15 Exciting Careers in Sports (That Aren’t Playing the Game)
Not everyone can be the next Serena Williams or LeBron James—but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a successful career in sports. In fact, you don’t even need to be a pro athlete. Behind every game and record-breaking moment, there’s an entire network of professionals making it happen. This means that the industry is packed with opportunities, with some roles involving working directly with athletes.
If you love sports but prefer a whistle over a jersey, these exciting careers will keep you in the game.
Athletic Director
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Salary Range: $60,000–$100,000 per year
Think of an athletic director as the head coach of an entire sports program. They manage everything from budgets and staffing to facility maintenance and public relations. High school and college athletic departments rely on them to keep teams running smoothly, schedule games, and handle recruiting.
Sports Agent
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Salary Range: $50,000–$500,000+ per year (commission-based)
Negotiating million-dollar contracts, securing endorsement deals, and making sure athletes get paid what they’re worth—that’s the life of a sports agent. They’re part lawyer, part marketer, and full-time dealmaker. And they charge accordingly!
Athletic Trainer
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Salary Range: $45,000–$75,000 per year
Every athlete needs someone to keep them in peak condition. Athletic trainers work behind the scenes to prevent injuries and help players recover. They cater to wounds and run rehab sessions for the players, not to mention the advice on nutrition and conditioning. They’re an athlete’s go-to for staying game-ready.
Sports Psychologist
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Salary Range: $75,000–$150,000 per year
A player can train their body all they want, but if their mindset isn’t right, it’s game over. Sports psychologists help athletes handle this pressure. They help build confidence and bounce back from setbacks.
Event Coordinator
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Salary Range: $40,000–$80,000 per year
Sports event coordinators make sure everything runs like clockwork. They juggle venue logistics, ticket sales, security, and even halftime entertainment. If you love fast-paced environments and thrive under pressure, this job puts you right in the middle of the action.
General Manager
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Salary Range: $70,000–$250,000+ per year
Ever wondered who builds a championship-winning team? General managers do. Their role is to handle trades, signings, and team budgets while making big-picture decisions about coaching staff and rosters. It’s a high-pressure job, but a successful GM can turn a struggling team into a dynasty.
Sports Statistician
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Salary Range: $50,000–$120,000 per year
Statisticians crunch numbers to help teams make smarter decisions—from player recruitment to game-day strategies. Every play, pass, and performance gets analyzed to predict trends and improve outcomes. This career suits you best if you love data and sports alike.
Sports Broadcaster
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Salary Range: $40,000–$150,000 per year
Their role is to call the game, interview athletes, and break down plays. In short, sports broadcasters bring the action to fans. They could be behind the mic at a local station or on national TV; in any case, this job requires charisma, deep sports knowledge, and the ability to turn a routine play into something exciting.
Kinesiologist
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Salary Range: $50,000–$65,000 per year
Athletes move fast, but science moves faster. Kinesiologists study human movement to help improve performance and prevent injuries. They work in research, rehab, and fitness training, using biomechanics to enhance athletic abilities.
Physical Therapist (Sports Focused)
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Salary Range: $80,000–$120,000 per year
A sports physical therapist would cater to all: torn ligaments, stress fractures, and muscle strains! They help athletes recover from injuries and get back in the game. They create personalized rehab plans and work closely with trainers and doctors for the best results.
Social Media Manager (Sports Industry)
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Salary Range: $45,000–$100,000 per year
Social media is the real game for every industry these days. And the sports industry isn’t an exception. Social media managers craft content, engage with fans and build digital brands for teams and athletes. Whether live-tweeting a game or creating viral memes, they bring sports to life online. If you love sports and social media, this is the perfect job.
Sports Photographer
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Salary Range: $35,000–$90,000 per year
Capturing the perfect action shot is all about timing, skill, and knowing the sport inside and out. Sports photographers work for media outlets and brands, shooting everything from game-winning goals to behind-the-scenes moments. A keen eye and fast reflexes are essential.
Referee/Umpire
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Salary Range: $30,000–$200,000+ per year (varies by level)
Referees may not get the glory, but they do get a front-row seat to the action. Their job is to enforce rules, make split-second calls, and keep games fair. At the amateur level, pay is modest, but top referees in pro leagues can make six figures.
Marketing Manager (Sports Industry)
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Salary Range: $60,000–$150,000 per year
Behind every major sporting event, there’s a marketing team making sure the world is watching. Sports marketing managers handle sponsorships, advertising, and promotions to help teams and athletes grow their brands. All in all, they make sure the sports business stays booming.
Sports Medicine Physician
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Salary Range: $100,000–$300,000 per year
Sports doctors are specifically trained to diagnose and treat injuries. They help athletes recover and prevent future issues. They work with teams, at clinics, or even travel with professional athletes. It’s a long road (medical school is required), but for sports lovers, it’s one of the most rewarding careers out there.