Top Jobs for Athletes

If you want a career that’s a home run—or a touchdown, whatever floats your boat—there are plenty of options out there. For those who are athletically inclined, but aren’t quite Olympic-level athletes, (hey, that’s 99.9% of the world!), here’s a list of the top jobs. No matter what field you’re interested in, be it medicine, maintenance, law, or education, you can find a sports job that will keep you close to the game.

1. Fitness Instructor — Get paid to stay in tip-top shape while helping others reach their fitness goals. From personal training to Pilates, you ensure your clients keep those New Year’s resolutions.
2. Physical Therapist — Sports can push your body to the limits, but physical therapists help people bounce back from their injuries and get back in the game.
3. Scout—Even if you’re not a pro athlete, you can still use your sports expertise to find the best up-and-coming athletes across the country. As a scout, you can make someone else’s sports dreams come true.
4. Sports Lawyer — Negotiating salaries and resolving contract disputes might not sound glamorous, but being a sports lawyer makes you the guardian angel of athletes. You act as a lawyer and an agent, handling lawsuits, media relations, and outside business ventures.
5. Sports Reporter — You might be on the sidelines, but you’ll have the best view of the action as a sports reporter. The best reporters love to travel and have in-depth sports knowledge.
6. Physical Education Teacher — As a PE teacher, you train the next generation of athletes, fostering a love of sports and movement from a young age.