If you’re passionate about sports, love working with athletes, or interested in sports-related careers, the good news is you can make six figures or more doing what you love. While some sports jobs don’t pay as much, others offer handsome salaries and a rewarding career.
In this blog post, we’ve rounded up some of the best sports jobs that pay $100k or more, discussing what they entail, what qualifications they require, and how you can prepare to land one.
1. Sports Agent: As a sports agent, you’ll represent and negotiate contracts for professional athletes or teams. This job requires a bachelor’s degree, excellent communication, and sales skills, and a deep understanding of the sports industry and its regulations.
The average salary for sports agents is $104,370 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Some sports agents also earn commission on top of their base salaries, making it one of the most lucrative sports jobs.
2. Sports Medicine Physician: Sports medicine physicians diagnose and treat athletes’ injuries and help them recover from physical trauma or surgery.
To become a sports medicine physician, you need to complete medical school, residency, and a sports medicine fellowship. The average salary for sports medicine physicians is $218,000 according to the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine. With the demand for sports medicine professionals on the rise, this job offers a stable and high-paying career.
3. Athletic Director: Athletic directors oversee sports programs in educational institutions, from high schools to colleges and universities. They are responsible for managing budgets, hiring coaches, organizing sports events, and ensuring compliance with rules and regulations.
To become an athletic director, you need to have a bachelor’s degree and previous experience in sports administration or coaching. The average salary for athletic directors is $106,290 according to the BLS.
4. Sports Broadcaster: As a sports broadcaster, you’ll report on sports events, host talk shows, and analyze game results. You’ll need excellent communication skills, a deep knowledge of sports, and a charismatic personality to succeed in this job. While entry-level positions may pay less, sports broadcasters with years of experience and a broad audience can earn upwards of $200,000 per year.
5. Strength and Conditioning Coach: As a strength and conditioning coach, you’ll design workout plans and training regimens to help athletes improve their performance and reduce the risk of injuries.
This job requires a bachelor’s degree in exercise science or a related field, and certification from respected organizations such as the National Strength and Conditioning Association. The average salary for strength and conditioning coaches is $53,730 according to the BLS, but those who work with elite athletes or professional teams can earn six figures or more.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re interested in negotiating contracts for top athletes, treating sports injuries, managing sports programs, or reporting on games, there are plenty of sports jobs that pay $100k or more. With the right education, skills, and mindset, you can turn your love for sports into a fulfilling and well-compensated career. If you’re striving to become a sports professional, don’t hesitate to pursue your dream job and work hard to achieve your goals.
