Athlete earnings by seniority

90th percentile

Top-level athlete earnings begin at:

$39.72 per hour

$82,620 per year

75th percentile

Senior-level athlete earnings begin at:

$29.77 per hour

$61,930 per year

50th percentile

Mid-level athlete earnings begin at:

$18.69 per hour

$38,880 per year

25th percentile

Junior-level athlete earnings begin at:

$12.62 per hour

$26,260 per year

10th percentile

Starting level athlete earnings begin at:

$9.76 per hour

$20,300 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 about the same as related careers in Michigan. On average, they make less than fitness and wellness coordinators but more than fitness trainers.

Career Median Salary
Fitness and wellness coordinator salary $68K
Athlete salary $39K
Athletic trainer salary $49K
Exercise physiologist salary $48K
Sports scout salary $36K
Fitness trainer salary $35K

Source: CareerExplorer (Aggregated)