How much do Athletes and Sports Competitors make in California?
Athletes and Sports Competitors in California take home a median of $79,040 annually — roughly $38.00 an hour — which runs 18% above the national median of $66,710.
Within California, entry-level pay starts around $40,120 while the top 10% make $239,200+. The middle 50% of earners fall between $65,780 and $149,490 a year.
Athletes and Sports Competitors salary range in California
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $40,120 | $19.29 | |
| 25th percentile (early career) | $65,780 | $31.63 | |
| 50th percentile (median) | $79,040 | $38.00 | |
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $149,490 | $71.87 | |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $239,200+ | — |
How California compares
California ranks 6th out of 18 states and territories for Athletes and Sports Competitors pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
| Rank | State | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Jersey | $253,870 |
| 2 | Missouri | $172,700 |
| 3 | Utah | $122,800 |
| 4 | Nevada | $119,780 |
| 5 | Texas | $80,510 |
Athletes and Sports Competitors salary in other states
Working as Athletes and Sports Competitors in California
Nationally, about 15,000 people work as Athletes and Sports Competitors in the United States. A bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement.
Considering a move? Compare California pay ($79,040) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.
Frequently asked questions
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← See the national Athletes and Sports Competitors salary report