% | 170 |
| Kentucky | $63,020 | — | -5.5% | 0 |
| Louisiana | $55,890 | — | -16.2% | 440 |
| Maine | — | — | — | 110 |
| Maryland | $48,200 | — | -27.7% | 0 |
| Missouri | $172,700 | — | +158.9% | 670 |
| Nevada | $119,780 | — | +79.6% | 160 |
| New Jersey | $253,870 | — | +280.6% | 390 |
| New York | — | — | — | 350 |
| North Carolina | — | — | — | 760 |
| North Dakota | — | — | — | 70 |
| Ohio | $39,040 | — | -41.5% | 590 |
| Oklahoma | $44,110 | — | -33.9% | 0 |
| Pennsylvania | $57,100 | — | -14.4% | 250 |
| Rhode Island | — | — | — | 50 |
| South Carolina | $45,720 | — | -31.5% | 280 |
| Tennessee | — | — | — | 640 |
| Texas | $80,510 | — | +20.7% | 1,840 |
| Utah | $122,800 | — | +84.1% | 340 |
| Virginia | $61,500 | — | -7.8% | 0 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES, May 2024 (updated April 2025)
Related Occupations
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General — $49,590/yr
- Accountants and Auditors — $83,680/yr
- Nursing Assistants — $42,260/yr
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers — $69,500/yr
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary — $36,780/yr
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides — $35,800/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for athletes and sports competitors?
The median annual wage for athletes and sports competitors is $66,710 (— per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2024.
Which state pays athletes and sports competitors the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many athletes and sports competitors are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 15,070 athletes and sports competitors employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do athletes and sports competitors make per hour?
The median hourly wage is —. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.