Career: Athletes
Who hasn’t watched pro baseball, basketball, or football players on TV and thought, “I would love that job”? It’s not just that they’ve made a career doing what most people can do only for fun. It’s also the fame -- and the multimillion-dollar contracts.
But the truth is that landing one of those contracts is not easy. No one achieves that level of playing, and the money it brings, by chance. It takes talent and drive to become a professional athlete. And you'll have to compete against many other equally talented hopefuls just for the chance to prove yourself on a pro field or court.
Athletes compete in organized and officiated individual- and team-sport events, from hockey to bowling to surfing.
Did You Know?
- Most professional athletes’ careers last only several years because of injuries and age.
Are You Ready To...?
- Spend hours practicing and training, often every day
- Understand the strategies and rules of your game
- Follow a strict diet while training
- Review videotapes of your own performance to work on your weaknesses
- Work odd hours, including weekends and holidays
- Travel often
It Helps to Be...
Physically fit, coordinated, dedicated, and tireless. Training is often exhausting and there will be days when you want to opt out -- you’ll need to do it anyway.
Make High School Count
- Take classes that will help you get into college and help you keep up your GPA once you’re there. College provides many athletes with the opportunity to develop their talents and skills.
- Pay attention in biology and health science. You’ll learn how your body works and how to keep it in peak condition.
- Gain extensive knowledge of your sport, build skills, and learn about teamwork by playing as much as you can in high school (and before).
Did You Know?
- Avoiding and treating injuries is a huge part of being a professional athlete. An injury could end your career.
Outlook
Government economists expect jobs for athletes to grow faster than the average for all careers through 2016.
However, the number of athletes who make a living at their sport is so small that this growth will not make it any easier to become a pro athlete. Competition for this prized position will still be tough.
Compensation
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2008 average yearly earnings of athletes were $79,460.
While star athletes earn far more, many athletes earn far less. In fact, 10 percent of athletes earned less than $15,470 a year.
