Athletes and Sports Competitors salary in Virginia
Athletes and Sports Competitors in Virginia earn a median of $61,500 a year, based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $56,130 for the lowest-paid 10% to $67,140 for the top 10%. That is 8% lower than the national median of $66,710. Virginia ranks 11th of 18 states for athletes and sports competitors pay. The average (mean) salary is $63,130, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for athletes and sports competitors in Virginia
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $56,130 |
| 25th percentile | $59,200 |
| Median | $61,500 |
| 75th percentile | $67,120 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $67,140 |
| Average (mean) | $63,130 |
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 | $5,125 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,562.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,365.38 |
| Weekly | $1,182.69 |
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 $61,500 salary, see how much house you can afford in Virginia 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 Virginia
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Coaches and Scouts | $46,290 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $65,900 | $31.69 |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $50.60 |
| Music Directors and Composers | $59,050 | $28.39 |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $40,840 | — |
| Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other | — | $16.98 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $80,380 | $38.65 |
| Graphic Designer | $72,310 | $34.77 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $37,750 | $18.15 |
| Editor | $80,590 | $38.74 |
| Technical Writer | $93,600 | $45.00 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $53,960 | $25.94 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $63,030 | $30.30 |
| Photographer | $46,550 | $22.38 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Virginia
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 Virginia?
The median salary for athletes and sports competitors in Virginia is $61,500 a year. Pay ranges from $56,130 for the lowest-paid 10% to $67,140 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid athletes and sports competitors make in Virginia?
The top 10% of athletes and sports competitors in Virginia earn at least $67,140 a year. The top 25% earn $67,120 or more.
What is the starting pay for athletes and sports competitors in Virginia?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $56,130 a year, and a quarter of athletes and sports competitors earn $59,200 or less.