Athletes and Sports Competitors salary in Kentucky
Athletes and Sports Competitors in Kentucky earn a median of $63,020 a year, based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $39,290 for the lowest-paid 10% to $137,370 for the top 10%. That is 6% lower than the national median of $66,710. Kentucky ranks 10th of 18 states for athletes and sports competitors pay. The average (mean) salary is $74,190, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for athletes and sports competitors in Kentucky
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,290 |
| 25th percentile | $46,960 |
| Median | $63,020 |
| 75th percentile | $80,630 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $137,370 |
| Average (mean) | $74,190 |
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.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $5,251.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,625.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,423.85 |
| Weekly | $1,211.92 |
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 $63,020 salary, see how much house you can afford in Kentucky at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Athletes and Sports Competitors salary in cities in Kentucky
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $63,650 | n/a |
Highest-paying states for athletes and sports competitors
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| New Jersey | $253,870 |
| Missouri | $172,700 |
| Utah | $122,800 |
| Nevada | $119,780 |
| Texas | $80,510 |
| California | $79,040 |
| Florida | $78,610 |
| Georgia | $77,530 |
| Kansas | $63,630 |
| Kentucky | $63,020 |
Related jobs in Kentucky
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Coaches and Scouts | $35,570 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $54,550 | $26.23 |
| Actor | — | $18.85 |
| Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other | — | $19.21 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $60,150 | $28.92 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $35,820 | $17.22 |
| Graphic Designer | $52,960 | $25.46 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $48,320 | $23.23 |
| Editor | $59,430 | $28.57 |
| Interior Designer | $59,240 | $28.48 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $53,590 | $25.77 |
| Floral Designer | $34,940 | $16.80 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $76,100 | $36.59 |
| Photographer | $47,170 | $22.68 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Kentucky
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 Kentucky?
The median salary for athletes and sports competitors in Kentucky is $63,020 a year. Pay ranges from $39,290 for the lowest-paid 10% to $137,370 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid athletes and sports competitors make in Kentucky?
The top 10% of athletes and sports competitors in Kentucky earn at least $137,370 a year. The top 25% earn $80,630 or more.
What is the starting pay for athletes and sports competitors in Kentucky?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $39,290 a year, and a quarter of athletes and sports competitors earn $46,960 or less.