Athletes and Sports Competitors salary in Missouri
Athletes and Sports Competitors in Missouri earn a median of $172,700 a year, based on BLS data for 670 workers.
Pay ranges from $44,340 for the lowest-paid 10% to $239,200+ for the top 10%. That is 159% higher than the national median of $66,710. Missouri ranks 2nd of 18 states for athletes and sports competitors pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.23 athletes and sports competitors per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 2.4× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $472,090, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for athletes and sports competitors in Missouri
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $44,340 |
| 25th percentile | $78,370 |
| Median | $172,700 |
| 75th percentile | $775,740 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $239,200+ |
| Average (mean) | $472,090 |
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 | $14,391.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $7,195.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $6,642.31 |
| Weekly | $3,321.15 |
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 $172,700 salary, see how much house you can afford in Missouri at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Athletes and Sports Competitors salary in cities in Missouri
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $203,390 | 320 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $78,790 | 330 |
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 Missouri
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Coaches and Scouts | $42,790 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $66,460 | $31.95 |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $33,140 | — |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $39.22 |
| Actor | — | $19.20 |
| Dancer | — | $22.51 |
| Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other | — | $14.59 |
| Disc Jockeys, Except Radio | — | $15.83 |
| Music Directors and Composers | $61,670 | $29.65 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $61,130 | $29.39 |
| Graphic Designer | $56,750 | $27.28 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $42,890 | $20.62 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $50,680 | $24.37 |
| Floral Designer | $34,210 | $16.45 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Missouri
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 Missouri?
The median salary for athletes and sports competitors in Missouri is $172,700 a year. Pay ranges from $44,340 for the lowest-paid 10% to $239,200+ for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid athletes and sports competitors make in Missouri?
The top 10% of athletes and sports competitors in Missouri earn more than $239,200 a year. The top 25% earn $775,740 or more.
What is the starting pay for athletes and sports competitors in Missouri?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $44,340 a year, and a quarter of athletes and sports competitors earn $78,370 or less.
How many athletes and sports competitors work in Missouri?
About 670 athletes and sports competitors are employed in Missouri, not counting the self-employed.