Athlete earnings by seniority

90th percentile

Top-level athlete earnings begin at:

$39.28 per hour

$81,710 per year

75th percentile

Senior-level athlete earnings begin at:

$29.85 per hour

$62,080 per year

50th percentile

Mid-level athlete earnings begin at:

$18.27 per hour

$38,000 per year

25th percentile

Junior-level athlete earnings begin at:

$14.73 per hour

$30,640 per year

10th percentile

Starting level athlete earnings begin at:

$10.42 per hour

$21,670 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 12% less than similar careers in Maryland. On average, they make less than fitness and wellness coordinators but more than sports referees.

Career Median Salary
Fitness and wellness coordinator salary $103K
Physical education teacher salary $58K
Exercise physiologist salary $49K
Athletic trainer salary $49K
Athlete salary $38K
Fitness trainer salary $44K
Sports scout salary $34K
Sports referee salary $32K

Source: CareerExplorer (Aggregated)