10 Popular Jobs in the Sports Industry for 2024

According to Deloitte’s 2024 Sports Industry Outlook, the global sports industry is undergoing a period of “massive transformation,” as trends like enhanced fan experiences, generative AI, new revenue streams, and mega-events are shifting narratives in the post-pandemic world of sports. At the same time, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that overall employment in sports occupations will grow faster than average through 2032.

Although landing a job in sports can be ultra-competitive and requires extra effort to stand out from the pack, opportunities are out there, and WorkInSports is a great place to start your search. Without further ado, the following are 10 popular sports industry jobs on WorkInSports for 2024.

1.  Athletic Trainer

Whether working for a professional sports team, school or university, or healthcare clinic, Athletic Trainers specialize in preventing, assessing, treating, and rehabilitating injuries and medical conditions related to physical activity and sports. Their primary goal is to help athletes and individuals maintain optimal health and performance.

Because they are healthcare professionals, Athletic Trainers must possess particular certifications, such as the Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) credential from the Board of Certification (BOC). The top 10% of Athletic Trainers make nearly $80,000 per year.

2.  Coach

There is no shortage of coaching jobs on WorkInSports, and employers range from pro and college teams to rec leagues and youth athletic programs. Coaches play a crucial role in the development of athletes, focusing on skill improvement, strategy, teamwork, physical conditioning, and performance enhancement.

Sample career titles for coaching jobs found on WorkInSports include Head Football Coach, Middle School Tennis Coach, Volleyball Assistant Coach, Strength and Conditioning Coach, Wellness Coach, and many more. The median Coach salary is $44,000 a year, while coaches in the NBA, NFL, and other pro leagues can make millions.

3.  Sales Associate

Just about every sports-oriented organization needs a sales team, making Sales Associate – as well as Sales Representative, Sales Consultant, Sales Intern, Sales Development Representative, and Sales Account Executive – popular career titles on WorkInSports. Sales personnel in the sports arena may work in various settings, including specialty sports stores, general retail outlets, or even directly for sports equipment manufacturers.

Effective communication, product knowledge, and a customer-centric approach are essential skills for success in this role. Additionally, a passion for sports and an understanding of the specific needs of sports enthusiasts can be valuable assets for a Sales Associate in the sports industry.

Sales Associates can make over $47,000 a year, plus commission; however, that varies based on their employer and the area within the sports industry they work.

Your Sports Job Search Starts Here

Register for free to find your dream career

Job Seeker Sign In

Sign in with Google

Sign in with LinkedIn

Sign in with Apple

Or, use your email address:

Next

We value your privacy

4.  Sports Dietitian/Nutritionist

Increasingly health-conscious athletes and fitness enthusiasts are driving Registered Dietitians and similarly, Licensed Nutritionists, to be some of the most popular sports jobs in 2024. A Dietitian is a specialized professional who provides nutrition advice and guidance to athletes and individuals involved in physical activities. Their primary focus is optimizing performance, promoting recovery, and ensuring overall health through proper nutrition.

Nearly half of Dietitians possess advanced degrees, such as a master's degree in dietetics, nutrition, and/or foodscience, and the top 10% of Dietitians make nearly $100,000 a year.

5.  Facilities Manager

Facilities Managers – along with Athletics Facilities Managers, Athletics Facilities Coordinators, Facilities Operations Managers, and more – are involved in overseeing and maintaining athletic fields, arenas, stadiums, gyms, and parks. In addition to field or facility maintenance, their duties can include event planning, scheduling, logistics, and equipment management, while ensuring their facilities comply with safety and industry standards.

Other related career titles comprise Superintendent, Groundskeeper, and Athletic Turfs Supervisor. Facilities Managers’ salary range is broad, with professionals making anywhere from $35,000 to $129,000 per year.

6.  Marketing Manager

Marketing is essential to running a successful sports league, team, or other organization, engaging fans, advertisers, partners, and other stakeholders. Sports Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies to promote sports teams, events, athletes, or sports-related products and services. They work to create brand awareness, drive ticket sales, and enhance the overall market presence of the sports entity they represent.

Related career titles include Director of Marketing, Marketing Director, and Marketing Associate. The median salary for Managers is $140,000, making Marketing Managers one of the most popular sports-related jobs.

7.  Sports Writer

8.  Athletics Director

9.  Referee

10.  Physical Therapist

Similar to an Athletic Trainer, a Physical Therapist (PT) is a healthcare professional who specializes in helping athletes improve or restore their physical function, mobility, and well-being. Physical therapists work with people of all ages who may have medical conditions, illnesses, or injuries that affect their ability to move and perform everyday activities.

The top 25% of Physical Therapists make over $100,000 a year.

These top sports jobs for 2024 are just a sampling of the career opportunities that exist in the sports industry. Explore other sports-related jobs on WorkInSports.com.