Athlete earnings by seniority

90th percentile

Top-level athlete earnings begin at:

$79.67 per hour

$165,710 per year

75th percentile

Senior-level athlete earnings begin at:

$31.20 per hour

$64,900 per year

50th percentile

Mid-level athlete earnings begin at:

$27.43 per hour

$57,060 per year

25th percentile

Junior-level athlete earnings begin at:

$22.28 per hour

$46,350 per year

10th percentile

Starting level athlete earnings begin at:

$12.29 per hour

$25,570 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 27% more than similar careers in Washington. On average, they make less than fitness and wellness coordinators but more than exercise physiologists.

Career Median Salary
Fitness and wellness coordinator salary $79K
Athlete salary $57K
Fitness trainer salary $51K
Physical education teacher salary $51K
Athletic trainer salary $47K
Exercise physiologist salary $48K

Source: CareerExplorer (Aggregated)