It’s common knowledge that there are plenty of part-time roles in the sports industry. Some of these jobs include security, concession workers, and customer service. However, this article will focus on full time positions that can blossom into a long-term arrangement. Sports are a multi-billion dollar industry in the United States, and many different types of professionals are needed to ensure that teams are fully operational. Finding a high-paying career related to sports does not require becoming a professional athlete, but it will still require hard work and dedication. Check out some of these full-time sports careers—you might just find your dream job.
1.) Athletic Trainer
Sports are physically demanding and injuries happen frequently. Athletic trainers are employed in all levels of sports, mostly at the professional, amateur, collegiate, and high school levels. They typically deal with muscle sprains / strains, concussions, and contusions. They are trained in first aid and emergency response, and can refer major medical issues to the appropriate specialist. The typical day of an athletic trainer includes ordering more supplies to maintain inventory, taping ankles / wrists / fingers, and administering rehab programs to injured athletes. The average salary for athletic trainers is $41,000 per year, but this figure can increase dramatically if employment is found at the collegiate / professional level. Some athletic trainers earn six-figure incomes, but that usually requires decades of experience.
2.) Physical Therapist
This job is related to an athletic trainer, but physical therapists play a different role in treating injury. They deal with clients after the injury has occurred, and recommend a course of action to speed recovery. Physical therapists are directly responsible for improving the lives of athletes, because their strategies help strengthen muscles / joints to promote long-term health. Unlike athletic trainers, physical therapists typically work for a separate company and athletic trainers refer clients to the practice. Physical therapy is an excellent career, and the average salary is $76,000 per year. There is even an opportunity to serve as an assistant making $30,000-$40,000 per year, which only requires a two year degree. Not all of your patients will be athletes, but a significant portion of them might be depending on the practice.
3.) Sports Statistician
This role is very hard to find and highly coveted. It requires a heavy interest in sports and a collegiate background in statistical analysis. Sports is full of data, and you can find out a lot about athletes by crunching the numbers. There are many forms of data, but in today’s age teams are focused on different stats. Statisticians can help locate the areas where athletes are most effective, which gives coaches better insight. Teams base their staffing decisions on the overall effectiveness of each player and how they mingle with the team. The average salary for sports statisticians is $73,000 per year.
4.) Sports Agent
In order to become a sports agent, a collegiate degree is typically a requirement. Some sports agents have made it without these credentials, but finding a job will be much easier with the proper educational background. Sports agents deal with contract negotiations and typically take a percentage of the overall contract as means of payment. The highest remunerated sports agents are those who deal with high-profile athletes. Because of this, the salary range is very high. There are many more players in the minor league system, and all of them need an agent to help negotiate more money. They allow athletes to worry less about the business side, and more about meeting their potential. The average salary for sports agents is $65,000.
Matthew Welch
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