Compete in athletic events.
According to the US Department of Labor, there are 16,700 people employed as athletes and sports competitors in the United States. The median annual salary is $50,900. Entry level employees earn approximately $20,270 per year and senior employees earn approximately $208,000 (or more) per year.
Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime pay, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.