Professional Athlete

Your Fit

Income

$62K

Preparation

Some

Growth

9.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Professional Athlete?

A Professional Athlete competes individually or as part of a team in organized sports events at the regional, national, or international level. They dedicate themselves to rigorous training, performance improvement, and competition in their chosen sport.

Sample job titles:

Baseball Player, Golf Professional, Hockey Player, Race Car Driver

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Professional Athlete.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Professional Athlete earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$25K per year	$37K per year	$62K per year	$131K per year	NA per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $13K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Professional Athlete do?

Work environment

Professional Athletes often train and compete in sports facilities, stadiums, or arenas. Their work environment includes regular practice sessions, gym workouts, and participation in competitions or games, often involving extensive travel. The career demands physical fitness and can include outdoor, indoor, or various weather conditions depending on the sport.

Quick task list

Trains regularly to maintain and improve skills and physical condition.
Competes in sports events, games, or matches.
Collaborates with coaches, trainers, and team members.
Follows a diet and fitness regimen.
Participates in promotional activities and media interactions.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Team Sports: Such as soccer, basketball, baseball, where athletes compete as part of a team.
Individual Sports: Including tennis, golf, boxing, where athletes compete individually.
Endurance Sports: Like marathons, cycling, where stamina and endurance are key.
Winter Sports: Such as skiing, ice skating, focusing on winter-based athletic activities.
Water Sports: Including swimming, surfing, water polo, which are performed in water environments.

Description

Becoming a professional athlete involves more than just natural talent; it requires years of practice, dedication, and a strong work ethic. Athletes must consistently train to develop their skills, maintain peak physical condition, and understand the strategies of their sport. This career often starts from a young age, with many athletes participating in school and amateur competitions before turning professional.

Professional athletes must be prepared to handle intense physical demands, the pressure of competition, and the constant scrutiny of media and fans. They work closely with coaches, sports scientists, and medical professionals to optimize their performance and avoid injuries. For team sports, the ability to work well with teammates and understand team dynamics is crucial.

The career of a professional athlete can be rewarding but is often short-lived due to the physical demands of the profession. Many athletes transition into coaching, sports commentary, or related fields post-retirement. Success in this career depends not only on athletic ability but also on determination, resilience, and the capacity to handle the highs and lows of competitive sports.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Excelling and achieving recognition in a chosen sport.
The thrill of competition and team camaraderie.
The opportunity to inspire fans and young athletes.
Potential for high earnings and endorsements in successful careers.

You might make a good Professional Athlete if you are...

Passionate about a particular sport with a talent and dedication to excel in it.
Physically fit and enjoy a lifestyle focused on physical activity and health.
Competitive, resilient, and able to handle both success and failure.
Disciplined in training, diet, and overall lifestyle.
A team player (for team sports) with good communication and collaborative skills.

Pros:

Opportunity to turn a passion for sports into a career.
Potential for fame and lucrative sponsorship deals.
Traveling and meeting people from different backgrounds.

Cons:

Risk of injuries and physical strain.
Short career span and uncertainty.
Intense competition and pressure to perform.

How to become a Professional Athlete

Typical education

While there are no specific educational requirements, many athletes develop their skills through high school and college sports programs. Some sports may require additional formal training or certification programs.

High school preparation

Courses:

Physical education to develop fitness and fundamental sports skills.
Nutrition and health sciences for understanding body care and diet.
Psychology for mental toughness and handling competition stress.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining school or club sports teams to gain experience and exposure.
Participating in local, regional, and national competitions.
Attending sports camps or specialized training programs for skill development.

Preparation after high school

Pursuing college-level sports while obtaining an education can provide valuable experience and exposure.
Attending tryouts and scouting events to get noticed by professional teams or sponsors.
Continuous training and skill development, often under professional coaches or former athletes.
Networking within the sports industry for opportunities and mentorship.

More resources

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) - Provides information on college athletics and opportunities for student-athletes.
Athletes USA - Offers resources and support for athletes looking to compete at the collegiate level.
Professional Association of Athlete Development Specialists (PAADS) - A resource for athlete development and career transition.
United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) - Provides resources for athletes aiming for Olympic-level competition.
Sports Career Finder - Offers insights into various sports-related careers, including professional athletics.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.