Sports careers cover a wide range of jobs in the athletic business, including both athletic and non-athletic occupations. It includes positions such as people who work closely with athletes as well as those who work behind the scenes to support athletic events. People who have great knowledge in the field of sports might pursue a career in this direction. The people who are involved in these jobs are themselves not involved in the action like the athletes, but their job is to help these athletes by performing numerous duties. They work tirelessly behind the scenes to assist the athletes in reaching their peak performance and always give their best. Let’s know about some of the Entry Level Sports Jobs.
Getting a sports job can be a difficult task owing to the competitiveness in this job market. Sports clubs want to hire only the best coaches and staff to ensure the success of their clubs. But you don’t have to worry about this because you can start at the ground level and work your way to the top. You can apply for an entry-level job and gain all the necessary experience that will help you to reach a higher level. The main aim of Entry-level jobs is to help the athletes indirectly and conduct the event in a smooth and organized manner. Once you’ve gained enough experience from an entry-level job, you can climb higher in your career and can work directly with athletes. You can even work as a coach or have any other important responsibility for the team. We will tell you about some of the entry-level sports jobs, their salaries, and their requirements.
Types Of Entry Level Jobs And Their Salaries
People employed in entry-level jobs help the club and athletes in several ways such as maintaining the ground, marketing the team, scouting new potential talent, keeping the players fit and healthy, etc. Some of the entry-level jobs in sports are as follow:
- Athlete Scout
Duties: An athletic scout assesses an athlete’s potential before signing them to a team. They evaluate the present talent qualities and potential of high school, college, and professional athletes by seeing them compete. Attending games, analyzing game films, checking news outlets, and chatting with coaches about individual athletes and their potential are some of the most important responsibilities.
They are on a constant hunt to find new potential talents for the team who will be the future of the team. When they find a good player and are impressed by their talent, they notify the club and offer a contract to the player on behalf of the club. The club then nurtures the player and helps him to boost his career.
Expected Salary: an athlete scout can expect a salary of around $62000- 64000. They can also earn hefty commissions if they scout an outstanding player who is helpful to the club.
- Groundman
Duties: a groundsman’s job is to look after the condition of the field and make it pitch-perfect. He has to maintain the field, water it, trim the grass and look after the turf. He has water and trim the turf regularly and make sure that the field is in the best possible condition for the match. The field suffers severe wear and tear because a lot of patches of grass get unrooted during a match. The groundsman has to look after all these things and that the field is always new and ready for a match anytime.
Expected Salary: the salary of a groundsman can range from around $25000- 28000.
- Marketing Manager
Duties: a marketing manager is assigned with the duty of branding the athletes and the club and creating a brand name for the recognition of the club. A sports marketing manager, often known as a sports marketer, is responsible for overseeing the advertising of athletes, stadiums, teams, events, and leagues. They often work for marketing businesses and have ample experience in this field by working in positions such as marketing coordinators or advisors. Advertising athletic events, exploring sponsorship options for teams, players, and events, and developing connections with representatives are just a few of their responsibilities.
They may also do market research, generate concepts to raise interest and awareness, and develop a marketing strategy for the club or the athlete. The majority of sports marketers are in charge of boosting participation and viewership, as well as selling the club’s merchandise. Television, magazines, radio, social media, and newspapers are among the media channels they use.
Expected Salary: a marketing manager performs a very important role in the growth of a club or an athlete. Therefore, they receive a very handsome salary and can expect an annual salary of $65000- 67000.
- Event Organizer
Duties: In the sports sector, an event organizer or planner coordinates all elements of a sporting event. To ensure the event goes properly, they collaborate with personnel in security, tickets, concession booths, and other event extras. If the athletic event is being broadcasted on television, the event organizer is in charge of ensuring that spectators have a good time. he looks after the overall organization of the event and makes sure that everyone has a pleasant experience.
Expected Salary: an event coordinator can expect a salary of around $42000- 43000.
- Athletic Trainer
Duties: Athletic trainers are medical professionals who treat and prevent injuries and other medical problems in sports under the supervision of physicians. Preventing injuries, for example, entails counseling athletes on balance and strength workouts, safe equipment usage, and an adequate diet. A sports trainer offers prompt attention and recommends a treatment plan if an injury occurs. Administrative responsibilities, such as drafting reports and maintaining records, may also be assigned. Athletic trainers that work with sports teams may be required to attend practice sessions and games on occasion, which may necessitate working evenings and weekends.
Expected Salary: an athletic trainer can expect a salary of $35000- 34000.
- Contract Negotiator
Duties: A professional that negotiates and handles contracts with clubs on behalf of their athlete customers is known as a contract negotiator. Their objective is to provide their customer with the best deal possible. Other responsibilities might include marketing and endorsements, recruiting athletes, building trusting relationships with clients, signing contracts, keeping track of contracts, and adhering to laws and regulations, known as professional ethics.
Expected Salary: contract negotiators are some of the best professionals in the field of sports because they earn massive commissions after signing a player. They can also receive a bonus based on the performance of the player.
- Referee
Duties: Professionals who officiate organized sporting events are known as sports referees. This job entails maintaining time, monitoring player safety, evaluating infractions, making sure that all the players follow the rules, and determining penalties. In case a conflict arises, the referee makes the final decision. They are responsible for enforcing the laws of the sport, which may include giving penalties to teams. They are responsible for stopping the game as needed to analyze plays, signaling the start and end of games, and examining the equipment of the players before each game. Traveling to sporting events and working nights and weekends, when games are most frequently played, are all part of their profession.
Expected Salary: a referee is an important part of sports because he is responsible for officiating a match. Due to the numerous responsibilities performed by a referee, they can expect a salary of around $37000- 40000.
- Athletic Director
Duties: An athletic director is the president of a high school, college, or university’s athletic department who oversees all most every daily activity of the sports department. Managing public relations is an athletic director’s most important responsibility. Other responsibilities include planning trips, overseeing employees, and budgeting. An athletic director could be in charge of responsibilities such as procuring equipment and handling finances, depending on the size of the school or college.
Expected Salary: an athletic director can expect a salary of around $63000- 65000.
- Physical Therapist
Duties: A physical therapist is a healthcare provider who assists patients with pain and movement issues. To treat sports-related injuries, physical therapists frequently collaborate with athletes. They might also devise a strategy to avoid injury. If an athlete suffers an injury, a physical therapist will assist them to recover and return to their best physical state.
They create treatment programs and supervise the rehabilitation process using a variety of therapies and procedures. These experts work to help athletes move easily, decrease pain, and avoid further injuries.
Physical therapists frequently work at practice centers with physicians, instructors, and coaches.
Expected salary: physical therapists play an integral role in the performance of the athletes and make sure that they are always on top of their game. They can earn a salary in the range of $82000- 90000.
- Sports Statistician
Duties: A sports statistician, also referred to as a “sports analyst,” analyses data to determine the likelihood of various events. For athletes, teams, and leagues, they collect, monitor, and analyze complicated data sets. Their research aids teams in deciding whether to recruit or trade athletes, as well as where to place specific players in their lineups. sports statisticians usually work for professional and college clubs.
Expected salary: a sports statistician can earn an annual salary of $92000- 95000.
- General Manager
Duties: A general manager is in charge of the day-to-day operations of a sports club or organization. They may act as a spokesperson during press conferences and are in charge of the company’s marketing and revenue. General managers often handle the recruiting and signing process, supervise the coaches, and oversee the development and review teams because they are in charge of developing a winning club. They also assist players with promotional activities and negotiate contracts with athletes and their representatives. General managers are employed by baseball, football, basketball, soccer, and hockey teams.
Expected Salary: a general manager can earn a salary in the range of $53000- 55000.
- Kinesiologist and Nutritionist
Duties: A kinesiologist examines muscles and creates treatment regimens to help them function better. They may be able to detect stress—also known as “imbalances”—in the body’s structural, chemical, and emotional energy and give rehabilitation to eliminate them. Kinesiologists can work in a variety of contexts, including workplaces, labs, recreation centers, hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. They work for companies that create and implement personal fitness programs or research human mobility.
A sports dietitian, often known as a nutritionist, creates dietary regimens for athletes. They also recommend various supplements and multivitamins to athletes along with their diet and also give them tips to improve their health to stay fit and perform their best.
Expected Salary: a kinesiologist can earn anywhere between $45000- 48000 whereas a nutritionist can earn up to $42000- 45000 per annum.
- Orthopedist And Sports Massage Specialist
Duties: An orthopedist is a doctor who works with sportsmen who have musculoskeletal ailments. They analyze and treat the athlete’s bones, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues so that he or she can play without pain or limits. For more serious injuries, an orthopedic surgeon may be required.
Sports massage therapists serve those players that require muscular training and have a high-performance rate are typically Deep tissue massage is used by a sports massage therapist to help athletes recover from strained muscles. Their work reduces pain, prevents additional injury, improves flexibility, and reduces lactic acid knots. They’re also skilled in recommending methods for restoring a patient’s health following an injury through specialized rehabilitation programs.
Expected Salary: a sports massage specialist can earn up to $50000 per annum. An orthopedist is one of the highest professionals in the medical team and can earn anywhere between $130000- 135000 per annum.
- Sports Anchor
Duties: On sports networks and news shows, a sports anchor analyzes sports-related headlines. a sports anchor is a type of career in sports media, while most anchors are knowledgeable about several sports, many specialize only in one sport. The anchor may write their screenplay or read one provided by the show’s producers, depending on how successful the sports program is. As part of a sports program, sports anchors are often tasked with interviewing prominent sports figures, athletes, and managers.
Expected Salary: a sports anchor can earn anywhere between $30000- 32000.
- Facility Operation Manager
Duties: The operation of sports stadiums, arenas, and facilities is the responsibility of a sports facility operations manager, often known as a “stadium operations executive or arena manager.” They are responsible for day-to-day duties such as event planning and coordination, facility leasing, purchasing and selling, overseeing sports facility employees, facility remodeling and construction, and other managerial responsibilities. Most facilities managers will have outstanding communication and leadership abilities, as well as strategic and operational talents.
Expected Salary: a sports facility operation manager can earn anywhere between $62000- 65000.
- Sports Writer/ Journalist
Duties: A sportswriter or journalist is a professional who covers athletic events and shares their thoughts on a variety of issues. They could write about the coaches, athletes, transfers, drafting, and game predictions. Newspapers, podcasts, websites, YouTube channels, blogs, and magazines hire sports writers to publish useful articles. They can themselves independently as freelancers or for a publishing house directly.
Expected Salary: a sports journalist can earn anywhere between $31000- 35000 per year.
How To Apply For An Entry-Level Sports Job?
Applying for an entry-level sports job is a really easy process. Entry-level jobs don’t require a lot of documents or prior experience to apply for them. You can just walk in and submit your application. Here are the steps you can follow to apply for an entry-level sports job:
Step1
Search for a job that you are interested in and have relevant skills for. You can look online on any job website or check the social media page of any club to know about any possible job opening. You can also walk into your local sports club and inquire about any possible vacancy.
Step 2
After finding a job that is best suited for you and matches your skills, you can submit your application or candidature form for it. Ask the employer if you are required to submit any documents along with it but for your safe side, always carry your resume along with you.
Step 3
After submitting your application, you will be called for an interview and you can be asked questions like why are you interested in this job, your experience in this job, or your skills. Though most entry-level jobs don’t require any prior experience, if you have little knowledge or experience in the field of sports, your chances of getting the job will get high.
Step 4
If the interviewers are impressed by your interview and believe that have all the relevant skills for the job, then they will hire you and offer you the job letter.
Skills Required For Entry Level Sports Jobs
The main aim to get an entry-level sports job is to gain all the necessary experience so that you can climb higher and work at the topmost level in the sports industry. But to get an entry-level job, you must possess some skills to be a competent employee. The skills that are required for an entry-level job are as follow:
- The employee must be a quick learner and learn how to do all the necessary tasks. He must perform all his responsibilities in a very efficient way, follow all the rules and regulations, and take all the precautions to ensure everyone’s safety.
- He may or may not have some prior experience in the sports industry. It will be really beneficial for the employee as well as the club if the employee has some prior experience because he will be able to grasp things easily. The employee will have to go through a training phase initially if he does not have any knowledge about his job or responsibility.
- It is really important that the employee must be able to communicate effectively and know how to work in a team so as to facilitate smoothness of all the operations.
- He must work under his superiors and follow proper subordination. He must follow the directions of the people who are at a higher post than him and must assist them in their tasks.
- It is really beneficial for everyone if he is from a sports background because then he would have in-depth knowledge about how different tasks at a sports club are performed.
Conclusion
If you want to pursue a career in sports, then getting an entry-level sports job is the first step in this journey. You can work hard and over time, reach up to the very top of this industry. But since everyone has to start somewhere, you can get an entry-level job and with your hard work and determination, you can reach the pinnacle of this field. When you gain enough experience in your initial job, you will be promoted to the next level and in this way, you can climb the ladder of success. So we recommend that if you want to build your career in sports, get an entry-level job and work hard with sheer determination and over time you will be promoted to a higher level.
Frequently asked questions
What are entry-level sports jobs and what are their duties?
Sports jobs are those jobs in which the people are themselves not involved in any sporting activities like the athletes but instead, they try to help these athletes by performing numerous duties of their job. They are the lowest level jobs in the sporting industry and include jobs like groundsman, athlete scout, contract handler, sports journalist, etc.
Can I apply for an entry-level sports job if I have no experience in this field?
Yes, you can apply for an entry-level sports job without any hesitation even if you have no prior experience in the sports industry. Though you will have to go through a training phase to develop the necessary skills to perform the job. Hence, it is advised that you must have some knowledge about this field to better perform your job.
What are some types of entry-level jobs in the sports industry?
Entry-level jobs include all the basic functions like maintaining the ground, scouting for a new player, making the best equipment available for athletes, helping athletes in recovery, etc. Some of the entry-level sports jobs are:
- Groundman
- Kinesiologist
- Physiotherapist
- Youth team coach
- Athlete scout
Can I rise to a higher rank from an entry-level job?
Yes, you can be promoted to a higher rank after you have gained enough experience in your entry-level job. A person getting employed at an entry-level can rise to the highest level in the club. For example, an assistant coach can be promoted to head coach after gaining all the relevant experience and skills.
