Athlete earnings by seniority

90th percentile

Top-level athlete earnings begin at:

$77.90 per hour

$162,030 per year

75th percentile

Senior-level athlete earnings begin at:

$55.31 per hour

$115,050 per year

50th percentile

Mid-level athlete earnings begin at:

$22.88 per hour

$47,580 per year

25th percentile

Junior-level athlete earnings begin at:

$14.61 per hour

$30,390 per year

10th percentile

Starting level athlete earnings begin at:

$9.27 per hour

$19,280 per year

Approximate values based on highest and lowest earning segments.

Athlete salary by state

State Name Average Salary
California $89,050
Texas $80,200
Nevada $70,810
Connecticut $67,800
New York $66,710
Kansas $64,890
New Jersey $60,060
Washington $57,060
Rhode Island $56,870
Ohio $49,610
Utah $48,690
Massachusetts $48,030
Virginia $47,780
Florida $47,580
Pennsylvania $46,050
Missouri $44,430
Nebraska $43,490
Wisconsin $39,100
Michigan $38,880
Minnesota $38,620
Maryland $38,000
Mississippi $36,970
Kentucky $31,560
Georgia $30,760
South Carolina $30,470
Colorado $192,940

How do athlete salaries compare to similar careers?

Athletes earn 20% more than similar careers in Florida. On average, they make less than fitness and wellness coordinators but more than sports scouts.

Career Median Salary
Fitness and wellness coordinator salary $81K
Athlete salary $48K
Physical education teacher salary $65K
Exercise physiologist salary $50K
Fitness trainer salary $41K
Sports scout salary $36K

Source: CareerExplorer (Aggregated)