Sport can be a lucrative career choice for those who are inclined. Athletes, coaches, officials and trainers can all find rewarding work in the industry. Depending on your skill level and interests, there are plenty of different jobs to consider. However, not all sports jobs are created equal. Some positions are much more lucrative than others. So which ones pay best? Read on to find out…
Footballers
Football is the world’s most popular sport, by some distance. It is also one of the most profitable. The top footballers can earn millions per year, and some of the biggest stars can earn tens of millions. The best paid footballers are those who play in the Premier League, the top-level professional competition in England. The biggest earners there are currently paid £100,000 per week or more. A number of football stars are also among the best-paid athletes overall in the world.
Coaches
Coaches and managers can earn excellent salaries in different sports. In football, for example, top coaches like Pep Guardiola can earn tens of millions per year. However, the best-paid coaches are in basketball. Basketball coaches in the National Basketball Association (NBA) earn millions per year. This is because the NBA is a top-level professional league with many millions of dollars at stake. Coaches in other leagues may earn far less. Premier League football coaches, for example, are paid millions per year. Meanwhile, lower level league coaches may earn a few thousand each year.
Trainers
Trainers can earn excellent salaries in sports like football and boxing. However, these are not just about fitness. A trainer’s job is to support their athletes in both skill-related training and strength and conditioning. They implement the strategies set by their coaches and manage their athletes’ physical and mental health. This can be very challenging work, but it is also very rewarding.
Managers
Managers oversee the business side of a sports organization. They are responsible for things like recruitment, marketing and budgeting. Each sport has its own set of managers. For example, there are football managers and basketball managers. Managers can earn excellent salaries in professional sports. The best paid sports managers are in football, baseball, basketball and hockey. The highest-paid managers in each sport can earn millions per year.
Officials and referees
Officials and referees earn very modest salaries in most sports. They are not the best-paid sports jobs, and this is reflected in their salaries. In many lower-level leagues and competitions, officials may be volunteers. In some sports, officials earn a modest salary.
Basketball players
Basketball players are among the best paid sports stars. The highest-paid basketball players can make millions per year. In fact, the top 10 highest earning basketball players of 2019 make over $100 million each. The best paid basketball players play in the NBA. The highest-paid player in the history of the game is currently paid a stunning $150 million per season.
Baseball players
Baseball players are among the best paid sports stars. The top 10 highest earning baseball players of 2019 make over $100 million each. The best paid baseball players play in the MLB. The highest-paid player in history is currently paid an incredible $329 million per season.
Tennis
Tennis is one of the most popular and lucrative sports in the world. The top-level players can make millions of dollars per year, and many others make a good living from the sport as well. If you are a youth or collegiate player, you can earn money from tournaments and other competitions. College tennis players are generally not allowed to be paid for their services. If you make it to the ATP or WTA tours, you can earn millions of dollars per year. Tennis players are typically paid based on their world ranking and prize money earned.
Golf
Golf is a very popular sport for all ages. It can also be quite lucrative for professional golfers. The amount of money you can make from golf depends on your skill level. If you are a youth or collegiate golfer, you can earn money from tournaments and other competitions. College golfers are generally not allowed to be paid for their services. If you make it to the PGA or LPGA tours, you can earn millions of dollars per year. Golfers are typically paid based on their world ranking and prize money earned.
Cricket
Cricket is one of the most popular sports in the world and is played by millions of people. The highest paid cricket players are often from the Indian Premier League or Australian Big Bash League. If you are a youth or collegiate cricket player, you can earn money from tournaments and other competitions. College cricketers are generally not allowed to be paid for their services. If you make it to the Indian Premier League or Australian Big Bash League, you can earn millions of dollars per year. Cricket players are typically paid based on the team they play for and how many games they win.
Boxing and MMA
Boxing and mixed martial arts are both high-risk sports that can be very lucrative for the right athletes. The top-level athletes can make millions of dollars per year, while many others make a very good living from these sports. Boxing and MMA are both very dangerous sports, so you will need to evaluate your risk tolerance before pursuing one of these. If you do decide to go with either of these, you can expect to make very good money.
Summing up
One of the best ways to get a high salary in sports is to become a football player. Coaches, managers and trainers can also earn excellent salaries, but their earnings are nowhere near as high. To excel, you’ll need to have the right skill level and the right attitude. In short, if you want to become rich from sport, it is best to become a footballer, basketball player or baseball player.