Athletes and Sports Competitors salary in Ohio
Athletes and Sports Competitors in Ohio earn a median of $39,040 a year, based on BLS data for 590 workers.
Pay ranges from $24,160 for the lowest-paid 10% to $132,660 for the top 10%. That is 41% lower than the national median of $66,710. Ohio ranks 18th of 18 states for athletes and sports competitors pay. There are 0.11 athletes and sports competitors per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $64,160, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for athletes and sports competitors in Ohio
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $24,160 |
| 25th percentile | $30,320 |
| Median | $39,040 |
| 75th percentile | $77,580 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $132,660 |
| Average (mean) | $64,160 |
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 | $3,253.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,626.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,501.54 |
| Weekly | $750.77 |
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 $39,040 salary, see how much house you can afford in Ohio at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
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 Ohio
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Coaches and Scouts | $46,530 | — |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $33.36 |
| Producers and Directors | $69,350 | $33.34 |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $55,040 | — |
| Music Directors and Composers | $61,380 | $29.51 |
| Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other | — | $17.97 |
| Actor | — | $13.51 |
| Choreographer | $66,910 | $32.17 |
| Graphic Designer | $60,080 | $28.88 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $37,850 | $18.20 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $64,840 | $31.18 |
| Interior Designer | $61,410 | $29.52 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $61,230 | $29.44 |
| Editor | $72,160 | $34.69 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Ohio
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 Ohio?
The median salary for athletes and sports competitors in Ohio is $39,040 a year. Pay ranges from $24,160 for the lowest-paid 10% to $132,660 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid athletes and sports competitors make in Ohio?
The top 10% of athletes and sports competitors in Ohio earn at least $132,660 a year. The top 25% earn $77,580 or more.
What is the starting pay for athletes and sports competitors in Ohio?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $24,160 a year, and a quarter of athletes and sports competitors earn $30,320 or less.
How many athletes and sports competitors work in Ohio?
About 590 athletes and sports competitors are employed in Ohio, not counting the self-employed.