Sports have always been a popular and exciting career choice for many people. Not only do they offer the chance to work in an industry that is full of passion and energy, but they also provide the opportunity to travel, meet new people, and potentially earn a high salary.
There are countless career paths within the sports industry, ranging from coaching and scouting to marketing and public relations. However, some jobs stand out as particularly rewarding and fulfilling for those who are looking to build a successful career in sports.
Here are the 8 best jobs for a career in sports:
Athletic Trainer
Athletic trainers are in charge of the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of athlete injuries. They collaborate with coaches, doctors, and other medical experts to build and implement injury prevention programs as well as rehabilitation and treatment strategies for injured athletes.
You must have a bachelor’s degree in athletic training or a similar discipline and pass the Board of Certification (BOC) test to become an athletic trainer. Athletic trainers often work in schools, universities, professional sports groups, and hospitals, with an annual pay of $47,510 as the national average.
Sports Agent
Sports agents represent athletes and negotiate contracts, endorsements, and other business deals on their behalf. They must be skilled in financial analysis, marketing, and negotiation, and must also be familiar with the rules and regulations of the sports industry.
To become a sports agent, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree in sports management or a related field, and gain experience working in the sports industry. You’ll also need to be licensed by the relevant sports governing body, such as the National Basketball Association (NBA) or the National Football League (NFL). Sports agents typically earn a commission based on the deals they negotiate, and can earn a high salary depending on their success.
Sports Broadcaster
Sports broadcasters are responsible for providing live or recorded coverage of sports events for television, radio, or online platforms. They may work as play-by-play announcers, analysts, or reporters, and must have strong communication skills and a deep knowledge of sports.
To become a sports broadcaster, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field, and gain experience in the field through internships or entry-level positions. You may also need to complete additional training or certification through organizations such as the National Sports Media Association (NSMA). Sports broadcasters can earn a median annual salary of $40,660.
Sports Marketing Manager
Sports marketing managers are responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies to promote sports events, teams, and organizations. They work with sponsors, media outlets, and other partners to create and execute marketing campaigns, and must have strong business and marketing skills.
To become a sports marketing manager, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree in marketing, sports management, or a related field, and gain experience in the field through internships or entry-level positions. You may also need to earn a master’s degree in sports business or marketing to advance your career. Sports marketing managers typically earn a median annual salary of $128,750.
Sports Psychologist
Sports psychologists are responsible for helping athletes improve their mental and emotional well-being, as well as their performance on the field. They work with athletes to identify and overcome mental barriers, develop coping strategies, and build confidence and motivation.
To become a sports psychologist, you’ll need to earn a doctoral degree in psychology, and complete additional training or certification in sports psychology. You’ll also need to be licensed as a psychologist in your state, and may need to meet additional requirements depending on your area of specialization. Sports psychologists typically work in sports organizations, schools, or private practice, and can earn a median annual salary of $75,090.
Sports Physiotherapist
Sports physiotherapists are in charge of assisting athletes in recovering from injuries and improving their physical performance. They employ massage, exercise, and rehabilitation techniques to assist athletes restore strength, flexibility, and mobility, and they must have a thorough grasp of the human body and how it operates.
To become a sports physiotherapist, you must first obtain a bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy and then pass a state licensure test. You may also need to obtain extra training or certification in sports physiotherapy, as well as professional experience with athletes. Sports physiotherapists often work in sports groups, hospitals, or private practice and have an annual compensation of $87,930 on average.
Sports Coach
Sports coaches are responsible for training and leading teams or individual athletes to improve their skills and achieve their goals. They must have a deep knowledge of their sport, and be able to develop and implement training programs, motivate athletes, and make strategic decisions during games or competitions.
To become a sports coach, you’ll typically need to have played the sport at a high level, and have a bachelor’s degree in sports management or a related field. You may also need to complete additional coaching certification, and gain experience coaching at the amateur or professional level. Sports coaches typically earn a median annual salary of $39,640.
Sports Journalist
Sports journalists are responsible for reporting on and covering sports events, teams, and athletes for print, online, or broadcast media outlets. They must have strong writing and reporting skills, and be able to produce accurate and engaging content under tight deadlines.
To become a sports journalist, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree in journalism or a related field, and gain experience in the field through internships or entry-level positions. You may also need to complete additional training or certification, and build a portfolio of published work to showcase your skills. Sports journalists can earn a median annual salary of $40,000.
Final Thoughts
Overall, these are just a few of the many exciting and rewarding career paths within the sports industry. Whether you’re interested in coaching, marketing, or journalism, there are plenty of opportunities to build a fulfilling career in sports.
