The Highest-Paying Jobs in Professional Sports Aren't on the Field
Sports careers extend far beyond being an athlete, offering diverse opportunities across multiple disciplines. According to Forbes Magazine and CareerCast's analysis, here are the most promising careers in sports, evaluated based on physical demands, competitiveness, income potential, and stress factors.
Medical Careers in Sports:
- Physical Therapists: Specialize in treating athletic injuries, focusing on bone and muscle rehabilitation
- Sports Psychologists: Help athletes with mental preparation and psychological challenges
Analytics and Business Careers:
- Statisticians: Focus on sports analytics, working with teams or leagues to gather and analyze performance data
- Sports Agents: Handle contract negotiations, including salaries, bonuses, and endorsement deals
Public Relations and Event Management:
- PR Managers: Manage team and player image while controlling information flow
- Event Coordinators: Oversee venue operations, including seating, security, and media arrangements
- Advertising Account Executives: Handle promotional and marketing aspects
- Photojournalists: Document sporting events and athletes
Broadcasting and Coaching:
- Broadcasters: Provide play-by-play commentary and player interviews for TV or radio
- Coaches: Work directly with athletes on training, motivation, and game strategy
Salary ranges vary significantly, particularly in broadcasting and coaching, where national-level positions command substantially higher compensation than local roles. These careers offer various entry points into professional sports without requiring athletic performance, making the industry accessible to diverse skill sets and interests.
Note: Athletes were excluded from this analysis due to their high physical demands and stress levels.