Occupation · SOC 27-2021
Athletes and Sports Competitors
Compete in athletic events.
Median wage
$62,360
$24,960–$239,200
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
14,370
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
178 mapped
Core skills
SpeakingCritical ThinkingActive ListeningCoordinationMonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingSocial PerceptivenessReading ComprehensionTime ManagementPersuasionInstructingComplex Problem SolvingActive LearningService OrientationNegotiationManagement of Personnel ResourcesLearning StrategiesWritingSystems EvaluationOperations MonitoringSystems AnalysisMathematicsQuality Control AnalysisOperations AnalysisTroubleshootingTechnology DesignEquipment MaintenanceScienceOperation and ControlManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesRepairingProgrammingInstallationEquipment Selection
Knowledge areas
Administration and ManagementEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesCommunications and MediaEducation and TrainingSales and MarketingMathematicsPublic Safety and SecurityAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingMechanicalComputers and ElectronicsPsychologyTransportationProduction and ProcessingForeign LanguageTelecommunicationsEngineering and TechnologyDesignTherapy and CounselingPhysicsSociology and AnthropologyLaw and GovernmentGeographyChemistryBuilding and ConstructionFood ProductionMedicine and DentistryHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyFine ArtsBiology
Technology & tools
Adobe PhotoshopEmail softwareFacebookMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordMotion analysis softwareOracle PeopleSoftTwitterWeb browser softwareYouTube
Representative tasks
Getting InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsAnalyzing Data or InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesCoaching and Developing OthersProcessing InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationDeveloping and Building TeamsHandling and Moving ObjectsEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicScheduling Work and ActivitiesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsThinking CreativelyCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDocumenting/Recording InformationCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsControlling Machines and ProcessesProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersTraining and Teaching OthersInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesSelling or Influencing OthersOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentAssisting and Caring for OthersDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentWorking with ComputersStaffing Organizational UnitsRepairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Scheduled practice sessions — attend consistently and on time under direct coach supervision at a training facility.Basic sport rules and regulations — recognize and follow during introductory competitive events with referee guidance.Warm-up and cool-down routines — perform as instructed by an athletic trainer before and after practice sessions.Coach instructions prior to events — receive, acknowledge, and attempt to apply during supervised competition.Personal athletic equipment — identify, inspect for basic damage, and store properly after each training session.Physical conditioning exercises — complete assigned drills and repetitions under the direction of a professional coach.Post-performance feedback — listen actively and record key points provided by coaching staff after competitive events.Nutrition and hydration guidelines — follow basic plans provided by health professionals to support training readiness.Team meeting protocols — participate respectfully, listen to teammate input, and follow group directives during briefings.Personal performance data — track basic statistics such as times, scores, or repetitions using a provided spreadsheet or log.
developing
Athletic performance assessment — review personal competition results, identify recurring strengths and weaknesses, and discuss adjustments with a coach.Sport-specific equipment maintenance — clean, repair minor wear, and replace consumable parts routinely between competitive seasons.Physical fitness levels — maintain through self-directed regular training, balanced nutrition, and periodic check-ins with health professionals.Competition regulations and officiating signals — interpret and apply correctly across varied competitive settings with minimal coach prompting.Pre-competition preparation routines — organize personal warm-up, mental readiness, and equipment checks with limited oversight.Skill development exercises — execute coach-designed drills independently and adapt effort based on observed gaps in performance.Post-event performance discussions — engage constructively with coaching staff, contributing specific observations about in-game decisions.Media and public appearance obligations — fulfill basic team representation duties such as brief interviews or community event attendance.Time management across training, competition, and recovery — balance schedule demands using calendar or office suite software tools.Peer coordination during team practice — adjust personal positioning and timing in response to teammates' movements in familiar drills.
proficient
Performance self-analysis — independently assess competition film and statistical data to identify tactical weaknesses and implement targeted improvements.Equipment condition and compliance — manage full inspection, maintenance, and replacement cycles for all personal sport equipment meeting regulatory standards.Advanced physical conditioning — design and execute personalized training regimens integrating strength, stamina, and explosive power metrics across a competitive season.Complex in-game decision making — evaluate rapidly changing competitive situations and select optimal actions under pressure without coach intervention.Rules and strategy application — apply nuanced understanding of sport regulations to gain competitive advantages in high-stakes events.Cross-functional collaboration with sports staff — communicate detailed physical and tactical feedback to coaches, trainers, and analysts to refine preparation plans.Public and media representation — deliver polished speeches, conduct media interviews, and participate in charity events that positively reflect the organization.Injury prevention and recovery monitoring — recognize early warning signs of physical strain and coordinate with health professionals to adjust training loads proactively.Mentorship of developing athletes — model correct technique and competitive mindset during shared training sessions, offering structured informal guidance.Performance reporting tools — use analytical or scientific software to interpret competition data and present findings to coaching staff using presentation software.
advanced
Organizational performance culture — establish standards of achievement orientation, perseverance, and self-discipline that define team identity across a full competitive program.Strategic season planning — lead collaborative development of multi-month training and competition schedules aligned with peak performance targets and organizational goals.Athlete development pipeline — mentor and evaluate emerging and developing athletes, providing structured feedback that accelerates skill acquisition at scale.Media and brand strategy — direct the team or club's public communications approach, overseeing spokesperson activities, social media presence, and marketing partnerships.Cross-departmental resource coordination — liaise with personnel, management, and external sponsors using ERP and office suite platforms to align operational and athletic priorities.High-performance environment design — influence facility, equipment procurement, and sports science investment decisions to optimize conditions for elite competition.Crisis and stress management leadership — model composure and decisive judgment during high-pressure competitive failures, guiding team psychological resilience.Community and stakeholder engagement — represent the sport at an industry or governing-body level through speaking engagements, charity leadership, and youth program advocacy.Long-term athlete health stewardship — champion evidence-based nutrition, recovery, and mental health practices organization-wide, collaborating with medical professionals to set policy.Competitive intelligence and innovation — analyze emerging tactical trends and rule changes across the sport landscape and introduce adaptive strategies that maintain organizational competitive edge.
Also known as
135 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
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