All careers

Athlete

An Athlete competes in sports events, works with coaches, trains regularly, maintains fitness, and follows strategies to improve performance and teamwork.

How do I become a athlete

Get qualified to work as a athlete with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.

Common questions

In Australia, a full time Athlete generally earns $1,750 per week ($91,000 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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The number of people working in this industry has fallen in recent years. There are currently 8,100 people employed as an Athlete in Australia and this number is expected to rise to 9,200 by 2025. Athletes may find work across all regions of Australia, particularly larger towns and cities.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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A Certificate III in Sport – Athlete is an ideal qualification if you’re planning a career as an Athlete. This course will give you the skills to succeed as a professional athlete, including organising work priorities and sporting commitments, managing your finances and maintaining your fitness and wellbeing.

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Athlete careers

An Athlete competes in professional sporting events. You might be part of a team or compete in individual competitions. Athletes work with coaches and other industry professionals to improve their performance and come up with game strategies. You’ll attend training sessions and spend time maintaining your physical fitness.

Athletes should be passionate about their sport and willing to work hard to improve their athletic techniques. You’ll need to be physically fit and highly skilled in your chosen events. Athletes should be able to work as part of a team and follow instructions from coaches and trainers. You may have to work irregular hours including weekends in this role.