National Salary Info » Athletes and Sports Competitors

Highest Paying Industries for Athletes and Sports Competitors

The top 19 highest paying industries for athletes and sports competitors (ranked by average annual salary) are listed in Table 1. The entry level salary (as measured by the salary of the lowest 10% paid earners) and the number of employment in those industries are also shown. As shown in the table, with an average annual salary of $101,810, promoters of performing arts, sports, and similar events is the highest paying industry for athletes and sports competitors. It is followed by agents and managers for artists, athletes, entertainers, and other public figures industry (average annual salary $85,040). The salary and employment information is computed from data published by U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2015 [1]. For more information about salaries of athletes and sports competitors in a specific industry, use the links in the table.

Table 1. 19 Highest Paying Industries for Athletes and Sports Competitors

Rank	Industry	Average Salary i	Entry Level Salary i	# of Empl. i
1	Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events	$101,810	$19,970	n/a
2	Agents and Managers for Artists, Athletes, Entertainers, and Other Public Figures	$85,040	$56,410	n/a
3	Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers	$48,950	$22,060	670
4	Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers	$47,150	$17,850	70
5	Traveler Accommodation	$46,030	$31,950	70
6	Accommodation	$46,030	$31,950	70
7	Accommodation and Food Services	$46,030	$31,950	70
8	Local government, including schools and hospitals	$45,210	$19,210	200
9	Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation)	$44,800	$19,150	190
10	Public sector -- Federal, state, and local government, including government owned schools and hospit	$44,480	$19,470	220
11	Federal, State, and Local Government (OES Designation)	$44,380	$19,240	200
12	Federal, State, and Local Government	$44,380	$19,240	200
13	Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries	$44,190	$19,440	8,160
14	Spectator Sports	$43,750	$19,420	7,870
15	Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation	$43,290	$20,150	10,950
16	Other Amusement and Recreation Industries	$41,360	$23,330	2,790
17	Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation Industries	$41,360	$23,330	2,790
18	Educational Services	$37,670	$26,660	30
19	Performing Arts Companies	$36,570	$32,160	n/a