Athletes and Sports Competitors salary in California
Athletes and Sports Competitors in California earn a median of $79,040 a year, based on BLS data for 830 workers.
Pay ranges from $40,120 for the lowest-paid 10% to $239,200+ for the top 10%. That is 18% higher than the national median of $66,710. California ranks 6th of 18 states for athletes and sports competitors pay. There are 0.04 athletes and sports competitors per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.47). The average (mean) salary is $294,080, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for athletes and sports competitors in California
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $40,120 |
| 25th percentile | $65,780 |
| Median | $79,040 |
| 75th percentile | $149,490 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $239,200+ |
| Average (mean) | $294,080 |
Half of athletes and sports competitors earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th. BLS reports wages of $239,200 a year ($115 an hour) or more only as "$239,200+".
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $6,586.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,293.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,040 |
| Weekly | $1,520 |
BLS publishes only yearly pay for this job, because athletes and sports competitors are usually paid a salary and may not work a full 2,080-hour year. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $79,040 salary, see how much house you can afford in California at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Highest-paying states for athletes and sports competitors
Related jobs in California
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Producers and Directors | $129,790 | $62.40 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $47,660 | — |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $43.83 |
| Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other | — | $18.82 |
| Music Directors and Composers | $93,090 | $44.76 |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $44,530 | — |
| Dancer | — | $21.79 |
| Choreographer | $75,000 | $36.06 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $85,030 | $40.88 |
| Graphic Designer | $75,130 | $36.12 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $47,010 | $22.60 |
| Editor | $98,030 | $47.13 |
| Art Director | $137,780 | $66.24 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $102,630 | $49.34 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in California
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 27-2021. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a athletes and sports competitors make in California?
The median salary for athletes and sports competitors in California is $79,040 a year. Pay ranges from $40,120 for the lowest-paid 10% to $239,200+ for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid athletes and sports competitors make in California?
The top 10% of athletes and sports competitors in California earn more than $239,200 a year. The top 25% earn $149,490 or more.
What is the starting pay for athletes and sports competitors in California?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $40,120 a year, and a quarter of athletes and sports competitors earn $65,780 or less.
How many athletes and sports competitors work in California?
About 830 athletes and sports competitors are employed in California, not counting the self-employed.