Those who are very skilled athletically can consider a career as a professional athlete. However, few people have the ability to be a professional athlete, so someone considering this career should have backup plans. Anyone competing in a sport for a salary is considered a professional athlete, including football, tennis, and basketball players.
Professional athletes compete in front of crowds. Fans love sports enough to pay large fees to attend sporting events. Athletes are considered entertainers, so they are similar to actors or musical groups. If they do not compete well, they might lose games. Players not performing well are frequently cut from their teams.
Being a professional athlete is mentally and physically demanding. Professional athletes are required to be in top physical condition. Modern athletes usually train all year round, not just when they are playing. They must be able to compete at an exceptional level during every game. Professional athletes could experience a career ending injury at any time. This is only one of the reasons this career can be stressful.
When they are playing, professional athletes usually spend 40 hours every week preparing for competition. They are required to attend meetings and review film of their opponents. Athletes usually live in the city where they play. If their team trades them, they must move to a new city. Athletes playing for teams frequently have curfews and other rules they must follow. They cannot forget about their job when the day is over like workers in other professions.
How do you prepare for this career?
Professional athletes usually spend a considerable amount of time training and practicing. For example, basketball players work on their shot and dribbling skills. Ice skaters could skate for a large portion of the day. Playing organized sports while young can help athletes develop their skills. Most pro athletes competed competitively during high school and college. Schools usually have grade requirements to be part of a school team, so athletes desiring to play during high school and college must have good study habits.
During 2008, median yearly salaries for athletes were $41,060, meaning 50 percent made more, and another 50 percent made less.
Salaries for professional athletes differ in each sport. Jockeys are usually paid salary or receive a percentage of winnings. Stock car drivers could get paid more than $100,000 for each race. Football and basketball stars can make millions during a single season. Tennis players and golfers are paid well if they rank high in tournaments. Marque players receive the highest season salaries, and minor league players do not earn very much.
How many jobs are there?
During 2008, 253,000 athletes and sports related professionals were employed.
What is the future outlook for this career?
Job growth for athletes and sports related professionals is projected to grow quicker than average growth for other industries until 2016.
It is very difficult becoming a professional athlete or acquiring a sports related job since many people dream of being a professional athlete. Some professional sports leagues, such as baseball and hockey, have minor league programs. These jobs are easier to acquire, but competition is still intense. Moreover, this career provides little job security since careers can be ended with an injury or poor performance.
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