Athletes and Sports Competitors salary in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
Athletes and Sports Competitors in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area earn a median of $50,070 a year, based on BLS data for 870 workers.
Pay ranges from $31,290 for the lowest-paid 10% to $286,690 for the top 10%. That is 25% lower than the national median of $66,710. Pay here is about the same as the Arizona statewide median of $50,090. There are 0.37 athletes and sports competitors per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 3.8× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $92,550, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for athletes and sports competitors in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $31,290 |
| 25th percentile | $34,600 |
| Median | $50,070 |
| 75th percentile | $95,690 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $286,690 |
| Average (mean) | $92,550 |
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 | $4,172.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,086.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,925.77 |
| Weekly | $962.88 |
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 $50,070 salary, see how much house you can afford in Arizona 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 |
See Athletes and Sports Competitors pay in every state or the Arizona statewide figures.
Related jobs in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Coaches and Scouts | $58,560 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $72,740 | $34.97 |
| Actor | — | $23.77 |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $50,250 | — |
| Dancer | — | $26.00 |
| Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other | — | $23.46 |
| Disc Jockeys, Except Radio | — | $22.15 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $70,490 | $33.89 |
| Graphic Designer | $59,090 | $28.41 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $40,100 | $19.28 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $50,070 | $24.07 |
| Interior Designer | $61,810 | $29.72 |
| Photographer | $36,970 | $17.77 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $47,150 | $22.67 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
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 Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
The median salary for athletes and sports competitors in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area is $50,070 a year. Pay ranges from $31,290 for the lowest-paid 10% to $286,690 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid athletes and sports competitors make in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
The top 10% of athletes and sports competitors in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area earn at least $286,690 a year. The top 25% earn $95,690 or more.
What is the starting pay for athletes and sports competitors in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $31,290 a year, and a quarter of athletes and sports competitors earn $34,600 or less.
How many athletes and sports competitors work in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
About 870 athletes and sports competitors are employed in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area, not counting the self-employed.