Arts, design, media & sports · SOC 27-2021
Athletes and sports competitors
BLS projects 22,900 jobs in 2025 to become 24,100 by 2035 — +5.5%, against +3.5% across all occupations.
+5.5%
projected change to 2035
About 1,300 more jobs
2,200
openings a year
9.6% of the occupation a year, counting people who retire or move on
$66,710
median annual pay
Usually entered with: no formal educational credential
2025 to 2035
Employment at the start and end of the projection, in jobs.
- 2025 employment22,900
- 2035 projected24,100
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025–2035 projections.
Other arts, design, media & sports occupations
The largest occupations in the same group, by projected change to 2035.
- Public relations specialists314,500+1.8%
- Coaches and scouts298,800+6.1%
- Graphic designers253,100-1.7%
- Producers and directors181,000+4.0%
- Musicians and singers170,400+0.3%
- Merchandise displayers and window trimmers164,800+2.7%
- Photographers145,000-0.7%
- Writers and authors140,300-0.3%
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.