Athletes and Sports Competitors salary in New Jersey
Athletes and Sports Competitors in New Jersey earn a median of $253,870 a year, based on BLS data for 390 workers.
Pay ranges from $46,300 for the lowest-paid 10% to $324,310 for the top 10%. That is 281% higher than the national median of $66,710. New Jersey ranks 1st of 18 states for athletes and sports competitors pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.09 athletes and sports competitors per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $241,760, close to the median.
Pay range for athletes and sports competitors in New Jersey
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $46,300 |
| 25th percentile | $79,570 |
| Median | $253,870 |
| 75th percentile | $294,800 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $324,310 |
| Average (mean) | $241,760 |
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 | $21,155.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $10,577.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $9,764.23 |
| Weekly | $4,882.12 |
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 $253,870 salary, see how much house you can afford in New Jersey at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Athletes and Sports Competitors salary in cities in New Jersey
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $100,130 | 560 |
Highest-paying states for athletes and sports competitors
Related jobs in New Jersey
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Coaches and Scouts | $76,700 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $119,840 | $57.62 |
| Actor | — | $24.29 |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $67,600 | — |
| Music Directors and Composers | $122,750 | $59.02 |
| Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other | — | $18.78 |
| Graphic Designer | $73,790 | $35.48 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $38,200 | $18.37 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $80,130 | $38.52 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $71,040 | $34.16 |
| Editor | $81,680 | $39.27 |
| Art Director | $129,200 | $62.12 |
| Interior Designer | $74,020 | $35.59 |
| Technical Writer | $122,320 | $58.81 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in New Jersey
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 New Jersey?
The median salary for athletes and sports competitors in New Jersey is $253,870 a year. Pay ranges from $46,300 for the lowest-paid 10% to $324,310 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid athletes and sports competitors make in New Jersey?
The top 10% of athletes and sports competitors in New Jersey earn at least $324,310 a year. The top 25% earn $294,800 or more.
What is the starting pay for athletes and sports competitors in New Jersey?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $46,300 a year, and a quarter of athletes and sports competitors earn $79,570 or less.
How many athletes and sports competitors work in New Jersey?
About 390 athletes and sports competitors are employed in New Jersey, not counting the self-employed.