Job Description - Athlete:
An athlete competes against other athletes in organized sports. A precious few actually compete professionally. An athlete practices and trains regularly in order to improve his or her skills and ability to compete as a member of a team.
Employment Facts - Athlete:
There were 16,000 athletes employed in 2008.
Educational Requirements - Athlete:
Athletes who compete in team sports, such as football, hockey, baseball or basketball, get their training by participating on high school, college or club teams. Other athletes, including tennis players and gymnasts, receive private or group lessons as part of their training.
Other Requirements - Athlete:
Competing professionally requires superior skills, extensive training and dedication to a particular sport.
Advancement Opportunities - Athlete:
Athletes advance in their careers by going pro. They may advance from a high school or college team to a professional team or from a minor league to a major league team.
Job Outlook - Athlete:
Athletes, in general, will experience average job growth through 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, but there will be keen competition for spots on professional teams.
Earnings - Athlete:
Athletes earned a median annual salary of $40,210 in 2009 (U.S.). The highest paid professionals earned considerably more.
Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much an athlete currently earns in your city.
A Day in an Athlete's Life:
On a typical day an athlete's tasks might include:
- practicing, exercising and training in order to build up skills
- competing in athletic events
- maintaining his or her equipment
- evaluating his or her performance
- receiving instruction from coaches and sports staff
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Athletes, Coaches, Umpires and Related Workers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos251.htm (visited May 26, 2010).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Athletes and Sports Competitors, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/27-2021.00 (visited November 8, 2010).
