Athletes and Sports Competitors pay in California
In California, the median pay for athletes and sports competitors is $79,040 a year or more. About 830 people work in this job there.
That is 18% higher than the U.S. median ($66,710). California ranks 6th of 18 states and territories for this job’s median pay.
Pay range for athletes and sports competitors in California
| Earns more than | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $40,120 |
| 25% of workers | $65,780 |
| Half of workers (median) | $79,040 |
| 75% of workers | $149,490 |
| 90% of workers | $239,200 |
The government publishes the top figures only as “$239,200 a year or more” ($115 an hour or more), so some figures are shown as at least that amount.
California unemployment rate: 5.1% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for athletes and sports competitors
- Typical education to start: No formal educational credential (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 4 to 6 years (O*NET)
- Training on the job: Long-term on-the-job training (BLS)
- Job outlook: +5.5% over ten years, faster than average · about 2,200 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in California
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Self-Enrichment Teachers | $49,570 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $37,000 |
| Training and Development Specialists | $75,790 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $57,990 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $47,660 |
| Musicians and Singers | $91,166 |
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School | $80,620 |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $44,530 |
Other job titles for this job
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.